Fences by August Wilson

 

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Chapter 1

Fences by August Wilson is an incredible play that depicts society including black people with their inner desires not only to survive but also achieve the primary goals even if they are impossible. In this case, Wilson makes the reader pay attention to the title of the play and its significance as its hidden implication refers to symbolism through the irony of life. The author also portrays the African American culture being concentrated on people’s spiritual and moral values that show their nature. Thus, the title is considered to be the so-called message that tells the reader about the inner conflict of the protagonists based on their difficult relations and intentions to combat various barriers.

Fences as an Indicator of Social Conflicts

Illustrating the context of the play and its meaning, the title emphasizes the development of the plot. In the play Fences, Wilson represents different psychological and social issues, which make the life of the main characters difficult as they desperately attempt to change their destiny. The author shows a cruel reality of life trying to portray the unhappy marriage without mutual understanding and communication. It is evident that one can immediately grasp the problems the characters are forced to encounter since poverty and isolation make them feel miserable. Unfortunately, fences mean more than just the frame as this word symbolizes obvious separation between people. According to Alan Nadel, fences must have gates to keep balance in every field of life. For example, Troy creates his personal fences, which are barriers indeed, and thus, his actions separate him from all the members of the family. Nothing is left but solitude and isolation. It is hard to believe, but the man blindly rejects his wife. Moreover, the reader notices the conflict between Cory and his father, Troy, who does not understand his son’s nature. Therefore, it is understandable that the title is important for the whole play as it symbolizes misunderstanding between the protagonists.

The Context of the Play and Its Association with Fences

From the very beginning of the plot, the author reveals that the title defines human actions and attitude towards life and each other. Examining people, the reader realizes that they depend on their pipe dreams that do not allow them to find new ways to live. “Some people build fences to keep people out and other people build fences to keep people in”. These words prove the fact that the fence has various meanings for the protagonists. In fact, the characters are limited and locked by these dreams, and they do not make considerable efforts to change their poor existence. Being unable to alter the situation and its irony, all family members interpret the fence as love and hope for a better future. For instance, Rose thinks that it can unite the whole family indicating that the fence around their house may assist them in saving close family relationships, which are completely broken. However, she does not understand that her marriage cannot be saved as it is too late. Consequently, the title demonstrates the gender interpersonal conflict between a husband and a wife.

Fences as a Symbol of Life and Death

On the one hand, the fence symbolizes life and death as it unites and separates people, who struggle with their own miserable feelings and emotions. It is obvious that the title offers the inevitability of the end of life – death related to the uncontrollable power of characters’ thoughts and ideas. On the other hand, it compels the reader to join the protagonists’ journey to the last line of the plot. It gives much clarity including not only the content but also its meaning. It is possible to assume that there is a parallel between fences, human fates, and the importance of destiny in the lives of ordinary people. It is quite understandable that the author makes the reader examine the meaning of the plot and its dramatics connected with the creation of fences. Eventually, this building is used to reinforce desperate lives of the main characters, who cannot find peace of the soul.

Fences and Their Protective Power

Fences are associated with a physical protection that helps the protagonists defend their relatives. Wilson portrays the function of the fence in different directions and relations. From the very beginning of the play, Troy and his son build fences physically and symbolically either to protect or being protected. For instance, Rose tries to protect herself and sings: “Jesus, be a fence all around me every day. Jesus, I want you to protect me as I travel on my way'” . These words prove that fences become a single hope to start a new life. She believes that God has enough power and strength to save her, but He seems to be indifferent to her empty hopes. The reader may suppose that Rose longs for protection, however, it also symbolizes her love. In contrast to her perception and point of view, both Troy and Cory consider fences to be burdens that gradually destroy their miserable existence. They do not possess the same values as Rose, whose love is boundless. Undoubtedly, all of them interpret the fence in a different way, but the hidden implication refers to any kind of protection. Rose wants to protect her family saving her love, and Troy chooses hard woods to get rid of his personal problems. He even thinks that fences are the medicine for Mr. Death. Thus, the concept of fences unites the protagonists together despite the fact that they see it completely different.

Co-Existence of Two Generations and Their Inner Conflict

Fences somehow describes the conflict of two generations as the protagonists perceive the past, present, and future in a strange way. One of the most interesting facts is that the fence depicts the African American culture and the question of identity, honesty, betrayal, and love. The constant use of this word serves as a tool that illustrates dramatic actions of the main characters, who have simply lost the flavor of life. Wilson shows that concentrating on the fence-building project, people want to implement their desires. It is evident that this object is represented as a metaphor that builds and destroys the relationships. Some people see it as a positive thing that can help them to become happy again. However, the reader understands that fences do not have any particular role for Troy because of his lack of commitment in marriage. As a result, fences are completed just at the end of the play when Troy dies. This horrible reason indicates the irony of life, but still, it contributes to the family union. The words “That’s the way that goes” emphasize that life dictates its own laws, and the end is predictable. Thus, being a symbol of the past and present, fences relate to the future as the whole family has gathered together to live happily today and tomorrow.

In conclusion, the play Fences by August Wilson is a literary masterpiece that demonstrates human relationships and people’s attitude towards the importance of life through the use of “fence” building. The title of the play reflects the social conflict of two generations based on a different perception of fences as a barrier. Undoubtedly, symbolism and a metaphoric meaning of the title reveal the author’s intention to make the reader understand the hidden implication of the play. Lastly, its simplicity allows one to focus on Wilson’s message to explore the inner conflict between the main characters.

About author 

Monica is the author and she is working on persuasive essay sample now. She always dreamed of working in this position, working with texts and new information. After all, her credo in life is to develop daily in different fields and be an interesting person. She is fluent in three languages and holds a Masters Degree in Philology and Translator, and is also trying to master new fields in order to be knowledgeable in everything.

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