General overview of the novel- "Fences" by August Wilson - SS2 Literature Lesson Note
General Overview of the Play "Fences" by August Wilson:
"Fences" is a renowned play written by August Wilson, set in Pittsburgh during the 1950s. It is part of Wilson's ten-play cycle, exploring the African American experience in the 20th century. The play revolves around the Maxson family, particularly the patriarch, Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player turned garbage collector. The central conflict of the play centers on Troy's strained relationship with his son, Cory, and the family's struggle to come to terms with their individual aspirations and responsibilities. The title of the play itself is symbolic, representing the emotional and physical barriers that the characters build in their lives.
Character Analysis in "Fences":
Major Characters:
1. Troy Maxson: The protagonist of the play, Troy is a complex and flawed character. He is a working-class African American man who has faced racial discrimination in his past and harbors bitterness about missed opportunities. Troy's character is a central focus, and his actions drive much of the plot.
2. Rose Maxson: Troy's wife, Rose, is a strong and resilient woman who is dedicated to her family. She represents stability and emotional support, but her character undergoes significant development as the story unfolds.
3. Cory Maxson: Troy and Rose's teenage son, Cory, is a talented football player with aspirations of attending college on a scholarship. His strained relationship with his father is a key conflict in the play.
4. Bono: Bono is Troy's best friend and co-worker. He serves as a confidant to Troy, offering advice and insight into his friend's life. Bono's character provides a counterpoint to Troy's and represents loyalty and friendship.
Minor Characters:
1. Gabriel Maxson: Troy's brother, Gabriel, suffered a head injury during World War II, which left him mentally impaired. His character serves as a symbol of the impact of war and discrimination on African Americans.
2. Lyons Maxson: Troy's older son from a previous marriage, Lyons, is a musician who struggles to find steady employment. His character highlights the generational differences within the family.
3. Raynell Maxson: Raynell is Troy's illegitimate daughter, born after an affair. She represents the consequences of Troy's actions and serves as a symbol of hope and new beginnings.
Roles and Significance of Major/Minor Characters:
- Troy Maxson: As the central character, Troy embodies the struggles and dreams of African Americans in the 1950s. His actions and decisions impact the entire family and drive the plot forward.
Rose Maxson: Rose provides emotional stability and resilience to the family. Her character undergoes transformation, symbolizing the strength of African American women in the face of adversity.
- Cory Maxson: Cory represents the younger generation's aspirations and challenges, and his conflict with Troy highlights generational differences and the quest for independence.
- Bono: Bono's character serves as a moral compass and offers insights into Troy's life, emphasizing the importance of friendship and loyalty.
- Gabriel Maxson: Gabriel's character represents the sacrifices made by African American veterans and the consequences of racial discrimination, adding depth to the play's themes.
- Lyons Maxson: Lyons' struggles with employment and his passion for music illustrate the difficulties of pursuing one's dreams amidst societal challenges.
Raynell Maxson: Raynell represents the possibility of a brighter future and redemption, as her birth signals the beginning of a new phase in the Maxson family's life.
Relationships Between Major/Minor Characters:
- The relationship between Troy and Cory is marked by conflict and tension, as Troy's own experiences and dreams clash with his son's aspirations.
- Troy and Rose's marriage undergoes significant changes, with love and stability turning into betrayal and hurt due to Troy's actions.
- The friendship between Troy and Bono serves as a critical element of the play, with Bono's character offering support and insight into Troy's struggles.
- The presence of Gabriel in the family underscores the theme of responsibility and the consequences of war.
- Lyons and his father Troy have a strained relationship, primarily due to their differing values and lifestyles.
- The birth of Raynell brings both hope and sorrow to the Maxson family, symbolizing the cycle of life and the possibility of redemption.
In "Fences," the interactions and relationships between these major and minor characters serve to explore themes such as family, race, dreams, and responsibility within the context of the African American experience in the 1950s. Each character's role and significance contribute to the depth and complexity of the story.