103 Fences Essay Topics & Examples

Below, find amazing Fences essay prompts and ideas to start your paper. Write your thesis statement or approach a character analysis with titles prepared by our team.

🔝 Top-10 Fences Essay Topics

1. August Wilson’s “Fences” Play vs. Movie Comparison
2. American Dream: “Fences” by August Wilson
3. Family, Duty, and Betrayal in “Fences” by Wilson
4. Rose Maxon Character in the Play “Fences” by August Wilson
5. The Meaning of Fences in Wilson’s Play Fences
6. Symbolic Title of August Wilson’s “Fences” Play
7. Comparing A Raisin in the Sun by L. Hansberry and Fences by A. Wilson
8. August Wilson’s the “Fences” Literature Analysis
9. Marriage in Plays “A Doll’s House” and “Fences”
10. Role of Characters in “Fences” by August Wilson

🏆 Best Fences Essay Topics & Examples

1. Koprince’s “Baseball as History and Myth in August Wilson’s Fences”
   Although the connection between baseball and the thematic development of the play might seem tangential at first, a closer analysis of the manner in which the game I mentioned in the novel will show that […]
2. Dreams vs. Reality: “Fences” and “O’ Pioneer”
   The hallucination about death leads to a conflict between Troy and his wife, but eventually the tussle draws the theme of reality.
3. Is Troy Maxson (Wilson’s Fences) a Victim of Racism?
   As a black American, Troy’s childhood experiences have been passed on to his children, making him a victim of an oppressive culture. Therefore, this makes Troy a victim of racism and culture, contributing to his […]
4. “Fences” by August Wilson Literature Analysis
   The first part is revealed in the very beginning of the play, more so, in the very setting of the play: “a small dirt yard, partially fenced”.
5. The Significance of Fences
   By naming his play Fences, the plural form of the word even though only a single physical fence is evident in the play, August Wilson brings attention to the symbolism of the fence itself as […]
6. African Americans’ Ambitions: “Fences” by August Wilson
   Wilson is successful in displaying is perspective on what issues experienced by women who are attempting to attain their dreams as a kind of equality and acceptance in the community.
7. Psychological Freedom
   Wilson’s experience relates to the experience of Cory and his father Troy in the play. The play exhibits determination that Troy employs as he faces numerous challenges in life that prompt him to endure and […]
8. The Play “Fences” by August Wilson
   It is hard to disagree that different historical and cultural contexts in literary works allow for a better understanding of the meanings and plots implied by the authors.
9. Scene of Troy’s Madness in “Fences” Play and Film
   However, in the film Fences, directed by Denzel Washington, the scene after Troy’s fight with Cory does not show the full spectrum of the main character’s emotions, and the blurred background distracts viewers.
10. Background of the “Fences” Film and Its Author
    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.
11. Art and Its Political Sense in “Fences” by August Wilson
    In 1985, August Wilson created a play, Fences, and described the life of a Black American family in a world full of white prejudices and judgments.
12. The Play “Fences” by August Wilson
    One of the main protagonists of the play “Fences” by August Wilson is Troy Maxson, the father of the Maxson family.
13. The Essence of the Central Characters in August Wilson’s “Fences”
    The play’s central conflict revolves around the struggle for justice in the 1950s and the reluctance of human nature to recognize and accept social change.
14. Washington’s “Fences”: Plot, Settings, and Director Work
    The setting of the film is well-demonstrated by the old buildings, communal lifestyle, the dressing code, the automobiles used, and the street matches.
15. Interpretations of “Fences” by August Wilson
    It is vital to say that each of the three versions, movie, play, and text, is unique, and the spectator perceives it differently.
16. Father-Son Dynamics in “Fences” by A. Wilson
    Despite Troy’s accusations that his father was wicked and the devil, his father has continued to beat him brutally. His isolation from his father shaped Troy’s view of manhood after the violence and betrayal of […]
17. Miller’s Death of a Salesman vs. Wilson’s Fences
    The two characters, Willy Lowman and Troy Maxon, can get a lot of challenges and fences in their quest to achieve the American Dream. One common idea in the two plays, Fences and the Death […]
18. Phenomenal Success of August Wilson’s Fences Play
    The first indication of the main character’s straightforwardness, which is the main factor of the play’s success, is Troy’s argument with the company boss concerning the division of labor.
19. Brighton Beach Memoirs’ by Simon and ‘Fences’ by Wilson
    It is possible that the fence itself was not of crucial importance for the small and dirty backyard, but the project itself united the members of the family and revealed the differences in their life […]
20. Symbolic Criticism in ‘Fences’ by August Wilson
    The focal point of this paper is to present a symbolic criticism of the play “Fences” by August Wilson with a special emphasis on the significance of Gabriel in the play.
21. August Wilson’s “Fences” Review
    At the same time, Troy tries the best way he knows how to direct the course of his own son’s life away from the negative influence of the boy’s ancestors.
22. Literature Analysis of the Play “Fences” by August Wilson
    An illustration of the way Troy “misses the mark” in the play is by considering his relationship with the son, Cory.
23. Fences: On Stubbornness and Baseball
    Even the play’s title, Fences, is a reference to “swinging for the fences” in addition to the literal and metaphorical fences Troy builds that keep the other characters out or in.
24. The Theme of Liberation From Racism in Two Plays by August Wilson
    Further, the feasibility and relevance of the short stories in the life of Wilson will be well outlined. The discussion will outline the clearer way in which the author could have better presented the theme […]
25. Hardships, Family Relationships, Insanity and Death in Two Renowned Dramas Fences by Wilson and Death of a Salesman by Miller
    Unfortunately, this led one of them to insanity and the other one to alienate himself from the rest of the family.
26. Fences by August Wilson
    Racism and discrimination becomes the centre stone of our analysis by providing the metaphoric activity of the play which however illustrates the distinct relationships that existed between the black and white cultures in 1950s.

🔥 Fences Essay Prompts

Trying to find what to write about? Check out these prompts for extra inspiration:

• Why do August Wilson’s works have slow plots? Many readers argue that Fences and the author’s other works are about “nothing.” Do you think that’s true, or does the plot’s subtlety make it nearly impossible to find its meaning?
• The role of women in Fences. Wilson mentions Rose and some other women in his play. How do these characters reflect the typical role of women in the 1950s? What traits or actions point out at it? Share your opinion, and remember to include strong arguments to support it.
• Wilson’s Fences language and its effect on the setting. If you ever had a feeling that Fences might as well take place at another time, you’re not wrong. What decade do you think the author’s language fits better?
• “Blues aesthetics” in Fences. Blues plays a significant role in Wilson’s work. Every song has its meaning. What aspect points to the importance of blues? You can analyze and discuss this issue.
• Troy in Fences as a character with no label. Troy is different from any other hero, villain, or tragic figure in the plays. Do you think he might be a combination of all these types? How does it manifest?

🔍 Simple & Easy Fences Essay Titles

1. The Conflict and Lack of Love Between Troy and Cory in “Fences” by August Wilson
2. The Roles of Black Men in “Fences” by August Wilson
3. The Symbolic Importance of the Fence in August Wilson’s “Fences”
4. The Value of Family in “Fences” by August Wilson
5. Tragedy in “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller and “Fences” by August Wilson
6. Feminist Criticism in August Wilson’s “Fences”
7. Life Lessons in August Wilson’s “Fences” and James Thurber’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”
8. Spirituality & Religion in August Wilson’s “Fences”
9. The Importance of Characters in “Fences” by August Wilson
10. Dramaturgy and Symbol in August Wilson’s “Fences” and J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye”
11. The Analysis of Troy Character in “Fences” by August Wilson
12. The Theme of Money in August Wilson’s “Fences” and Lorraine Hansbury’s “A Raisin in the Sun”
13. Fences as Metaphor in “Fences” by August Wilson
14. Confusion of Pleasure and Confusion in “Fences” by August Wilson
15. The Role of Money in Novels “Fences” by August Wilson and “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansbury
16. Failing Father and Son Relationships in “Fences” by August Wilson
17. Isolation and Alienation of Troy in Wilson’s “Fences”
18. The Symbolical Meaning Behind the Title of “Fences” by August Wilson
19. The Effects of Slavery Depicted in “A New Song” by Langston Hughes and “Fences” by August Wilson

🤔 Thought-Provoking Fences Questions

What Is the Overall Message of Fences?

One of the most popular questions about Fences might be about its central message. August Wilson explores the aspects of the major switch in the African American community. The play highlights the struggles these people faced in the 1950s while trying to live a peaceful life in a racist neighborhood.

Why Does Gabriel Carry a Trumpet in Fences?

Gabriel, the main character’s brother in Fences, carries a trumpet everywhere he goes. He was injured at war and firmly believes he’s an archangel now. His time at home likely made him think he was in heaven, which is why Gabriel holds a trumpet to be always ready to open heaven’s door

What Does Fences Teach Us?

August Wilson emphasizes how love wins over anything. The main character of Fences, Troy, has many challenges to overcome and makes bad decisions. Yet, he’s still full of love. Other characters, such as Gabriel, Rose, and Cory, also choose love.

What Does the Devil Symbolize to Troy?

Troy from Fences doesn’t just see the devil as an imaginary figure from hell. He pictures the devil as a living man wearing a white hood, which resembles the appearance of KKK members. This gives the play a special meaning regarding racism. Troy’s stories about the devil highlight his fight against injustice and prejudice.

What Does the Fence in Fences Symbolize?

Every reader interprets the fence in the play differently. However, some meanings are more popular than others. For example, the fence around the main character’s house may symbolize family union and protection. Another opposite interpretation is that it keeps the Maxsons away as if they’re outsiders.

💡 Most Interesting Fences Thesis Ideas

1. Comparison of August Wilson’s “Fences” and “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller
2. The Values of Troy Maxon in “Fences” by August Wilson
3. Racial Discrimination and Identity of African Americans in “Fences” by August Wilson
4. The Important People in the Life of Troy in “Fences” by August Wilson
5. Elusive Perfection in Wilson’s “Fences”
6. Understanding August Wilson’s “Fences”: Helpfulness of Lyon’s Interview With the Author
7. Pursuit of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby” and in Wilson’s “Fences”
8. Racism and Poverty in “Fences” by August Wilson
9. The Different Meaning of the Metaphor in “Fences” by August Wilson
10. Relationships, Racism, and Drama in August Wilson’s “Fences”
11. Conflict and the Flaws of Troy in “Fences” by August Wilson
12. The Relationship of Rose With Bono, Cory, and Troy in “Fences” by August Wilson
13. The Use of Tension in “Fences” by August Wilson
14. Troy’s Battle With Anger in August Wilson’s “Fences”
15. Representation of the Widespread Segregation, Discrimination, and Racism in “Fences” by August Wilson
16. Racism Exposed in “Fences” by August Wilson
17. The Monumental Responsibilities in the Constructs of the Director in “Fences” by August Wilson
18. Character Analysis of Rose in “Fences” by August Wilson

🎓 Fences Thesis Statement Examples

Writing a thesis statement is one of the most challenging steps in writing an essay. You can take the following examples of thesis statements for Fences as inspo:

1. Topic: The importance of the setting in Fences.
   Thesis: The place and time of Wilson’s play are significant because they signify the most vital changes in the African American rights dynamic.
2. Topic: Troy from Fences as the most relatable character.
   Thesis: August Wilson created Troy as a mix-up character who is not a villain but not a role-model hero either, which makes him relatable and universal.
3. Topic: What does Rose represent in Wilson’s play?
   Thesis: Rose from Fences is a controversial character because she is a traditional wife and mother, which makes her seem oppressed, yet she displays feminist qualities because she made this choice on her own.
4. Topic: The father-son family trauma cycle in Fences.
   Thesis: The relationship between Troy and his son resembles the one he had with his own father, which causes the trauma to repeat itself.
5. Topic: The meaning of baseball in Wilson’s Fences.
   Thesis: Troy, the main character of the play, uses baseball to talk about his life, with two strikes for his failures to build good relationships with his wife and son.

❓ Fences Essay Questions

1. How Does “Fences” Fulfill Wilson’s Description of the Style as a “Blues Aesthetic”?
2. What Is the Significance of Troy’s Name in “Fences”?
3. Why Does Gabriel Carry a Trumpet Around His Neck in “Fences”?
4. What Traits Make Troy Maxson an Unlikable Protagonist of “Fences”?
5. Is Rose’s Character From “Fences” an Example of Feminism or an Example of the Repressed Role of Women in Society?
6. What Traits Make Troy Maxson a Redeemed Protagonist of “Fences”?
7. Why Is the Setting of the “Fences” Important?
8. When Troy Talks About the Devil Selling Him Furniture What Is He Talking About in “Fences”?
9. Why Is Troy Maxson Considered an “Everyman” Character in “Fences”?
10. What Is the Meaning of Baseball in the Play “Fences”?
11. Is Troy a Tragic Figure, a Hero, a Villain, or a Combination of These Types in “Fences”?
12. How Does Wilson in “Fences” Create the Period of the Play With His Language?
13. What Is the Cycle of Father-Son Relationships in the Play “Fences”?
14. What Does the Character Gabriel From “Fences” Highlight About the Effect of Military Service on African Americans Who Served in World War II?
15. How Did You Feel When Troy Admits His Affair to Rose but Won’t Promise to End the Affair in “Fences”?
16. What Is the Role of the Blues in “Fences”?
17. Do You Believe Troy When He Says He Doesn’t Want Cory to Be at All Like Him in “Fences”?
18. Did Rose Know About Troy’s Affair All Along in “Fences”?
19. Is the Fence in the Play Meant to Keep People Out or Keep People In?
20. What if the Fence Wilson Is Talking About Is the Limitations Some People Face in the World?
21. What Is Your Favorite Character in the Book ‘Fences’?
22. How Did Your Feelings About Troy Change During the Play in “Fences”?
23. How Much of Troy’s Bitterness Comes From Pain He Still Feels From Growing up With His Own Father in “Fences”?
24. Who Is the Protagonist in the “Fences”, and What Does He or She Want Most?
25. If You Were Writing Troy’s Eulogy, What Would You Say About Him in “Fences”?
26. What Is Gabriel’s Role in the Play “Fences”?
27. What Does It Mean That Cory Joins the Military at the End of the “Fences”?
28. Why Is There So Much Music in “Fences”, Whether Sung, Played on an Instrument, or Mentioned in Conversation?
29. Which Conflict Does Wilson Use to Drive the Story ‘Fences’?
30. How Is American Dream Depicted in August Wilson’s Play “Fences”?