Introduction
Different times and eras bring humanity to new levels of cultural development through the birth and becoming of outstanding personalities in dramaturgy. One such is Frederick August Kittel, a gifted young child who achieved literacy at age 4 and, throughout his adolescence, began frequenting the African American section of the library, immersing himself in several literary works (Lockhart, 2021). Confronted with pervasive prejudice throughout his impoverished existence, Wilson (given his mother’s surname) began actively composing poetry and attending various theater workshops (Lockhart, 2021). His life views and problems are reflected in the “Fences” play, which provides interrelations between the characters and his family members.
Playwright Background
The literary history is full of talented playwrights who made significant contributions to the development of dramatic arts. August Wilson’s body of work focused exclusively on African-American experiences and the lives of its people (Lockhart, 2021). He was a person who evoked the social problem of racial inequality, where Black people suffered a lot. His works serve as the pieces that evoke the feelings of tragedy and sadness of discriminated individuals.
The theater of this dramatist makes people feel like participants in past events that are beginning to prevail today. It reflects the complex, problematic realities of society. August Wilson solidified his identity via his plays, effectively portraying the historical experiences of African Americans (Lockhart, 2021). Such an approach in art and literature is crucial because it delivers not only visual and auditory satisfaction but also carries essential senses that help people develop morally.
Analysis of “Fences”
The world saw multiple great works by this author, which inspired people and other creators. Wilson’s famous play, “Fences,” is intricately connected to his situation. The theme of the masterpiece is race, inequality, and the suffering of families who try to survive in such conditions (Internet Archive, n.d.). The performance’s main character, Troy Maxson, is represented as a warrior who, with the qualities of hustle and pragmatism, is not afraid to face Death (Hadi Ali, 2022). Here, the viewer may notice a similarity between this role and the author, and sometimes his father, as their lives are based on surviving through endeavors that eventually lead to victory – a sense of purpose gained. It serves as a baseline for the story, showing a strong link between “Fences” and Wilson’s life.
Another aspect that displays to the viewer the interrelation between these two fates is the responsibility of relatives. This role seeks to resist society’s racist intentions and moods, defending his close ones, but internal conflicts arise (Internet archive, n.d.). August mirrors personal events by emphasizing the struggles, successes, and losses, crime, and the prison of Troy.
Here, Wilson’s father’s sequences may be found, who failed to provide his family with a happy, full-fledged life. The story of Troy’s betrayal in the play is explained from this perspective to reveal the reasons (Internet Archive, n.d.). It is interconnected with the events in Wilson’s household, where he tries to understand his father. Eventually, the theatrical work conveys macro-problems of society, as shown through racial discrimination, and micro-problems of civil units, represented by the characters and their own fates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Frederick August Kittel, who had a great talent from childhood, became famous for his outstanding plays. In his works, Wilson opened the problematic aspects of society, racial inequality, and family disputes and struggles. All of these issues were his own experiences; consequently, he transmitted them through his drama “Fences.” The author reflects on his personal experiences through the character Troy, who acquires behavioral traits from his father and, to some extent, from his own father. Eventually, he managed to convey his life views and problems through the play, as evidenced by the multiple interconnections between his biography and the characters’ fates.
References
Hadi Ali, H. (2022). The culture heritage protection: Suggestive themes and views of August Wilson’s Fences. Litinfinite, 4(1), 1-14.
Internet Archive: Digital Library (n.d.). Full text of August Wilson “Fences.”
Lockhart, P. (2021). In bloom: nurturing the liberation process of performer and character as Rose in August Wilson’s Fences. Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 3734.