Introduction
Racism in the United States puts a significant strain on Black communities, as many authors from these backgrounds show. August Wilson’s Fences is a perfect example of a work that explores this subject. To deal with racial segregation and the prospects that African Americans had in life during that time, Troy pushes his son away (Wilson 35).
The Theme of Racism in Fences
Interpersonal conflict plays a vital role in Fences, as the author uses this hostility to reveal Black people’s experiences in the twentieth century. Cory’s views on life are incompatible with Troy’s, which causes them to conflict. The root of the conflict lies in Troy’s perceptions of the future that Cory can expect, which focuses on learning a trade skill rather than aiming for a prestigious profession (Wilson 35).
The interpersonal conflict portrayed in this play creates chaos for all involved individuals, as their lives are adversely affected by Troy’s stubbornness. Sharma writes that the main character has “preconceived notions about various dimensions of human life,” contradicting others’ perceptions, desires, and overarching goals (369). The author uses these experiences to pinpoint the root of Troy’s problems, extrapolating his situation to the maximum. Simultaneously, it is demonstrated that Cory does not possess such barriers, refusing to sit behind the veil put up by his father (Stellingwerf 25). Both sides can’t find common ground, as one’s limitations may not apply to others.
In turn, Troy strives to build a fence to protect his memories of failed ideals against the injustices that cause the hostility shown in the play. However, this fence can be seen as a form of antisocial behavior, which is destructive to society (Ali 2). Despite this notion, Troy cares for his family in a way he understands.
Cory’s disobedience is a nuisance for Troy, who seeks to avoid further exposure of his children to the cruelties of the outside world (Wilson 50). Disregarding others’ desires, Troy sees such conflicts as a favorable outcome to having one’s dreams crushed. When Bono tries to challenge the main character’s views on life, he is met with a mental wall, unlike the fence he builds on his property (Sharma 372). No such deeply seated idea regarding the better path for all benefits exists.
Racism is a common denominator in Troy’s relationship with his family. Troy’s broken dreams of becoming a major league baseball player are the source of this issue, which he blames on the systemic discrimination in professional sports (Stellingwerf 8). This incident impacts every person around Troy who strives to avoid similar pains. Therefore, the isolation caused by the interactions between Troy and society causes him to perceive isolation as the only way forward (Ali 2). Throughout the play, Troy pushes this narrative onto others, causing them to resent his attempts to help others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, August Wilson reveals how racism shapes the experiences of African Americans by hindering their potential, which is shown through the conflict between Troy and Cory. Troy, whose experiences tell him that Black people can not expect to achieve what his son aims for, tries to help Cory through harsh treatment. While the main character may be seen as commanding and rude, his appearance is dictated by the conditions he has been exposed to throughout his life. Further research provides an idea of the social circumstances shaping one’s behavior.
Works Cited
Ali, Hasan H. “The Culture Heritage Protection: Suggestive Themes and Views of August Wilson’s Fences.” Litfinite, vol. 4, no. 1, 2022, pp. 1-12. Web.
Sharma, Su. “Analyzing The Rhetoric of Language in August Wilson’s “Fences”.” International Journal of Arts and Humanities, vol. 3, no. 9. 2019, pp. 369-375. Web.
Stellingwerf, Kaitlin. Stepping Beyond the Veil and Breaking the Pittsburgh Cycle: The American Dream, Otherness, and Generational Trauma in August Wilson’s Cycle Plays. 2019. Seton Hall University, PhD dissertation. Web.
Wilson, August. Fences. Plume, 1986.