Character Arc: How does Troy’s character change over the course of the play? Create an essay where you trace and discuss the complete character arc of Troy Maxson. Consider how he is initially portrayed, how he views and treats others, his ambitions, and his world view. Also consider what factors and/or influences in his life shape his current character. In your conclusion, discuss whether Troy is a modern tragic hero—someone whose intentions are good but is flawed.
Fathers and Sons: Analyze the relationship and conflicts between Troy and Cory. Go beyond just “retelling the plot.” Analyze why these conflicts are occurring. Reach inside the characters of Troy and Cory to tap into their motivation and behavior based on generational differences, Troy’s parenting style, and historical context. Discuss in your conclusion whether a resolution is reached. In other words, can Troy still be forgiven? Note: If you would like to include Troy’s relationship with Lyons, you may do so.
What about Gabriel? Gabe cannot be easily dismissed as just a “kooky” minor character. He seems to be quite important to the play (especially his actions at the end) and appears in pivotal scenes. What is his function? Analyze certain scenes in which he appears and how he affects Troy and others. What is his spiritual/religious significance?
Historical context: Create an essay in which you explore the late 40’s and 50’s in terms of world events, particular the sports color barrier and racial issues that affected and influenced August Wilson. While reading Fences, it is important to look at the year 1957 (in which the play took place.) Trace and comment upon pivotal events that you think influenced Wilson and his creation of the play and how these events of the past affect Troy. Your research can also go back to the Negro Leagues as this would certainly be relevant to Troy’s character and his athletic aspirations and challenges. Were Troy’s fears/concerns for Cory valid worries of his time?
Professor William Cook, who teaches at Dartmouth, lectures and writes extensively on August Wilson and his work. He has talked a great deal on what he calls the “confessional duologue”—a “dialogue of personal encounter whereby characters compel certain self-disclosures from one another through interlinked session of talk.” Characters are “forced to speak what is dreaded to confront the ghosts they have refused to acknowledge” (Cook). How does this relate to Rose? According to Cook, it seems as if she is an “example of a person forced to confess her troubles with her life after years of keeping her frustrations bottled up inside her” (Cook). Create an essay in which you analyze the complex character arc of Rose which would include a discussion of this “confession.” Discuss how she could be said to grow from a submissive victim of historical context to a stronger heroine by the play’s end.
Discuss the significance of the title, Fences, as it relates to characters and themes of the play. In other words, there is a literal meaning (the actual building of the fence) and figurative/metaphorical meanings.
In many American plays, blacks play only minor roles or are only mentioned in passing by the main characters. Wilson reverses this by only referring to white characters but never having them appear on stage. What effect does this have on the play? How does their absence and presence inform the characters’ world?
Would the play be more effective or less effective if the white characters mentioned in the play were more present? Provide textual evidence to support your answer.
9. Analyze how the sport of baseball and the personification of Death and the Devil are used within the play to enrich the complex characterization of Troy. (Please note that you can also opt to just choose to analyze the role of baseball or construct an essay analyzing the personification of Death and the Devil).