August Wilson’s play “Fences” is a profound exploration of the complexities of dreams and struggles faced by African Americans in the mid-20th century. It captures the intricacies of family dynamics, societal pressures, and personal aspirations through its rich characters and compelling narrative. The protagonist, Troy Maxson, embodies the tensions between personal desires and external obstacles, making his journey a relatable struggle that resonates with many people. This essay delves into how Wilson articulates these themes in “Fences,” examining how dreams are often thwarted by systemic barriers and personal choices.
The Nature of Dreams
At the heart of “Fences” lies the theme of dreams—those aspirations that drive individuals to seek better lives for themselves and their families. Troy Maxson had once dreamed of being a professional baseball player but found that his opportunities were limited by racial discrimination. Instead of fulfilling this dream, he becomes a garbage collector, which is far from what he envisioned for himself. This shift in career highlights how societal structures can crush individual ambitions.
Troy’s unfulfilled dreams not only affect him but also extend to his relationships with those around him. His son, Cory, has dreams of playing college football—a chance at a future Troy never had. However, Troy’s experiences have made him cynical; he fears Cory will face the same racial barriers that prevented him from achieving his own goals. Rather than supporting Cory’s aspirations, Troy becomes an obstacle himself, driven by love but ultimately stemming from fear and regret.
Struggles Against Systemic Barriers
The struggles depicted in “Fences” reflect broader societal issues that African Americans faced during the 1950s and 1960s. The title itself serves as a metaphor for the limitations placed on individuals by society; fences can protect but can also confine. Troy’s life is characterized by constant battles against systemic racism that restricts his opportunities and devalues his contributions as an African American man.
This theme resonates powerfully throughout the play as Troy confronts both overt discrimination and more subtle forms of bias within his job. He believes he deserves more recognition than he receives at work simply due to being black in a predominantly white profession—this sense of injustice fuels much of his anger throughout the play.
The Complexity of Relationships
The interplay between dreams and struggles manifests vividly within Troy’s relationships—particularly with Rose, his wife. Rose embodies hope and resilience; she strives to build a family unit despite the challenges they face together as African Americans navigating a hostile environment. Her dream is simple: she wants stability for her family amidst Troy’s self-destructive behavior.
However, their relationship showcases how personal struggles can create rifts even in loving partnerships. As Rose holds onto her dreams for their family’s future, she grapples with Troy’s failures to communicate openly about his past traumas and disappointments—a product of both social conditioning and gender roles at play during that era.
Aspirations vs Reality
“Fences” demonstrates how aspirations often clash violently with reality—the harsh truths many people must confront when pursuing their dreams. Each character represents different approaches to these conflicts: while some strive valiantly against adversity (like Cory), others succumb to bitterness (like Troy). Their varying responses serve as poignant reminders about human resilience in facing life’s obstacles.
Troy’s eventual affair with Alberta further complicates this dynamic; it underscores not just infidelity but reflects deeper dissatisfaction within himself regarding unfulfilled desires—both personally aimed at happiness outside traditional roles assigned to men during that period (provider versus nurturer). This moment exemplifies how struggling against one’s circumstances can lead one down destructive paths instead of constructive ones—a significant cautionary tale woven skillfully into Wilson’s narrative fabric.
Conclusion: The Legacy Of Dreams And Struggles
“Fences” stands as an enduring testament not only to individual suffering but also collective pain experienced by generations who’ve fought against societal confines imposed upon them due solely because they differ based on race or circumstance beyond control or comprehension alone should ever determine worthiness! Ultimately exploring deep psychological scars left behind becomes paramount while tracing such legacies forward through time—all connected threads stemming directly from our hopes held dearly yet often tragically misaligned alongside greater social upheaval remain ever present today!
- Wilson, A., & De Jongh , P.(1986). Fences: A Play by August Wilson . New York: Plume Books.
- Baker Jr., H.A., & Lewis , R.(1995). Modern Black Poets: A Collection Of Critical Essays . Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.
- Petersen , E.S.(1999). Theater Journal . October 1999 , Vol .51 No 4 , pp 459-465
- Gussow , M.(1985) “A Portrait In Time : August Wilson”, New York Times Magazine
- Shelton-Sweet , C.(2004) ”Performance Studies International” Conference Proceedings p15-p19
