Fences by August Wilson: Character Analysis and Themes Explored

This essay provides an analysis of August Wilson's play 'Fences', focusing on the character of Troy Maxson. It delves into Maxson's background, his struggles with his past, and the impact of his actions on his family. The analysis explores Maxson's relationships with his wife, sons, and friends, highlighting his dominant personality and the complexities of his character. The essay examines the themes of broken dreams, racial discrimination, and family dynamics, presenting a nuanced view of Maxson's behavior and its consequences. It also references the play's context and the challenges faced by African Americans during the time period, providing a comprehensive understanding of the play's central themes and characters. The essay emphasizes Maxson's flaws, his self-deception, and the impact of his actions on those around him. It concludes by reflecting on the play's enduring relevance and its portrayal of complex human relationships. This analysis provides a detailed overview of the play's key elements, making it a valuable resource for students studying literature.

Running head: FENCES BY AUGUST WILSON
FENCES BY AUGUST WILSON
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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FENCES BY AUGUST WILSON
Troy Maxson is a character which is the main character of fences, he is 53 tear old man,
with American origin and is sports person by heart, but has been working in Sanitation
department for living and fulfilling the responsibility of a breadwinner for his family members.
Troy could not achieve his career as a baseball player in the Negroes Leagues, as he had to work
for his family, blacks were starting to be accepted in the league but due to responsibility, his
ability to play diminished (azactorsacademy.com 2020). His character is portrayed as strong,
dominant and willingly character, but it also shows his inefficiency towards his family, as he
cheats bon his wife, Rose, with another woman called Alberta. The friendship with Bono also
shows his dominant characteristic, as even after Bono knows about his affair, he keeps silent for
the sake of keeping his friendship.
The character of Troy Maxon, depict his broken heart, as he is unable to pursue his dreams and
he is lingering within a self-created illusionary world. Due to this reason, he cannot provide the
love and support to his family, which is the most desired by his wife and three sons Lyons, Cory
and Raynell. Fences is a story, of the complicated relationship that is surrounding Troy Maxson,
as each and every character is related and surrounding Troy Maxson just like a Fence (Wilson
2016).
The character of Maxson should be sympathized in some cases, where he is unconscious of the
facts that by living in his own fictional world he is creating differences with the relationship, he
is actually surrounded with. On the other hand, he creates pressure on his son to work rather than
pursuing the career of musician, which is arguable for being actually sympathized. Therefore,
creating the same fate for his son, as it was for his, which reflects his hypocrisy.

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FENCES BY AUGUST WILSON
References
azactorsacademy.com (2020). Retrieved 14 April 2020, from
http://azactorsacademy.com/uploads/plays/fences.pdf
Wilson, A., (2016). Fences: a play (Vol. 6). Penguin.