Troy
Extended Character Analysis
Troy Maxson is the protagonist of Wilson’s play and the patriarch of the Maxson family. At the start of the play, he is fifty-three-years-old and works with his friend Jim Bono as a garbage collector. He is characterized as a “large man with thick, heavy hands.” His “largeness,” as Wilson writes in the stage directions, “together with his blackness… informs his sensibilities and the choices he has made in his life.” He prides himself on being able to provide for his family. Troy is loud, outspoken, and sometimes crude. Although he swears often, he is “capable of rising to profound heights of expression.”
At the age of fourteen, Troy left his family to get away from his abusive father. Broke and alone, he resorted to stealing and received a 15-year prison sentence after robbing and allegedly killing a man. During his time in prison, he became a talented baseball player. After prison, he joined the "Negro Leagues." He hoped to join the major leagues after leaving prison, but could not due to racial discrimination. Since then, Troy has become embittered by racial injustices and the direction his life has taken.
When his son Cory expresses a desire to become a professional football player, Troy quickly dismisses the idea and forbids him from playing. He is furious to discover that Cory has quit his job at the A&P to focus on football. He forces Cory to get his job back and learn a trade. Although Troy loves Cory, he expresses his love for him in a very strict and domineering way. Troy had an abusive father and that influences how he expresses his love for Cory.
Troy believes that he is protecting Cory by preventing him from playing football; he does not want his son to fall prey to the same racial inequities he experienced many years ago. While Cory tries to persuade Troy that the world is different now, Troy continues to relive the past. Even with the time that has passed, he still harbors resentment about being barred from playing professional baseball, causing him to lash out at his wife, children, and friends.
Troy has a strong desire to control every aspect of his life, and in his hubris, claims that he will even fight death itself if necessary. Troy often fails to express himself effectively, and his wife Rose believes that he builds metaphorical fences in order to emotionally distance himself from others. He has an affair with a woman named Alberta in an effort to escape his mundane life. His affair, and the birth of his mistress’s daughter, pushes his loved ones further away. In the years preceding Troy’s death, Cory, like Troy, becomes estranged from his father. Following the discovery of Troy’s affair with Alberta, Rose stops speaking with Troy. By the end of the play, Troy has died. Despite their troubled relationships with Troy, his family members attend his funeral and attempt to remember him in a positive light.
Expert Q&A
Troy's approach to fatherhood and his shortcomings as a father and husband in August Wilson's play Fences are influenced by his childhood and life experiences
Troy's approach to fatherhood and his shortcomings as a father and husband in "Fences" are deeply influenced by his own harsh upbringing and life experiences. Scarred by his father's cruelty and his struggles as a Black man in a racially oppressive society, Troy's rigid and controlling nature reflects his attempt to protect his family, though it often leads to conflict and emotional distance.
How would you assess the relationship between Troy and Rose?
The relationship between Troy and Rose is marked by contrast and complexity. Rose is depicted as a long-suffering, selfless woman who endures Troy's selfishness and infidelity, embodying resilience and commitment. In contrast, Troy is portrayed as nostalgic and entitled, often failing to appreciate Rose's sacrifices. Wilson uses their dynamic to highlight the broader struggles of black women, emphasizing Rose's optimism and dedication despite Troy's shortcomings.
Troy and Cory's Conflict in Fences and Its Roots in Troy's Past
In August Wilson's Fences, the conflict between Troy and his son Cory is rooted in Troy's past experiences with racial discrimination in sports. Troy, embittered by his failed baseball dreams due to racism, opposes Cory's football aspirations, fearing similar disappointment. This conflict is compounded by Troy's jealousy and inability to express affection, leading to a strained father-son relationship. Cory perceives Troy's actions as jealous and controlling, while Troy believes he is protecting Cory from racial bias. Ultimately, their relationship is marked by tension and unresolved issues.
Troy in Fences as a Tragic Hero
Troy in Fences is a tragic hero because his flaws and decisions lead to his downfall. His inability to move past racial injustices and his infidelity strain his relationships, particularly with his son Cory. Despite his efforts to provide for his family, his personal failings ultimately cause his isolation and tragic end.
The evolving dynamic between Bono and Troy and its impact on Troy's character development in Fences
The evolving dynamic between Bono and Troy in Fences highlights Troy's increasing flaws. Initially, Bono admires Troy, but as Troy's actions, such as his infidelity, become more apparent, Bono's respect diminishes. This shift forces Troy to confront his own shortcomings and pride, ultimately contributing to his tragic character development.
Why was Troy imprisoned in Fences?
Troy was imprisoned in Fences for accidentally killing a man during a robbery. He was trying to protect himself after being shot, which led to the man's death. This experience significantly shaped his life, introducing him to baseball and his friend Bono, but also reinforcing emotional barriers and impacting his ability to connect with others after his release.
Comparison and Contrast of Cory, Lyons, and Troy in "Fences" Including Their Conflicts and Relationships
In "Fences," Troy Maxson's relationships with his sons, Cory and Lyons, are strained due to his own flaws and expectations. Troy's harshness and inability to support Lyons' musical ambitions or Cory's football dreams create conflict. Cory and Lyons contrast in their pursuits—Cory seeks athletic success while Lyons follows music. Despite their differences, both sons struggle with their father's rigid worldview.
Troy's Inner Conflict and Demise Related to Death in Fences
In Fences, Troy Maxson's death by heart attack symbolizes his ironic defeat by death, which he often challenged throughout the play. His inner conflict with death stems from guilt over a past killing and his struggle against societal limitations, manifesting in futile bravado and strained family relationships. Death symbolizes Troy's inability to change his past or escape his father's mistakes. Despite his efforts, he repeats history with his son Cory, ultimately leading to their estrangement.
Troy's Influence on Relationships in Fences
In Fences, Troy's extramarital affair with Alberta highlights his inability to take responsibility for his actions and his desire to escape life's pressures, including his responsibilities towards his family. His relationship with Rose suffers as a result, leading to the eventual breakdown of their marriage. Troy's behavior also impacts his relationship with his son Cory, reflecting his unresolved bitterness and jealousy. Despite this, Rose attempts to maintain family unity. Troy's actions create emotional "fences" that distance him from his loved ones.
Troy's pursuit and realization of the American dream in "Fences."
Troy's pursuit of the American Dream in "Fences" is marked by his struggle for economic stability and personal fulfillment. As a black man facing systemic racism, he works tirelessly as a garbage collector to provide for his family. However, his dream is marred by past disappointments and unfulfilled aspirations, particularly his failed baseball career, which leads to bitterness and strained relationships.
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