FENCES
A PLAY BY AUGUST WILSON
Mr. Wilson writes this play about the Maxson family. He expresses this play with a lot of mixed emotions. He really shows you how Troy, the main character of the play views life. You can actually feel the emotions as Troy tells the play. Every situation in this play you probably have heard, or personally experienced. Mr. Wilson shows great passion with each and every character.
This play takes place in the 1950’s. It is all about how a black family is trying to make a living in the Middle American urban industrial city. Troy Maxson is the father/husband of this play. He is always frustrated and full of anger. Troy believes the devil is out to get him. His wife Rose is always doing her best to please him. Even though Troy cheats on her and has a baby girl named Raynell with the other women. Rose never abandoned him. The women died during the birth of Raynell. Rose took the baby in like it was her own. That is such a great characteristic for anyone to take on the responsibility for someone else. Rose treated this girl like it was her own flesh and blood. To hear stories like this it is touching to know that someone will make a better life for a baby coming into the world not knowing anything.
Lyons is Troy’s older son from a previous marriage. He is a musician. Troy and him don’t have any kind of relationship. Troy treats him like dirt because he does not have a stable job. Troy thinks it is a waste of time to play music. It is sad that his own father doesn’t even get to know his son’s interest.
Cory is Troy and Rose’s son. He is always playing football and sports. Troy and him have a love hate relationship. All they do is argue. Troy believes he does not have to like his son but that he has to provide for him no matter what his feelings are. All Cory just wants to do impress his dad with his talent for sports. All Troy wants Cory to do, is get a job and get good grades. I think Troy just lashes his anger out on Cory because he doesn’t want to admit he is good at sports. Importunely Troy thinks sports for black people in this time period will get you know where in life.
Bono is Troy’s best friend. All they do is drink a bottle of gin every Friday night. They just talk non-sense together and reminisce on old times. Mostly though Troy’s tells stories on how everyone in the world is out to get him. There relationship is like anyone else. It is guys/girls night out. Everyone has one night where they have drinks and hang out with friends.
Gabriel is Troy’s brother. Gabriel was in war and now has mental issues. Troy is supposed to take care of him otherwise the Judge will send him into the hospital. Throughout the play Troy is always bailing Gabriel out of trouble. Eventually he ends up in the hospital. It is said to see anyone end up that way, but it is the best if you cannot provide for them and give them the care they need.
At the end of the play Troy passes away. Every member of the family all gets together. Even though Troy was a difficult man to get along with, each person put their emotional feelings aside and was there for his funeral.
This play shows real life. It shows everyday situations that go on around the world. You may think a family looks perfect on the outside but really they go through difficult events. I think Mr. Wilson shows how real life is viewed through each family member of the play.