August Wilson’s play “Fences” depicts the life of a former baseball player and his family in the 1950s. The play is notable for touching on various themes such as father-son relationships, race, and personal responsibility. However, there is one symbol that stands out in the play, and that is the fence. So, what does the fence symbolize in Fences, and why is it significant?
Throughout the play, we learn that the main character Troy Maxson is obsessed with building and repairing the fence around his home. To him, the fence represents protection, security, and boundaries. However, as the play progresses, we begin to see that the fence has taken on a more symbolic meaning. It represents the walls that Troy has built around himself, emotionally and mentally, due to his past experiences and his difficult relationship with his father. As such, the fence becomes a metaphor for the ways in which people try to keep others out, both physically and emotionally.
Indeed, the symbolism of the fence in “Fences” is telling of the broader themes of the play, which touch on issues of love, responsibility, and the impact of past experiences on who we are today. By examining what the fence represents in the context of the play, we can gain insight into these themes and the complexities of human relationships. In essence, the fence in “Fences” is not just a physical barrier, but a representation of the internal walls we all build to protect ourselves from the harsh realities of life.
The symbolism of the fence in Fences
The fence in August Wilson’s play, Fences, serves as a powerful symbol throughout the story. It represents both physical and emotional boundaries, as well as the uneven distribution of power among different social classes during the mid-20th century.
- The physical fence
- The emotional fence
- The power dynamics
At the beginning of the play, Troy Maxson builds a fence around his house to keep his family and belongings safe. However, as the play progresses, the fence takes on a deeper meaning. It becomes a symbol of division and isolation, as it separates the Maxson family from the rest of the neighborhood.
The fence also represents emotional barriers between Troy and his family. Troy’s traumatic experiences with racism and poverty have left him with a deep sense of mistrust and isolation. He builds the fence not only to protect his family but also to keep them at arms-length emotionally. He considers it his “castle,” where he can assert his authority over his family members and keep them in check. However, as the play progresses, Troy’s refusal to face his emotional pain causes the fence to become a barrier that drives his family further away.
The fence also highlights the power dynamics between different social classes. The Maxson family is African-American and working-class, living in a racially-segregated neighborhood. The fence serves as a physical reminder of the discrimination and segregation they face on a daily basis.
The fence in Fences is a powerful symbol that reflects the physical, emotional, and social barriers that existed during the mid-20th century. It reminds us of the injustices and discrimination that many African-Americans faced, while also emphasizing the importance of breaking down barriers and building stronger relationships within families and communities.
The Function of the Fence as a Physical Barrier
Throughout the play “Fences” by August Wilson, the fence serves as the most notable symbol and physical barrier in the story. It not only divides Troy’s family and his surrounding community, but it also serves various functions in the progression of the story.
- Symbol of Protection:
- Symbol of Division:
- Symbol of Redemption:
The fence surrounds Troy’s property, which serves as a symbol of his attempt to protect his family from the outside world. As a man who has experienced racism throughout his life, the fence provides a sense of security and protection against racial discrimination. However, the fence not only serves as a protection against racism but also against his own family, as he tries to keep them within its borders to maintain order and control.
The fence in “Fences” divides Troy’s family and his community, as it separates their home from the rest of the neighborhood. It represents the emotional and physical barriers that exist between people and their communication. Troy’s wife, Rose, and his son, Cory, feel trapped inside the fence, as they yearn for a more significant connection to the outside world.
In the climax of the play, the fence becomes symbolic of Troy’s own internal struggle. He spends much of his life building and repairing the fence, a physical manifestation of his attempts to restore his life and redeem himself in the eyes of his family and community.
Overall, the fence in “Fences” serves an essential function as a physical barrier, representing various themes throughout the story, including protection, division, and redemption. It reminds us that physical barriers are not always walls or gates but can also take the form of emotional and psychological barriers that divide people.
| Symbolism | Description |
|---|---|
| Protection | The fence provides a sense of security and protection against racial discrimination. |
| Division | The fence divides Troy’s family and community and represents emotional and physical barriers that exist between people and their communication. |
| Redemption | The fence becomes symbolic of Troy’s own internal struggle and his attempts to restore his life and redeem himself in the eyes of his family and community. |
The fence in “Fences” is pivotal to the story’s themes and serves multiple functions. It reminds us of the importance of examining both physical and emotional barriers, and how they can affect the relationships we have with others.
The Fence as a Metaphor for Discrimination and Segregation
In August Wilson’s play “Fences,” the fence serves as a powerful metaphor for the discrimination and segregation experienced by African Americans in the 1950s. Through the construction and maintenance of the fence, the characters in the play symbolically express the ways in which African Americans were prevented from achieving true equality.
The fence in “Fences” represents various forms of discrimination and segregation, including:
- Racial Segregation: The fence that surrounds Troy’s home represents the physical barriers that were erected to keep African Americans out of certain neighborhoods and public spaces. Troy, a former baseball player who was not allowed to play in the major leagues due to racial discrimination, feels a strong desire to create a safe space for himself and his family, free from the prying eyes of white society.
- Social Segregation: The fence also represents the social barrier that separates African Americans from their white counterparts. Troy’s son, Cory, is barred from playing football in his high school because of his skin color, deprived of opportunities that white individuals would have rightfully received. The fence underscores the sense of helplessness and injustice that African Americans felt during this time period.
- Personal Struggles: The fence also reflects Troy’s personal struggles. As a man who has experienced discrimination his entire life, Troy is hesitant to let others into his life, including his own family. He builds a fence to keep his family away, afraid to be hurt by them just like he was hurt by the society around him.
The fence in “Fences” is a physical manifestation of the ways in which African Americans were kept from achieving true equality. It symbolizes the barriers that prevented them from entering new spaces and mingling with other races. By exploring these themes through the metaphor of the fence, August Wilson was able to paint a powerful picture of racial discrimination and segregation in America during the 1950s.
Overall, the fence in “Fences” represents the various ways in which African Americans were prevented from accessing opportunities and achieving true equality: physically, socially, and psychologically. Through this metaphor, August Wilson was able to present a poignant and moving commentary on the struggles of African Americans during this time period.
The fence as a symbol of family and community
In August Wilson’s play “Fences,” the fence serves as a powerful symbol of family and community. The construction and maintenance of the fence is a testament to the Maxson family’s dedication to their home and their desire to protect and preserve their relationships.
- Family unity: The fence is first introduced as Troy Maxson discusses his plans to build it with his friend and coworker, Jim Bono. Troy sees the fence as a way to establish his authority and protect his family from the outside world. As the play progresses, the fence becomes a symbol of the Maxson family’s unity, as they work together to build and maintain it.
- Community boundaries: The fence also represents the boundaries between the Maxson family and their neighbors. It’s clear that the Maxson family is somewhat isolated from the rest of the community, and the fence serves as a physical representation of that separation. This is especially evident when Troy refuses to let his brother Gabriel—whom he sees as a symbol of the outside world—into their yard.
- Barriers and obstacles: The fence can also be seen as a symbol of the barriers and obstacles that the Maxson family faces. Throughout the play, we see how the family is forced to confront issues such as racism, poverty, and addiction. The fence represents their efforts to overcome these challenges and protect their home and family.
The fence in “Fences” is not just a physical structure—it’s a symbol of the Maxson family’s history, identity, and values. By exploring the many meanings of the fence, August Wilson shows us the importance of family and community in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, the fence represents the Maxson family’s desire to create a space of safety and security in an often-hostile world. It’s a powerful symbol of their love and loyalty to one another, and a testament to the strength of their family bond.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Family unity | The fence symbolizes the Maxson family’s unity and their desire to protect and preserve their relationships. |
| Community boundaries | The fence represents the boundaries between the Maxson family and their neighbors, and their isolation from the rest of the community. |
| Barriers and obstacles | The fence is a symbol of the challenges that the Maxson family faces—and their efforts to overcome them. |
Overall, the fence in “Fences” is a powerful symbol of family and community, representing the Maxson family’s history, identity, and values.
The Fence as a Representation of Troy’s Struggle for Autonomy and Freedom
In August Wilson’s play, Fences, the fence that Troy builds around his house becomes a powerful symbol for his struggle for autonomy and freedom. Throughout the play, Troy is fighting against the various forms of oppression that he faces – from racism to his own personal demons.
- The fence represents Troy’s desire to protect his family from the outside world. He’s been hurt by racism and discrimination throughout his life and wants to protect his family from those same experiences.
- At the same time, the fence represents the walls that Troy has built around himself, not allowing himself to fully love and connect with those around him, including his wife and son.
- Troy’s building of the fence is a way for him to exert control and authority over his own space, something that he’s been denied in the past. With the fence, he is able to create his own boundaries and establish his own sense of autonomy.
However, the fence ultimately becomes a symbol of Troy’s inability to overcome his own inner struggles and connect with those around him. Instead of seeing the fence as a way to gain freedom, it isolates him from the support and love that he needs to truly be free.
| Symbolism: | Explanation: |
|---|---|
| The Fence | Symbolizes Troy’s struggle for autonomy and freedom. |
| The Walls | Represent the emotional barriers that Troy has built up around himself. |
| Control and Authority | Troy’s building of the fence is a way for him to exert control and authority over his own life. |
Overall, the fence in Fences represents the complex and multifaceted struggle for freedom and autonomy that Troy faces. While it represents his desire to protect himself and his family, it also becomes a symbol of his inner struggles and his ultimate inability to break free from his emotional barriers.
The Relationship Between the Fence and Gender Roles in the Play
August Wilson’s Fences portrays the patriarchal gender roles of the 1950s. Through the symbolic use of the fence, Wilson highlights the gender inequalities that existed during this time period. The following are ways in which the fence symbolizes gender roles:
- The fence represents a barrier that the male characters use to keep the female characters out of their male-only space.
- The male characters take pride in building the fence, using it as a way to assert their power and masculinity.
- The fence also represents the societal norms and values that restrict women from gaining power and control over their lives.
Throughout the play, the female characters are seen as inferior to the male characters. Rose, the wife of Troy, is constantly belittled and left out of important decisions. She is expected to stay at home and take care of the house and children, while Troy and their son Cory go out and work.
Furthermore, the fence is a physical representation of the gender roles that Troy and Cory feel obligated to follow. The fence becomes a metaphor for the societal expectations of the male characters. The fence represents their desire to keep their wives and daughters inside the home, where they belong.
As the play progresses, Rose begins to challenge these gender roles and takes a stand against Troy’s infidelity. She symbolically tears down the fence, representing her desire to break free from the limitations placed upon her as a woman. This scene marks a pivotal moment in the play, as it represents the breaking down of traditional gender roles.
| Gender Roles | Symbolism | Characters |
|---|---|---|
| Male supremacy | The fence as a barrier | Troy, Cory, and other male characters |
| The role of women as caretakers | The fence as a symbol of domesticity | Rose and other female characters |
| Societal norms and values | The fence as a representation of expectations | All characters in the play |
Through the use of the fence as a symbol, August Wilson highlights the gender inequalities and restrictions placed upon women during the 1950s. However, through Rose’s act of tearing down the fence, the play also portrays the possibility of breaking free from these limitations and challenging traditional gender roles.
The significance of the fence in relation to baseball and sports
In August Wilson’s play, Fences, the fence symbolizes a barrier between the world of sports and the real world. The main character, Troy Maxson, is a former baseball player who was never able to make it into the big leagues due to the color barrier in sports during his time. He now works as a garbage collector and builds a fence around his home to both protect and isolate his family from the rest of the world.
The fence also serves as a metaphorical boundary between Troy’s past as a baseball player and his current life. He believes that the sports world is filled with inequality and unfairness. This belief is reinforced by the fact that he was not allowed to play in the major leagues because of his skin color. He feels that the fence serves as a way to keep the sports world out of his life and protect himself and his family from its injustices.
- The fence represents community
- The fence represents protection and isolation
- The fence represents the relationship between Troy and his son, Cory
In the play, Troy’s son, Cory, wants to pursue a career in sports and play college football. However, Troy does not want his son to follow in his footsteps and instead wants him to focus on getting a job and providing security for his family. The fence represents the conflict between their two perspectives and the barrier that prevents them from connecting emotionally.
The fence also plays a vital role in the way the sport of baseball is portrayed in the play. The fence serves as a physical boundary on the field, a line that separates the players from the spectators. The game of baseball is a metaphor for life, with its own set of rules and boundaries that must be followed. Troy’s inability to break through the color barrier within baseball represents the larger societal issues that prevent people of color from achieving success.
| Symbolism of the fence in relation to baseball and sports | Representation in the play |
|---|---|
| Barrier between sports world and reality | Fence around Troy’s home and his perspective on the inequality and unfairness of the sports world |
| Symbol of conflict between Troy and his son, Cory | Troy’s desire to keep Cory from pursuing a career in sports and focusing instead on providing security for his family |
| Physical boundary on the baseball field | The white fence that separates the field from the spectators and the wider societal issues that prevent people of color from achieving success in the sport |
The fence in Fences represents the physical and emotional boundaries that exist in sports and society. It is a symbol of the inequality and unfairness that keeps people of color from achieving success in the sports world and in life. The fence is both a source of protection and isolation for the characters in the play, serving as a reminder of the complex relationship between sports and society.
The fence as a symbol for the American Dream and African American experience
In August Wilson’s play, Fences, the fence serves as a symbol for not only the American Dream but also the African American experience. The play is set during the 1950s, a time when African Americans were fighting for their rights and freedoms, and the fence serves as a physical representation of the barriers put in place to limit their opportunities.
- Firstly, the fence represents the American Dream as it is one of the most significant symbols of the play.
- The fence is a significant element in the story as it is the means by which Troy, the protagonist, achieves his dream of owning his own property, which he believes to be a primary component of the American Dream.
- Troy builds the fence to keep his family safe and secure, but it also represents his desire to create a space where he is in control of his life and his surroundings.
On the other hand, the fence also symbolizes the African American experience in the play. It represents the barriers that African Americans face in their pursuit of the American Dream. The fence is a metaphor for the discrimination and prejudice that African Americans face in their everyday lives, preventing them from achieving their full potential.
The fence also represents the division and conflict within the African American community during that time. Troy’s eldest son, Cory, believes that the fence is a symbol of his father’s fear and his inability to trust others. He sees the fence as a sign that his father is keeping him and his family segregated from the outside world, which only perpetuates the division between the African American community and the rest of society.
| Symbolism of the fence in Fences | Explanation |
|---|---|
| American Dream | Represents Troy’s dream of owning his own property and creating a space where he is in control of his life and surroundings |
| African American experience | Symbolizes the barriers that African Americans face in their pursuit of the American Dream, including discrimination and prejudice |
| Division and conflict within the African American community | Troy’s son, Cory, sees the fence as a sign that his father is keeping them segregated from the outside world, which perpetuates the division between the African American community and society |
Overall, the fence in Fences is representative of both the American Dream and the African American experience. It serves as a physical representation of the barriers that African Americans faced and continues to represent the struggle for equality and racial justice today.
The role of the fence in shaping characters’ identities and relationships
August Wilson’s play, Fences, uses the fence as a symbol to represent numerous themes. One of the most prominent themes is the role of the fence in shaping characters’ and their relationships. The fence symbolizes the emotional, physical, and psychological barriers between people, which prevent them from connecting with each other.
Troy, the protagonist of the play, is depicted as a man who builds fences in both a literal and metaphorical sense. He constructs a physical fence around his house to keep his family inside and protect them from the outside world. As the play progresses, it becomes clear that Troy’s desire to control and protect his family comes from a place of fear and insecurity.
Here are some examples of how the fence shapes the characters’ identities and relationships in Fences:
- The physical fence around Troy’s house represents the emotional barriers he has put up between himself and his family. He does not allow his son, Cory, to follow his dreams of playing college football, fearing that he will experience the same disappointment that Troy did when he was denied the opportunity to play baseball professionally.
- Troy’s brother, Gabriel, carries a trumpet with him and blows it on the streets, which irritates the community members. Troy decides to put Gabriel in a mental institution, claiming that he is not “right in the head.” However, Gabriel is symbolic of the spiritual barrier Troy has erected between himself and God, as well as the African American cultural legacy that was lost due to slavery.
- The fence also represents the barriers between Troy and his wife, Rose. She is a nurturing and caring woman who is often neglected by Troy. The fence acts as a shield, preventing them from building a strong emotional connection.
Furthermore, the fence also represents the barriers between Troy and his past. He has a difficult time reconciling with his father and the trauma he experienced during his life. The fence acts as a metaphor for the walls he has erected around his heart, creating a sense of emotional distance, which can only be bridged by tearing the fence down.
In conclusion, the fence is a powerful symbol in Fences that represents the barriers that exist between people. The play offers a unique perspective on the complexities of African American experience and raises questions about the complexity of human relationships. By examining the role of the fence in shaping the characters’ identities and relationships, we can gain a deeper understanding of the themes presented in the play.
The Evolution of the Fence as a Recurring Motif throughout the Play
In August Wilson’s play Fences, the fence symbolizes a variety of things, such as barriers, protection, and confinement. Throughout the play, the fence evolves from a simple physical barrier to a much more complex symbol of emotional and psychological barriers that the characters construct around themselves.
Troy Maxson, the protagonist of the play, is a former Negro League baseball player who is now a garbage collector. He spends much of his time building a fence around his house, which he claims is to keep people out and to protect his family’s privacy. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that the fence is much more than just a physical barrier.
- The Fence as a Symbol of Confinement:
- The Fence as a Symbol of Protection:
- The Fence as a Symbol of Barriers:
At the beginning of the play, Troy finishes building the fence around his property. He believes the fence keeps his family safe from the dangers of the outside world. However, the fence also serves to keep his family confined within the property boundaries. The fence, in this case, symbolizes the emotional barriers that Troy has put up between himself and his loved ones.
Later in the play, Troy’s wife, Rose Maxson, becomes pregnant. She decides to name the unborn child Cory after Troy’s father, who was abusive to Troy in his childhood. Troy tells Rose that he built the fence to protect Cory from the same kind of abuse he suffered at the hands of his own father. Troy believes that the fence will keep Cory safe from harm and build a better future for him.
Troy’s son Cory wants to play college football, but Troy is against this idea. Troy feels that Cory should focus on his schoolwork instead of wasting his time on football. The fence also symbolizes the barriers that Troy puts up between himself and his son. The fence serves as a physical barrier that prevents them from seeing eye to eye.
As the play progresses, Troy’s relationship with his family becomes more and more strained. The fence becomes a symbol of the emotional barriers that he has put up around himself and the rest of his family. It is a symbol of the emotional distance that exists between them. In the end, the fence serves as a reminder of what could have been, a barrier that could have been broken down if only the characters had been able to overcome their emotional barriers and truly connect with one another.
| The Evolution of the Fence | Symbols of the Fence |
|---|---|
| Physical Barrier | Confinement |
| Protection | Safety |
| Barriers | Emotional Distance |
Overall, the fence in Fences by August Wilson is a powerful symbol that represents much more than just a physical barrier. As the play progresses, the fence evolves into a complex symbol of emotional and psychological barriers and the struggle to overcome them.
FAQs About What Does the Fence Symbolize in Fences by August Wilson
1. What is the fence in Fences by August Wilson?
The fence is a physical barrier that Troy Maxson, the main character in the play, is building around his property. The fence represents Troy’s desire to keep his family and his past mistakes at bay.
2. What does the fence symbolize in Fences by August Wilson?
The fence symbolizes many things, including protection, separation, and confinement. It also represents Troy’s desire to control his own life and his family’s destiny.
3. How does the fence affect relationships in Fences by August Wilson?
The fence affects relationships in many ways. It creates a barrier between Troy and his son, Cory, who wants to pursue a career in football. The fence also separates Troy from his brother, who wants a share of the family property.
4. What is the significance of the fence in Fences by August Wilson?
The fence is significant because it represents the psychological and emotional barriers that Troy has built around himself and his family. It also represents the racial barriers that African Americans faced during the 1950s.
5. How does the fence represent Troy’s character in Fences by August Wilson?
The fence represents Troy’s character because it shows his desire to control his own life and his family’s destiny. It also shows his fear of the outside world and his reluctance to let go of the past.
6. How does the fence relate to the theme of Fences by August Wilson?
The fence relates to the theme of Fences because it represents the barriers—both physical and emotional—that people build to protect themselves and their loved ones. It also represents the ways in which these barriers can be detrimental to relationships and personal growth.
7. What can we learn from the fence symbol in Fences by August Wilson?
We can learn that the barriers we build often have unintended consequences and can cause more harm than good. We can also learn that it’s important to confront our fears and face the world outside, rather than building walls to keep it at bay.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to learn about what the fence symbolizes in Fences by August Wilson. We hope this article has provided some insight into the play’s themes and symbols. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out. And don’t forget to check back for more content like this in the future!