What is the Theme of Fences?

The powerful August Wilson play, Fences, primarily explores themes of race relations and ambition, racism and intergenerational trauma, and the sense of family duty. These core themes intricately weave together to depict the complex life of Troy Maxson and his family in 1950s America.

Exploring the Dominant Themes in Fences

Fences delves deeply into the challenges faced by African Americans during a pivotal era, showcasing how historical injustices and personal aspirations collide within the confines of family life.

1. Race Relations and Ambition

Troy Maxson's ambition, particularly his dashed dreams of a professional baseball career, is inextricably linked to the racial barriers prevalent in his youth. His talent was undeniable, but segregation prevented him from playing in Major League Baseball during his prime.

• Impact on Troy: This deeply rooted bitterness and sense of injustice shape Troy's worldview, making him wary of any perceived opportunities for his son, Cory, especially in sports. He struggles to believe that times have truly changed, projecting his own past disappointments onto his children's futures.
• Examples:
  • Troy's constant recounting of his baseball prowess, mixed with his resentment towards the white establishment that denied him.
  • His refusal to allow Cory to pursue a football scholarship, viewing it as another potential betrayal or dead end.

2. Racism and Intergenerational Trauma

The play powerfully illustrates how the trauma of racism is passed down through generations. Troy's experiences with systemic racism, poverty, and a difficult upbringing leave him scarred, influencing his relationships and parenting style in profound ways.

• Cycle of Pain: Troy’s inability to express love freely, his often harsh discipline, and his focus on providing material necessities over emotional support can be seen as manifestations of his own unhealed wounds. This perpetuates a cycle of conflict, particularly with his son, Cory, and his older son, Lyons.
• Manifestations:
  • Troy's strained relationship with his own father, which mirrors his eventual conflict with Cory.
  • The psychological burden Troy carries from Jim Crow era discrimination, leading him to build "fences" around his emotions and his family.
  • The challenges faced by Lyons in pursuing music, an artistic path often marginalized for Black individuals during that period.

3. The Sense of Family Duty

Troy defines his role as a husband and father primarily through his ability to provide and protect his family. He sees himself as a dutiful provider, working tirelessly as a garbage collector. However, his rigid interpretation of duty often overrides love, empathy, and emotional connection.

• Troy's Perspective: For Troy, love is demonstrated through sacrifice and hard work, not necessarily through affection or understanding. He believes he has built a "fence" of protection around his family by ensuring their basic needs are met.
• Clash with Family Needs:
  • His insistence on Cory getting a job over playing football, viewing the latter as irresponsible or a luxury.
  • His affair, which he rationalizes by stating he provided for his family for 18 years, seeing it as a separate act not diminishing his duty.
  • Rose's powerful monologue highlights the emotional fences Troy has built, cutting off true intimacy and shared dreams.

Summary of Themes

The table below summarizes the key themes and their impact within August Wilson's Fences:

By exploring these interconnected themes, August Wilson crafts a profound narrative about the African American experience, individual aspirations, and the enduring legacy of the past on the present.