Building A Fence Around August English Literature Essay

Building A Fence Around August English Literature Essay Family life of the 1950’s was different from any other time in America’s history. Many soldiers returned home from war and married young, in hopes to create simpler lives for their families. For so many, this was the white American Dream. For African Americans, this dream was much harder to attain. For Troy Maxson, the tragic hero in August Wilson’s Fences, this was no exception. In her essay, â€Å"Baseball as History and Myth in August Wilson’s Fences† Susan Koprince notes that for Troy, â€Å"the American dreamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦turned into a prolonged nightmare† (1104). Racism, segregation, and poverty ran amuck and many blacks found it difficult to find success in this white man’s world. However, at the heart of all of Wilson’s classic and timeless works, are what he refers to as â€Å"the Big Themes†, â€Å"love, honor, duty, [and] betrayal† (Miles, 1096). These universal themes are integral and allow readers to understand the plight that black families in the fifties had to endure, in order to get by. Troy Maxson, above all else, takes to heart his duties as a sole provider for his family. However, Troy often finds himself torn between a desire for more personal liberties in his own life and a sense of commitment to care for his family. These duties to his family are not without fault. Although Troy is a wonderful financial provider for the family, he still feels he does not need to show affection to any of his children. This rings particularly true for his youngest son, Cory. While they work to erect a fence around their yard, Cory asks his father, â€Å"‘How come you ain’t never liked me?'† Troy, furious at this inquiry, tells Cory, â€Å"‘it’s my duty to take care of you. I owe a responsibility to youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Not cause I like you! Cause you my son'† (Wilson, 1049-50). As breadwinner for the family, Troy necessitates himself to deliver food and shelter, but he makes it clear to Cory, as sole provider, that is all he is required to give. Furthermore, Troy’s remarks show readers just how defeated he is of the never-ending task of caring for his family. Troy, however, is not the only member of the household that has an obligation to the family. After Troy confesses to Rose about his affair and the child that Alberta is carrying, Rose chides, â€Å"‘I gave everything I had to try and erase the doubt that you wasn’t the finest man in the world†¦Cause you was my husband'† (1067). These remarks allow readers to grasp the role Rose undertakes as Troy’s loving and faithful wife. Harry J. Elam Jr. notes in his essay, â€Å"August Wilson† that, â€Å"Troy’s adulteryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ propels Rose, to reassess her situation, to gain a greater self-awareness, to change (1102). Rose is a powerful representative of steadfast loyalty; she remains committed to Troy and her duties to hi m, despite his unfaithfulness to her. Even as she undertakes the role of caring for Troy’s lovechild, Rose evokes a powerful sense of sympathy from readers. Despite the infidelity, Rose decides to stay with Troy for the sake of the family. This act additionally solidifies her duty as a wife and mother. In the argument with Rose, following his confession, Troy exclaims that he has spent his whole life trying to live a â€Å"‘decent†¦cleanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦hardà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦useful life'† (Wilson, 1066). This remark illustrates how Troy has always been the provider of the home they shared for many years, even though the affair may have only recently started. It appears to readers that through this comment, Troy justifies his own reasons for the infidelity. In his essay â€Å"Fiery Fences,† Clive Barnes remarks how Troy eventually â€Å"sees himself as a man fenced in with responsibilities† (1085). Ironically, the fence Troy erects around his home, i mprisons him from achieving the independence he so desperately craves.