Fences
by August Wilson
There are many struggles that arose from the civil rights
movement. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, every norm that had been set in place
would now be put into question. This play “Fences”, deal with the African
American family, Troy, Rose and Cory Maxson and the struggles they are faced
with, past and present. Troy struggles with roles he had to take a young age,
coming of age too soon, the problems of what fatherhood is, the lack of
education, racial discrimination and love. Rose is confronted with her roles as
a woman attempting to let her voice be heard, motherhood, not being able to
move forward, and infidelity. Troy is a teenager questions his relationship
with his father, his potential success, and his conflict with accepting history.
This play opens up a dialogue to discuss how history continues to have repercussion
even when the country is in route to a better system, how this not only affects
the ones who have lived through it but the generations to come. Moreover, there is also the role of fatherhood
that is question, how much of the relationship is composed through emotion and
obligation? Can either one be excluded?
Focusing on African American family, this play offers and
insight to student that may be relatable or completely distinct to their own.
How many times to we not read a book and read about a family that is the ideal
family, supportive parents dealing with the heartbroken teen? While it may be cliché
it is something we described in most play for teenager, however Fences is as
real as it gets. What happens when you marry someone who feel like they haven’t
prosper with their partner by their side? That what Troy felt with Rose,
however Rose let him know, she has been standing in the same spot with him. He
not only failed himself but her as well. What about being a father when you are
still a child? What if you had your own dreams but society and life has
constructed and pushed you into a mold that makes you a provider. Can you feel
resentment? It is okay? Is infidelity okay when It makes you feel free? These are
just some of the things you can begin to question acting out this play.
Pros:
·
Interesting perspective of what effects the late
1950s and early 1960s had on the African American family.
·
Also allows an insight to how parenthood is
affected by past experiences
·
Freedom is discuss in multiple ways
Cons:
·
It is a very emotional book that talks about difficult
familial situations that may be hard/uncomfortable for students to discuss
Links
Where to buy..
Who is August Wilson?
Movie Trailer/ Play acted out however the printed play takes
place on stage versus the movie which moves to different places.
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