The play Fences by August Wilson covers a variety of complex themes, such as race, family relationships, history, identity, change, morality, culture, dreams, duty, and others. Written in 1986, this literary work “clearly displayed the tensions among blacks who wanted to clutch their African legacy” (Ali 1). One of the main symbols used by the author is a fence, which is reflected not only in the title but also throughout the play. The significance of this concept is not overly obvious, and a better understanding of this literary work is required to determine how fences relate to different characters and themes. This essay aims to discuss the idea behind Wilson’s play that physical and metaphorical fences that are built by characters negatively impact their lives by dividing them and creating barriers.
At first sight, it appears that the only fence present in the play and significant to the plot is the one that Troy and Cory are building. It symbolizes the separation of the Maxson family from the outer world. However, there are multiple perspectives on the importance and meaning of this symbol. Indeed, Rose believes in the need to protect her family from external threats and asks her husband to build a fence. She thinks that doing so would be beneficial for her loved ones. As noted by Ali, “Rose needs Troy to build the fence as methods for securing what was her own, keeping what is needed inside her family, and keeping out what should stay out” (7). Her desire is justified because white supremacy and racism affect society, and the woman feels the need to distance herself from the danger and preserve privacy.
In turn, Troy finds his wife’s belief unjustified and neglects this task. He sees no purpose in Rose’s wish to keep something out with a fence (Wilson 64). Moreover, he accuses his son Cory of not helping him and being “scared of work” (Wilson 26). This conflict between the characters’ points of view is central to the play. As Troy neglects his family and Rose’s wish for an actual fence, he builds emotional barriers between himself and his son and wife. In this regard, the main character’s lack of commitment to building a fence reflects the negligence of his duties as a father and a husband. The escalation of the conflict occurs when Troy banishes Cory from his territory. In other words, a border between the main character and his son marks the emotional and spiritual distance between them. Not only a physical but also a metaphorical fence is crucial to the play’s plot and relationships among the characters. It is evident that Troy’s emotional barriers sharpen the conflict and eventually destroy his family.
Another perspective on the fence symbol in Wilson’s play should be discussed with regard to Troy’s inner issues and challenges in life. He faced various problems as an African-American and a son of an abusive father, such as poverty, homelessness, inequality, and cruelty. Troy’s dream of being a successful baseball player was destroyed because of racism and his lack of control of disparities in society. In other words, the main character faces numerous barriers throughout his life, which affect his fate and relationship with others and the world as a whole. In this regard, Ali notes that “Fences is a play on the conflict between the authorities of the other with the autonomy of the self” (9). Troy’s connection to his family, African-American culture, and heritage is affected by various metaphorical fences. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the impact of societal barriers on the protagonist’s life and family.
Furthermore, another perspective on the role of fences in Wilson’s literary work is with regard to the concept of death. After Alberta’s death during childbirth, Troy attempts to separate himself from what he fears. His perspective changes as he decides to build “a fence around what belongs to” him (Wilson 80). In this regard, there is a significant difference in how Troy and Rose view the meaning behind creating that barrier between the inner and outer worlds. The woman asks her husband to build a fence to keep her family together as she can feel the growing distance between them.
In turn, the man does not realize that it is possible to create a border to keep something within rather than push something away. In his view, a fence can make death “stay on the other side” (Wilson 80). According to Ali, “when Troy finally manages to put up the fence, he completely isolates himself from society,” which is a sign of antisocial behavior rather than the wish to protect his family (2). Therefore, while Rose hoped that a barrier would make her loved once feel safer, Troy makes a mistake and dies of a heart attack after challenging death.
To conclude, Wilson’s play Fences demonstrates how physical and metaphorical fences symbolize various barriers that negatively impact character’s lives. It is impossible to isolate oneself from society and numerous challenges. As can be seen, a virtual fence did not protect Troy and his family from tragic outcomes. It only contributed to creating the emotional barriers between the protagonist and his wife and son, as well as resulted in Troy’s death. Furthermore, Wilson portrayed how societal issues and inequalities build metaphorical fences for African-Americans affecting their lives.
Works Cited
Ali, Hasan Hadi. “The Culture Heritage Protection: Suggestive Themes and Views of August Wilson’s Fences.” Litinfinite Journal, vol. 4, no. 1, 2022, pp. 1-12. Litinfinite.
Wilson, August. Fences. Plume, 1986.