Running head: THEMES IN FENCES 1

Themes in “Fences.”

Name

Institution
 Themes are essential literary devices used to communicate an author’s central idea in a

text. Although themes are not states in an outright manner, they are expressed through the

characters. The characters’ actions, thoughts, and opinions help bring out the work’s themes.

August Wilson’s play “Fences” explores the Maxson family’s life. The play examines how Troy

Maxson’s failure to achieve his dream of playing in the national baseball league influences his

relationship with his family. The author uses various themes to indicate the cause and

consequences of the family’s restrained relationship.

To start with, racism is a dominant theme throughout the play. The prejudice and

discrimination of black people by the whites is seen through Troy Maxson’s life. Troy Maxson is

an African American garbage collector. However, Troy complains to his boss Mr Rand that only

black people were given the tasks of lifting garbage into the truck. Although both the whites and

blacks are employed as manual laborers, the whites drive the trucks while the blacks do the

lifting “Why? Why you got the white mens driving and the colored lifting?” (1233). Troy is

observant that whites were only entitled to such treatment when it involved paper jobs that

required special skills. However, he argues that there should be no discrimination in manual jobs

“That ain’t no paper job! Hell, anybody can drive a truck” (1233). The allocation of jobs at

Troy’s workplace shows that blacks were seen as inferior to the whites in that they had to take on

the challenging jobs like lifting garbage while the white people did the more manageable tasks.

Although Troy complains to Mr Rand, he is asked to take his complaints to the union showing

Mr Rand’s unwillingness to deal with the discriminatory allegations.

Additionally, the theme reflects the time in which it was written. The play is set in

Pittsburg, a city in the United States. The United States is one of the most racially diverse

countries and also leads in cases of racism. The play is dated 1957, a time when racism was still
very rampant in the United States. Black people were discriminated and treated unfairly just like

at Troy’s workplace where the whites are privileged than the blacks. The segregation of the

blacks is portrayed symbolically through the fence that Troy builds at his home. The fence is

supposed to act as a fortress for the black people to escape from the dominant white community.

Also, the theme of racism still applies in today’s context in that black people are still

discriminated in society. Racism is still a rampant social problem in the United States today, as

people of color are discriminated and mistreated. These racial biases are the sole reason for the

emergence of black movements such as “Black Lives Matter” that attempt to fight against racial

abuses of the black community. Addressing the racism problem is essential in that it ensures that

people are treated equally irrespective of their racial differences. Also, eradicating racism will

help build a united community where all people’s voices are heard.

Secondly, family is also a dominant theme in the play. Typically, the play is a portrayal

of Troy Maxson’s family’s life and the various roles these family members play. The play

examines the member’s roles and how their commitment impacts their relationship. Since the

start, Troy’s relationship with his family is relatively restrained. Troy believes that he has to take

care of and protect his family. His inability to express his feelings despite being a dutiful

husband and father leads to the restrained relationship. The theme of family and duty is seen

when Cory and Troy are discussing Cory’s admission to the football team. Troy tell Cory that he

did not take care of him since he liked him, but rather it was his responsibility “Cause it’s my

duty to take care of you. I owe a responsibility to you!” (1251). Troy’s inability to express his

love for his son makes Cory think that he does not love him. However, Troy believes that it is his

duty to protect his son from failure and frustration. Troy denies Cory a chance to pursue football

as he does not want him to fail in life like he did “I don’t want him to be like me! I want him to
move as far away from my life as he can get” (1251). Troy denies his son an entry into the

football team as he is doubtful of Cory’s success in football with the rampant racism in their

society.

The theme of family and duty is important in that it reinforces the play’s central message

of racism. Troy is afraid that his son Cory would get his life’s dream shattered by the racial

discrimination in society. Additionally, the theme sheds light on the family member’s roles and

how these roles impact their relationship. The family theme also applies to today’s context in that

family members have defined roles and responsibility. To date, parents tend to protect their

children from making wrong decisions based on their experiences. Besides, the theme of family

is crucial as it shows how family roles impact family relationships.

All in all, racism and family are the central themes in Wilson’s play. These two themes

help portray the reasons behind Troy Maxson family’s restrained relationship and conflicts.

Since the play in a time when racism was very rampant, the family attempts to segregate itself

from the white-dominated community. Also, these themes are applicable in today’s contexts as

they are evident in the modern community and impact society and families in different ways.
 References

Wilson, A. “Fences.” The Norton Introduction to Literature.