Introduction
The lead female figure in August Wilson’s well-known play Fences is named Rose Maxon. The author contrasts the macho physical strength of Troy, who lacks psychic and emotional stability, with the feminine spiritual strength of Rose, who is physically frail. Due to her capacity to resist her husband, willingness to accept tragic occurrences and overcome them, and spiritual power manifested in wisdom and unconditional love for her closest loved ones, Rose is portrayed as a strong woman. Despite being married to a man with patriarchal ideas and a tendency to dominate the household, Rose is strong enough to disagree with him and voice her concerns.
Discussion
Troy is first and foremost opposed by Rose when he is misbehaving. She expresses her frank disapproval of Troy’s decision to prevent their son Cory from receiving a football scholarship to college. She also chastises him for refusing to give money to Lyons, his older son, and successfully gets him to reconsider by stating, “Let the youngster have ten bucks, Troy” (Wilson 11; act I, scene I). This incident demonstrates the significant influence Rose has on Troy’s behavior. Troy also adopts stereotypically patriarchal male behavior, demanding complete submission and obedience from his wife. Troy frequently converses with other guys, and Rose disagrees with his viewpoints.
Despite Rose’s portrayal as a housewife and her awareness of Troy’s parental leadership, she is not shown to be a helpless woman incapable of standing up to her husband. However, the author presents the readers with a lady who openly expresses her wishes and thoughts and dramatically influences her spouse. Rose exhibits the capacity to move past difficult circumstances, in contrast to Troy, who is mired in his regrets and failings from the past. After learning of her husband’s disloyalty, Rose’s actions vividly demonstrate this trait.
Additionally, she is free to criticize Troy, point out his flaws, and say things that can damage his ego. For example, she might say, “Troy, why don’t you admit you were too old to play in the major league? For once… Why don’t you admit that?” (Wilson 20; act I, scene III). Despite being horrified by Troy’s relationship with Alberta and their child’s information, she musters the courage to try to salvage her family and find a solution. Troy is unwilling to end their relationship, but Rose insists: “I am your wife. Don’t push me away” (Wilson 37; act II; scene II). Only a strong lady can act this way after going through intense stress associated with disclosing her husband’s lack of loyalty. Rose’s capacity for forgiveness shows how she has managed to move on from the past and carry on while grieving.
Rose’s feminine spiritual strength is the best example of how strong a woman she is. Her most remarkable talent is her capacity to love those closest to her and make wise judgments about people’s sentiments and life circumstances. Her choice to raise her husband’s and his mistress’s daughter is another example of wisdom: “And you can’t visit the sins of the father upon the child” (Wilson 38; Act II, scene I). Rose, a typical housewife, stuns the reader throughout the narrative with several examples of her enormous insight. Rose’s awareness of the primary woman’s function in family life is another example of her wisdom. Her choice to raise the child of her husband and his mistress is another example of her knowledge. Along with her understanding, Rose exemplifies the power of female warmth and love. She pledges to raise Raynell and expresses her love to every family member.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rose’s compassionate, caring heart, which enables her to go through any difficulty, is the fundamental source of her strength. Rose’s spiritual power opposes Troy’s egoism, which causes him to see himself as a victim and become mired in sorrow. Wilson portrays Rose Maxon as a strong woman who can stand up to her husband and handle challenging circumstances with the feminine strength bestowed upon her by her warm and caring heart.
Work Cited
Wilson, August. Fences. (Ed. Carol Jago et al.). Elements of Literature. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2011. 195–249.