Fences Questions and Answers
Fences
What literary devices are used in Fences?
August Wilson makes notable use of metaphor in Fences. The most notable metaphor comes from the play's title itself. The action of the play revolves around a fence that Troy and his son Corey are...
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The significance and importance of the title "Fences" in August Wilson's play
The title "Fences" in August Wilson's play symbolizes both physical and emotional barriers. It represents the characters' struggles to protect themselves and their loved ones, as well as the...
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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...
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What is the moral of the play Fences?
The moral of Fences by August Wilson is that love prevails even through the trials of life and the wrong choices people make. Troy Maxson has a rough life and makes many wrong choices, but he does...
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What is the role of baseball in Fences?
In "Fences," baseball symbolizes the American Dream and the racial barriers that prevent African Americans from achieving it. Troy's unfulfilled dreams of playing professional baseball, due to racial...
Fences
What is the significance of Troy's song "Old Blue" in "Fences"? Does it reflect the failure of human love?
The song "Old Blue" in "Fences" holds significant emotional and cultural weight, linking Troy Maxson to his past and the broader African American experience. The song, which evokes nostalgia and...
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Gabriel's role and symbolism in Fences
In Fences, Gabriel symbolizes innocence and a connection to the spiritual world. His mental disability and belief that he is the Archangel Gabriel highlight themes of redemption and judgment,...
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The central conflict in Fences
The central conflict in Fences revolves around Troy Maxson's struggles with his past and present. He grapples with the limitations imposed by racial discrimination and his unfulfilled dreams, which...
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In Fences, what were the three strikes Troy warned Cory about?
In *Fences*, the three strikes Troy warned Cory about are: first, Cory lying about working at the A&P and continuing to play football; second, Cory standing up to Troy to protect his mother...
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The depiction and characterization of father-son relationships in "Fences."
In "Fences," father-son relationships are depicted as complex and strained. Troy Maxson's harsh and demanding nature creates tension with his son, Cory, who seeks his father's approval while also...
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In Fences, how are the names Rose, Lyons, and Gabriel symbolic or ironic?
Fences contains several symbolic and/or ironic names. Rose's name symbolizes love and loyalty, and indeed, she is completely loving and loyal to her family. Lyons's name suggests the pride, majesty,...
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Troy's approach to fatherhood and his shortcomings as a father and husband in August Wilson's play Fences are...
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...
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What are two examples of situational irony in Fences?
Two examples of situational irony in Fences are: first, Troy builds a fence to keep death out, but death still finds him, leading to his funeral. Second, Troy becomes the first African-American...
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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...
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What are the main differences between the film and play Fences?
The main differences between the film and play Fences include the film's faithfulness to the original dialogue and the loss of some intensity in the transition to screen. Critics note the theatrical...
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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...
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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...
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What is ironic about Troy's job as a garbage truck driver in Fences?
The irony of Troy's job as a garbage truck driver in Fences lies in his lack of qualification for the position he demands. Despite championing fairness and equality, Troy lies about having a driver's...
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In Fences, why is Troy so mean to his son, Cory?
In Fences, Troy is mean to Cory because he doesn't want him to pursue a career as a professional sportsman and suffer the same prejudices and unfair treatment that he received as a young black...
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What is the role of music in Fences?
In Fences, music plays a crucial role by symbolizing the characters’ lives and cultural heritage. Rose's gospel hymn reflects her faith and desire for protection, Lyons' jazz represents his...
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What does Gabriel's dance and line "That's the way that go!" signify in Fences?
Gabriel's dance and his line "That's the way that go!" in Fences signify a celebration of Troy entering heaven. Gabriel's dance, described as "eerie" and "life-giving," connects to his African...
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Obstacles preventing Troy Maxson from achieving his desires in Fences
Obstacles preventing Troy Maxson from achieving his desires in Fences include racial discrimination, his own personal flaws, and societal limitations. Racial barriers prevent him from advancing in...
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What does the garden and Raynell symbolize in Fences by August Wilson?
In August Wilson's play Fences, Raynell and the garden are symbolic of the Maxson family's fresh start and of new life. Further, they both symbolize beauty and love.
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The message and symbolism of "Fences" by August Wilson
The message of "Fences" by August Wilson revolves around the struggles of African American families in the 1950s, highlighting themes of racial discrimination, personal dreams, and generational...
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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...
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Themes in August Wilson's play "Fences" and their reflection through dramatic elements
Themes in August Wilson's play "Fences" include racial discrimination, family dynamics, and personal failure. These are reflected through dramatic elements such as character development, dialogue,...
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What is the significance of Gabriel's failing trumpet at the end of Fences?
The failing trumpet at the end of Fences signifies the culmination of Gabriel's belief that he is the angel Gabriel. Despite the broken mouthpiece, Gabriel's singing and dancing symbolize a spiritual...
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How does August Wilson use the "three strikes" metaphor in the play Fences?
August Wilson uses the "three strikes" metaphor in Fences to highlight the limited opportunities and struggles faced by the protagonist, Troy Maxson, and his family. Troy uses the metaphor to...
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What traits make Troy Maxson an unlikeable protagonist in Fences?
Traits which make Troy Maxson in Fences an unlikeable protagonist include his adultery and disrespect for his wife, his constant disrespect for his son's ambitions, and his violent temperament.
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What is the genre of the play "Fences"?
August Wilson's play Fences is a drama, or more specifically, a family drama. We know this work is a play because there are stage directions and characters speaking dialogue. The play is about an...
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What are some examples of different types of fences in the play Fences?
August Wilson entitles his play “Fences” in order to establish ambiguity as to which fences are truly the most detrimental to his characters’ ability to cope with everyday life. He explores a...
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In Fences, what is the portrayed attitude towards women?
In Fences, the attitude towards women is generally marginalizing. Rose, the primary female character, is often relegated to a domestic role, reflecting societal expectations of the 1950s. Although...
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What does the setting of Fences reveal about the Maxson family?
The setting of Fences reveals that the Maxson family is poor and somewhat divided. Their old, unpainted house and unfinished fence symbolize their financial struggles and incomplete aspirations....
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What good deeds has Troy Maxson done that should allow him to enter heaven?
Troy Maxson deserves to enter heaven because he has shown deep care for his family and has suffered significantly due to racism. Despite his flaws, like committing adultery, he redeems himself by...
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Parallels between Troy's life and baseball in August Wilson's Fences
Troy's life is paralleled with baseball in several ways in August Wilson's Fences. He often uses baseball metaphors to describe his struggles, viewing life as a series of pitches he must hit. His...
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How is flashback used in August Wilson's play Fences?
To a great extent, Wilson has created Troy's character as representation of one large flashback. Troy has not been able to sort through the wreckage of his own past to make sense of the...
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Which character in Fences undergoes the most dramatic change over the course of the play?
Rose undergoes the most dramatic change in Fences. Initially devoted to her husband, she is devastated by Troy's infidelity and the birth of his child with another woman. Despite her pain, Rose...
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How is the American Dream depicted in August Wilson's Fences?
In August Wilson's Fences, the American Dream is depicted as largely unattainable for African Americans due to systemic racism and class barriers. Troy Maxson's experience highlights this, as his...
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The impact of racism and social injustice on relationships and conflicts in "Fences"
Racism and social injustice deeply affect relationships and conflicts in "Fences." These themes contribute to the protagonist, Troy Maxson's, bitterness and frustration, influencing his interactions...
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What are the symbolic meanings of fences and how effective is this symbol?
Are you perhaps referring to Robert Frost's poem 'Mending Wall' here? Of course he is not the only writer to discuss the themes of barriers, divisions, fences and walls in our society and in...
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Troy Maxson's perception of family and its impact on others in Fences
Troy Maxson views family as a responsibility and often imposes his own rigid beliefs and frustrations on them. His domineering attitude and inability to express love create tension and alienation,...
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What was Wilson's purpose for writing the play Fences?
Wilson's motivation to write Fences was to articulate the condition of African- Americans in the early stages of integrated society and to depict the reality of how African- Americans navigate social...
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How do Troy Maxson's children in Fences embody the play's epigraph, and how does Troy use baseball as a life analogy?
In August Wilson's Fences, the characters of Troy Maxson and his family live out the epigraph as they deal with their sins from their past. Troy uses baseball as an analogy to life, but Rose gets...
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In Act II of Fences, what does Troy mean by "As long as it sets right in my heart...then I'm okay", and how does...
In August Wilson's play Fences, Troy Maxson tries to justify his unfaithfulness by appealing to his feelings instead of listening to his reason, which tells him that his actions are wrong. When she...
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The plot and setting of August Wilson's Fences
Fences by August Wilson is set in the 1950s in an African American neighborhood in Pittsburgh. The plot centers around Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector, and...
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How do Lyons and Cory contribute to the development of the fences?
In Fences by August Wilson, Lyons helps build the fence between himself and his father by his refusal to get a job and his tendency to borrow money from Troy. Cory helps build a fence through his...
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What do flowers symbolize in August Wilson's Fences and how does Rose embody this symbolism?
In August Wilson's Fences, flowers symbolize beauty, honor, and love. Gabriel gives Rose the flower that bears her name out of love and respect for her. Rose feels like a flower that has failed to...
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Cory's development and the lessons learned in August Wilson's Fences
In August Wilson's Fences, Cory develops from a hopeful teenager into a disillusioned adult, shaped by his strained relationship with his father, Troy. He learns the harsh realities of racial...
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What is Troy's occupation in Fences?
In Fences by August Wilson, Troy Maxson works as a garbage collector, but he used to play baseball.
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What might Gabriel's "frightful realization" be in Wilson's play, and why might the "Gates of Heaven stand open" only...
Gabriel's final, "frightful realization" might be the understanding that he is not the messenger angel of God, and that it is not up to him to decide if Troy is to be let into heaven and that...