In August Wilson’s play “Fences,” the character of Troy Maxson is a complex figure who embodies a myriad of values that reflect both his personal experiences and the broader social context of African Americans in the mid-20th century. His values are not just individual beliefs but are also deeply intertwined with themes of race, responsibility, and family. By examining Troy’s life through these lenses, we can gain insight into how his values shape his relationships and ultimately lead to his tragic downfall.
The Weight of Responsibility
One of Troy’s most prominent values is his understanding of responsibility, particularly in relation to family. As a father and husband, he believes it is his duty to provide for his family, which he sees as synonymous with being successful. This perspective stems from his own upbringing; having faced numerous challenges as a Black man in America, he views hard work as the only pathway to success. For Troy, this means working tirelessly as a garbage collector—a job that provides stability but comes with its own set of frustrations.
However, Troy’s sense of responsibility extends beyond mere financial provision. He often feels the need to protect his family from the harsh realities he has faced. This protective instinct sometimes manifests itself in domineering behavior towards those closest to him. For instance, when dealing with Cory’s aspirations to become a football player, Troy imposes his own fears and disappointments on Cory. He believes that by discouraging Cory from pursuing sports—which he sees as an unworthy pursuit for Black athletes—he is safeguarding him from potential failure and disappointment in a society that has historically marginalized Black individuals.
The Burden of Pride
Pride plays an equally significant role in shaping Troy’s character and values. While pride can be seen as positive self-respect or dignity, for Troy it often leads to arrogance and stubbornness. Throughout the play, we see how this pride causes friction between him and other characters. Take for example his relationship with Rose—his wife—who continuously tries to encourage him to embrace love over bitterness; however, Troy’s pride prevents him from admitting vulnerability or acknowledging her support fully.
This pride also makes it difficult for him to accept change or adapt to new situations. His refusal to allow Cory to pursue football reflects not just fear but an unwillingness to let go of control over outcomes that he himself could not achieve due to systemic barriers during his time as a young athlete. Instead of seeing Cory’s potential through fresh eyes, Troy views it through the lens of past failures—a mindset rooted firmly in pride that ultimately alienates those around him.
A Struggle Against Racial Injustice
Troy’s values are also profoundly influenced by race relations during the 1950s and 1960s in America. Having been denied opportunities because of systemic racism throughout much of his life—including being barred from playing Major League Baseball—Troy embodies frustration toward a society built on inequality. His experiences have instilled in him a belief that hard work alone does not guarantee success for Black individuals; instead, they must navigate countless obstacles simply due to their race.
This struggle against racial injustice informs many decisions throughout “Fences.” For instance, when discussing why he hasn’t achieved greater success despite years spent working hard at menial jobs like collecting garbage: “I don’t want you falling into that trap,” he tells Cory about sports—the very thing denied him during youth—and attempts at achieving equality feel futile based on past experiences alone.
Legacy and Its Costs
Ultimately though? The values driving Troy lead him down paths where legacy becomes intertwined with tragedy rather than triumph—the very fence he builds metaphorically isolates himself while simultaneously fencing out those who care most about him! His inability (or refusal) confront internal conflicts compounded by external pressures culminate into estranged relationships—with Rose becoming distant after learning about an affair—and son Cory severing ties out resentment stemming from unmet expectations alongside competing dreams
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The final scenes encapsulate how isolation born out sheer obstinance leaves lingering questions about what truly constitutes “success” along familial lines once bitter truths unravel throughout years lived under heavy burdens borne primarily alone!
Conclusion
Troy Maxson represents many complexities within Wilson’s “Fences” —a mix between responsibility towards loved ones weighed down alongside crippling pride intertwined deeply rooted societal injustices impacting generations past/present alike! Examining these layered dimensions reveals how our choices shape interactions leading others possibly drifting away based on conflicting beliefs surrounding ambition versus tradition held dear amidst struggles endured long before us ever came along…
- Wilson, August. *Fences*. Plume Books; 1986.
- Parker Jr., Richard A., “The Tragedy Of A Father.” *African American Review*, vol 30 no 4 (1996): 641-655.
- Lundquist B.J., “Black Masculinity And The American Dream: A Study Of August Wilson.” *The Journal Of American Culture*, vol 32 no 3 (2009): 232-244.
