Plot:

From the beginning of the play, we are exposed (exposition (from the start to Mid Act 1 Scene 1)) to
Troy Maxson, an African American who works as a garbage collector and lives in Pittsburgh during the
1950s, his wife Rose, their son Cory, and Troy's best friend, Bono. We learn about Troy’s dissatisfaction
with his status as garbage collector and his attempt to get promoted as a driver, an occupation reserved only
for the white people. We also find out about Troy’s possible affair with Alberta as Bono hints “I see you be
walking up around Alberta’s house.”
The action starts to rise (rising action) with a discussion between Troy and Rose (Mid Act 1 Scene 1)
which unveils the stressed relationship with his son Cory. Despite Cory “got recruited by a college football
team”, Troy opposes the idea and thinks that “The white man ain't gonna let him get nowhere with that
football.” We understand that Troy’s attitude is due to his past as a baseball player who was denied the
opportunity to play in the Major Leagues due to racial discrimination. The tension escalates more when
Cory confronts Troy about his controlling behavior, leading to strike one as “(CORY reluctantly crosses
over to Troy.)” (End Act 1 Scene 4). That tension is coupled with Troy and Rose's repeated argument about
finishing the fence and how to support Gabriel, Troy’s mentally impaired brother due to a head injury
during WWII, after he moves out and is frequently in trouble with the law. The pressure continues to rise
when Troy confesses to Rose that he has been having an affair and he’s “gonna be somebody's daddy.”
(Mid Act 2 Scene 1). When Troy tries to explain why the affair matters to him, Rose walks away and
accuses him of always taking and never giving. For that, Troy grabs her arm roughly but Cory intervenes
and knocks his father to the ground, making strike two (End Act 2 Scene 1). Six months later, Rose talks to
Troy for the first time after his confession about his affair and they argue about Gabe being sent to hospital
because Troy signed the papers for that. In a tragic turn, Alberta dies while giving birth to Raynell (End Act
2 Scene 2). Three days later, although she can't forgive Troy for his actions, Rose agrees to care for
Alberta's baby (Start of Act 2 Scene 3).

Two months later, we come to a climax point when Troy, consumed by resentment and loneliness, drives
Cory away from home after a violent quarrel over what Troy thinks lack of respect. This strike three marks
the end of what is left of the father-son bond (Act 2 Scene 4).

About seven years later, the action starts to fall with the preparation for Troy's Funeral. All family
members are reunited for the occasion, showing family unity despite the past conflicts. After we are
exposed to his mixed feelings towards Troy, Rose convinces Cory to attend the funeral stating that
“Disrespecting your daddy ain't gonna make you a man”.
In the resolution, Gabriel's attempt to open the gates of heaven with his music and dance symbolizes Troy's
spiritual journey, offering a transcendent moment of acceptance and redemption (Act 2 Scene 5).
Plot:
From the beginning of the play, we are exposed (exposition) to Troy Maxson, an African American who
works as a garbage collector and lives in Pittsburgh during the 1950s, his wife Rose, their son Cory, and
Troy's best friend, Bono. We learn about Troy’s dissatisfaction with his status as garbage collector and his
attempt to get promoted as a driver, an occupation reserved only for the white people. We also find out
about Troy’s possible affair with Alberta as Bono hints “I see you be walking up around Alberta’s house.”
The action starts to rise (rising action) with a discussion between Troy and Rose which unveils the stressed
relationship with his son Cory. Despite Cory “got recruited by a college football team”, Troy opposes the
idea and thinks that “The white man ain't gonna let him get nowhere with that football.” We understand
that Troy’s attitude is due to his past as a baseball player who was denied the opportunity to play in the
Major Leagues due to racial discrimination. The tension escalates more when Cory confronts Troy about his
controlling behavior, leading to strike one as “(CORY reluctantly crosses over to Troy.)”. That tension is
coupled with Troy and Rose's repeated argument about finishing the fence and how to support Gabriel,
Troy’s mentally impaired brother due to a head injury during WWII, after he moves out and is frequently in
trouble with the law. The pressure continues to rise when Troy confesses to Rose that he has been having an
affair and he’s “gonna be somebody's daddy.”. When Troy tries to explain why the affair matters to him,
Rose walks away and accuses him of always taking and never giving. For that, Troy grabs her arm roughly
but Cory intervenes and knocks his father to the ground, making strike two. Six months later, Rose talks to
Troy for the first time after his confession about his affair and they argue about Gabe being sent to hospital
because Troy signed the papers for that. In a tragic turn, Alberta dies while giving birth to Raynell. Three
days later, although she can't forgive Troy for his actions, Rose agrees to care for Alberta's baby.

Two months later, we come to a climax point when Troy, consumed by resentment and loneliness, drives
Cory away from home after a violent quarrel over what Troy thinks lack of respect. This strike three marks
the end of what is left of the father-son bond.

About seven years later, the action starts to fall with the preparation for Troy's Funeral. All family
members are reunited for the occasion, showing family unity despite the past conflicts. After we are
exposed to his mixed feelings towards Troy, Rose convinces Cory to attend the funeral stating that
“Disrespecting your daddy ain't gonna make you a man”.
In the resolution, Gabriel's attempt to open the gates of heaven with his music and dance symbolizes Troy's
spiritual journey, offering a transcendent moment of acceptance and redemption.
 Main Events and Implications
Act 1 Scene 1:
Troy and Bono's Payday Tradition: Troy and Bono finish work, head to Troy's house for their weekly
drinking ritual. / Establishes their close friendship and routine.
Story about Brownie and Watermelon: Troy recounts Brownie's embarrassment over hiding a
watermelon. / Highlights racial stereotypes and Troy's disregard for them.
Troy's Complaint at Work: Troy discusses his complaint about Black employees not driving garbage
trucks. / Sets up a conflict regarding racial discrimination and Troy's defiance.
Discussion about Alberta: Bono hints at Troy's possible affair with Alberta. / Foreshadows marital issues
and secrets.
Rose's Arrival and Cory's Football Recruitment: Rose shares news about Cory being recruited for
college football. / Introduces family dynamics and Troy's conflicted feelings about sports.
Troy's Pneumonia Story: Troy recounts a fantastical tale of his fight with Death during illness. / Reveals
Troy's storytelling nature and his struggle with mortality.
Lyons' Visit and Money Borrowing: Lyons arrives to borrow money from Troy. / Highlights Troy's
strained relationship with his son and financial struggles.
Bono's Departure and Troy's Love for Rose: Bono leaves for dinner with his wife, Lucille. / Shows the
contrast between Troy's outward affection for Rose and his secretive behavior.
Act 1 Scene 2:
Rose Hangs Laundry and Sings a Song: Rose sings a song asking Jesus to protect her like a fence. /
Symbolizes Rose's desire for protection and stability in her life.
Troy and Rose's Discussion about the Numbers: Troy criticizes Rose and Lyons for playing the numbers.
/ Highlights Troy's selfishness and insensitivity to Rose's coping mechanisms.
Gabriel's Arrival and Song: Gabriel arrives singing about selling plums but doesn't have any. / Introduces
Gabriel's eccentricity and his belief in his own divine purpose.
Gabriel's Revelation about Judgment Day: Gabriel tells Troy about seeing St. Peter's book and mentions
Troy's name. / Raises questions about Troy's morality and foreshadows themes of redemption and
accountability.
Rose and Troy's Argument about Gabriel: Rose and Troy argue about how to support Gabriel after he
moves out. / Reveals Troy's guilt about managing Gabriel's money and his conflicted feelings about
responsibility.
Troy's Promise to Work on the Fence: Troy promises Rose he'll work on the fence after going to Taylor's.
/ Shows Troy's avoidance of responsibilities and his tendency to prioritize his own interests.
Gabriel's Departure and Warning: Gabriel leaves, warning Troy to prepare for Judgment Day. /
Symbolizes Gabriel's role as a harbinger (indication) of truth and consequence in Troy's life.
Act 1 Scene 3:
Cory's Arrival Home: Cory comes home from football practice. / Sets the stage for a confrontation
between Cory and Troy.
Troy and Rose's Argument about the Fence: Rose tells Troy about Cory's complaints regarding the
fence. / Reflects Troy's neglect of responsibilities and strained family dynamics.
Troy's Interaction with Cory: Troy reproaches Cory for not helping with the fence. / Highlights Troy's
authoritarian parenting style and Cory's frustration.
Troy and Cory's Conversation about a Television: Troy and Cory discuss purchasing a television versus
a new roof. / Reveals differing priorities and values between father and son.
Discussion about Baseball and Cory's Dreams: Troy and Cory argue about the status of Black players in
baseball and Cory's desire to play college football. / Exposes Troy's inflexibility, denial of progress, and
refusal to support Cory's ambitions.
Troy's Refusal to Allow Cory to Play Football: Troy refuses to sign permission papers for Cory to play
college football. / Highlights Troy's control over Cory's future and his fear of Cory facing the same
disappointments he did.
Cory's Plea and Troy's Ultimatum: Cory begs Troy to change his mind, but Troy demands Cory to get his
job back at the A&P. / Illustrates the power dynamic in their relationship and Troy's unwillingness to
compromise.
Rose's Intervention: Rose tries to reason with Troy and convince him to support Cory's dreams. / Shows
Rose's empathy towards Cory and her attempt to bridge the gap between father and son.
Act 1 Scene 4:
Troy and Bono Celebrate Troy's Promotion: Troy shares the news of his promotion, becoming the first
Black garbage truck driver. / Highlights Troy's success in challenging racial barriers and the significance of
the promotion in their lives.
Lyons Repays Troy and Discusses Jazz: Lyons repays the ten dollars he borrowed and discusses jazz
music. / Illustrates Troy's discomfort with unfamiliar cultural expressions and Lyons' different interests.
Gabriel's Arrival and Discussion about Heaven: Gabriel arrives and talks about his role in opening the
gates to heaven. / Adds a touch of mysticism and foreshadows Gabriel's symbolic significance in the play.
Troy and Bono Reflect on Their Fathers: Troy and Bono reminisce about their fathers and their
upbringing. / Provides insight into Troy and Bono's past, shaping their present attitudes and behaviors.
Cory's Confrontation with Troy: Cory confronts Troy after learning that Troy talked to Coach Zellman
about Cory's football prospects. / Intensifies the conflict between Troy and Cory, revealing Cory's
frustration and Troy's control over Cory's future.
Act 2 Scene 1:
Cory Hits the Baseball and Talks to Rose: Cory informs Rose that he isn't quitting the football team and
agrees to talk to Troy. / Cory's determination to pursue his dreams despite Troy's opposition sets the stage
for conflict between father and son.
Troy Bails Gabriel Out of Jail: Troy bails Gabriel out of jail for disturbing the peace, costing him fifty
dollars. / Highlights Gabriel's recurring troubles with the law and the strain it puts on Troy's finances.
Troy and Bono Work on the Fence: Troy and Bono work on the fence together, discussing Troy's
relationship with Alberta. / Bono's observation about Rose's desire for the fence reflects her commitment to
family and foreshadows Troy's betrayal.
Bono Confronts Troy about the Affair: Bono confronts Troy about his affair with Alberta, urging him to
end it and consider Rose's feelings. / Troy's confession to Bono marks the beginning of his acknowledgment
of the consequences of his actions.
Rose Learns about Troy's Affair and Pregnancy: Rose learns about Troy's affair and Alberta's
pregnancy, leading to a heated confrontation. / Troy's betrayal shatters Rose's trust and exposes the rift in
their marriage, leading to a pivotal moment of conflict.
Troy and Rose's Argument over Gabe and Responsibility: Troy and Rose argue about Gabe's recent
arrest and their differing opinions on his supervision. / Highlights Troy and Rose's differing approaches to
family responsibility and their strained relationship.
Cory Intervenes in Troy and Rose's Argument: Cory intervenes when Troy grabs Rose's arm, resulting
in a physical altercation between father and son. / Cory's action signifies his growing frustration with Troy's
behavior and sets the stage for further conflict.
Troy's Departure and Cory's Strike against Him: Troy leaves after Cory confronts him, warning Cory
that he has committed a second strike. / Cory's strike against Troy represents a breaking point in their
relationship and foreshadows further turmoil.
Act 2 Scene 2:
Rose Speaks to Troy after Six Months: Rose initiates a conversation with Troy, asking if he plans to come
home after work the next day. / Highlights the strained relationship between Troy and Rose, indicating a
lack of communication and emotional distance.
Troy Plans to Visit Alberta: Troy plans to visit Alberta at the hospital after work, lying to Rose about his
whereabouts. / Demonstrates Troy's continued deception and escape from reality through his affair with
Alberta.
Rose Confronts Troy about Gabe's Situation: Rose reveals to Troy that Gabe has been taken away to the
asylum because Troy signed papers without understanding their content. / Reveals the consequences of
Troy's illiteracy and poor decision-making, leading to Gabe's institutionalization.
Troy Learns about Alberta's Death and Raynell's Birth: Rose receives a phone call informing her that
Alberta died during childbirth, leaving behind a healthy baby girl named Raynell. / Marks a turning point in
Troy's illusionary world as the consequences of his affair become painfully real with Alberta's death and the
birth of his daughter.
Troy's Confrontation with Death: Troy confronts Death, challenging it to come for him after he builds a
fence, expressing defiance and determination. / Reflects Troy's ongoing struggle with mortality and his
desire to assert control over his fate, despite the chaos unfolding in his life.
Troy's Outburst towards Rose: Troy becomes aggressive towards Rose, expressing frustration and
anger. / Highlights the breakdown of Troy and Rose's relationship, fueled by Troy's guilt, anger, and
inability to confront his mistakes.
Act 2 Scene 3:
Troy Arrives Home with Raynell: Troy brings home his motherless baby, Raynell, uncertain of how Rose
will respond to him. / Highlights Troy's desperation and vulnerability as he confronts the consequences of
his affair and faces potential rejection from Rose.
Troy Sings on the Porch: Troy sits on the porch, singing a blues song about a man pleading with a train
engineer for a free ride, mirroring his own predicament. / Reflects Troy's emotional turmoil and the
existential crisis he faces as he grapples with his past mistakes and uncertain future.
Rose's Decision Regarding Raynell: Rose decides to accept Raynell as her own child, acknowledging the
baby's innocence despite her sinful parentage. / Demonstrates Rose's capacity for forgiveness and
compassion, contrasting with her rejection of Troy as her husband.
Rose's Rejection of Partnership with Troy: Rose refuses to honor her partnership with Troy, expressing
her disapproval of his actions and betrayal of her trust. / Marks the final breakdown of Troy and Rose's
marriage, highlighting the irreparable damage caused by Troy's affair.
Religious and Spiritual References: Troy's blues song and Rose's decision to accept Raynell despite her
sinful parentage reflect religious and spiritual themes of forgiveness and redemption. / Illustrates the
characters' grappling with moral and ethical dilemmas within the context of their religious beliefs and
cultural traditions.
Act 2 Scene 4:
Rose Prepares for Church Bake Sale; Lyons Pays Troy Back: Rose prepares for a church bake sale,
indicating her increased involvement in religious activities. / Lyons arrives to pay Troy back, showcasing a
sense of responsibility and respect despite his struggles. / Demonstrates Rose's growing independence and
Lyons' recognition of his obligations.
Troy and Bono's Reunion: Troy and Bono catch up after some time, reflecting on their hopes for early
retirement and their wives. / They acknowledge fulfilling their respective bets: Troy finishing the fence and
Bono buying the refrigerator. / Highlights the passage of time and the evolution of Troy and Bono's
friendship, marked by their changing circumstances and priorities.
Troy's Confrontation with Cory: Cory returns home, and Troy picks a fight with him over a perceived
lack of respect. / Troy asserts his authority as the father and breadwinner, demanding that Cory leave the
house. / Cory challenges Troy's authority and criticizes him for his recent failings with Rose. / Illustrates the
breakdown of the father-son relationship and the clash between generations, as Cory asserts his
independence and confronts Troy about his shortcomings.
Physical Altercation between Troy and Cory: Troy and Cory engage in a physical altercation,
culminating in Troy kicking Cory out of the house. / Troy wields a baseball bat, taunting Death and
expressing a renewed sense of strength after defeating Cory. / Represents the climax of the conflict between
Troy and Cory, marking Cory's departure from the household and the final breakdown of their relationship.
Loneliness and Estrangement: Troy's loneliness is emphasized as he drinks alone and sings a blues song
on the porch. / Bono's visit highlights the estrangement between him and Troy, as they struggle to
reconnect. / Highlights Troy's isolation and the loss of his social connections, mirroring the breakdown of
his familial relationships.
Act 2 Scene 5:
Raynell Plays in the Garden; Preparing for Troy's Funeral: Raynell plays in the garden while Rose
prepares her for Troy's funeral, symbolizing the cycle of life and death. / Cory returns home from the
Marines, and Lyons also arrives for the funeral, showcasing the family's reunion in the face of loss. /
Reflects the family's unity and resilience in the aftermath of Troy's death, despite their differences and past
conflicts.
Cory and Lyons Reflect on Troy: Cory and Lyons reminisce about Troy's saying, "You gotta take the
crookeds with the straights," highlighting Troy's wisdom and influence on his sons. / Cory expresses mixed
feelings towards Troy, revealing the complexity of their relationship and its impact on Cory's upbringing. /
Illustrates the enduring legacy of Troy's words and actions on his sons, shaping their perspectives and
attitudes towards life.
Gabriel's Attempt to Open the Gates of Heaven: Gabriel arrives with his trumpet, intending to herald
Troy's entry into heaven, but struggles to produce a sound. / He engages in an improvised dance,
symbolizing his frustration and spiritual journey. / Represents the symbolic transition of Troy's soul and the
characters' search for closure and meaning in the wake of his death.
Cory and Raynell's Connection: Cory and Raynell bond over their memories of Troy, sharing a song
about an old dog named Blue. / Their interaction signifies reconciliation and forgiveness, as Cory finds
solace and understanding in Raynell's innocence. / Highlights the transformative power of forgiveness and
acceptance, as Cory comes to terms with Troy's flaws and legacy, finding peace in familial bonds.
Conclusion of the Play: The play ends with Gabriel's successful plea to open the gates of heaven,
symbolizing Troy's redemption and spiritual journey. / Suggests a sense of closure and resolution for the
characters, as they come to accept Troy's legacy and embrace the future with hope and resilience.
Exposition:
Bono accuses Troy of having an affair with Alberta.
Rising Action:
Troy insists Cory resume his job and quit the football team.
Troy gets a promotion and tells a story about his father.
Cory insults Troy, and they get into an argument.
Climax
Troy tells Rose about the affair and the pregnancy.
Falling Action
Troy grabs Rose, and Cory hits him.
Alberta dies during childbirth.
Rose agrees to take in Raynell but rejects Troy.
Troy picks a fight with Cory, throwing him out of the house.
Cory returns home after Troy's death.
Rose convinces Cory to attend the funeral.
Resolution
Gabriel's music and dance open heaven's gates for Troy.