Presented Period
After going through the film Fences and the play by the same name, it is evident that the authors present various events that describe American society in the 1950s. As a sanitation worker, Troy Maxson missed an opportunity to become a baseball player because of their age (Fences). These issues echo the predicaments African Americans appear to face during this period. Racism discourages most people from being courageous since their plights appear to be predetermined. Troy applies this understanding to prevent Cory from pursuing similar dreams.
Current Events
August Wilson examined several events that occurred place in the United States around the mid-20th century to develop his story. For instance, cases of racial discrimination were common in the country, while African Americans were against the malpractice. Nonetheless, the pursuit of the American dream proved problematic for the majority of African Americans. These issues are evident in the lives of Cory and Troy. Those who wanted to become professional players, such as John Gibson, encountered various barriers. Additionally, the psyche prior to the Vietnam War also influenced people’s goals in the society (Abbas 12). Despite such issues, African Americans supported the bonds of their families and remained resolute in pursuing their goals.
Wilson’s Personal Life
Wilson was born and grew up in Hill District, Pittsburg. His mother used to work as a cleaner to meet the demands of her six children. The family members would struggle to have decent lives, a common issue most African Americans faced in their respective communities (Hadi 227). The story of Troy, who he presents as a sanitation worker, echoes his experiences with menial jobs at a tender age. Troy’s decision not to support his son to become a baseball player echoes the intentions of Wilson’s mother to make him a lawyer.
Understanding Wilson’s Works
After his move to pursue a career as a writer, Wilson decides to rely on his experiences to expose the challenges African Americans encounter in the 1950s. He identified how the majority of them were unable to achieve their goals (Wilson 28). He also remained committed to his family, a theme that would feature prominently in most of his works, including Fences. Just like Wilson, African Americans appear to receive additional incentives for remaining committed to transforming their lives.
References
Abbas, Mohsen K. “Larger than life: Mythicizing the Life and Death of August Wilson’s Fences’ Hero.” Journal of Scientific Research in Arts Language & Literature, vol. 1, no. 1 (2021), pp. 1-25.
Hadi, Inam H. “Sublimation and the New Culture in August Wilson’s Fences.” International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, vol. 11, no. 1, 2020, pp. 221-235.
Washington, Denzel, director. Fences. Paramount Pictures, 2016.
Wilson, August. Fences: A Play by August Wilson. New York: Plume, 1986.