A paper which explores the symbolism used in August Wilson’s play, Fences.
The paper examines how the symbol of fences is used in August Wilson’s play, “Fences,” a modern contemporary story about a black family living in a poor urban society. The paper discusses how throughout the play, fences are built to keep people in and to keep people out, with every character having a fence around him or her. The second part of the paper compares the Maxson family to the Kennedys.
“Fences, by August Wilson is the story of a relationship between a father and son. Troy Maxson is a poor urban black man who was once a boy with a dream. As a child, Troy had hoped and prayed to become a professional baseball player. Unfortunately for Troy, his dreams were destroyed and he found himself spending fifteen years in jail while doing time for murder. The only thing that he comes home to is a job picking up garbage with his friend and co-worker, Jim Bono. According to Milly S. Barranger, Troy Maxson is victim to oppression. He is victimized by his birth, his race, father, his poverty, his employer, his society, and his emotional limitations (Barranger 545).”