Themes: Race

It is of vital importance to the character of Troy that he is a Black man. Readers are told this in the opening stage direction, and Troy's first conversation with Bono indicates that he is keenly aware of the presence of racism in his life and of the unfairness of it. In certain parts of his world, he is willing and able to fight for his own rights as a Black man; he takes his boss, Mr. Rand, to task over his rule that Black men can only work on...

Themes: Barriers

The title of the play, Fences, underlines the overwhelming thematic and symbolic importance of the fence which Troy is trying, and largely failing, to build around his house for the majority of the play. He questions why his wife, Rose, wants to build a fence at all, and his friend Bono acutely observes that while some people build fences to keep people out, Rose is doing it to keep people in. She senses that she is losing her husband and wants to...

Themes: Responsibility and Love

Responsibility, in this play, is set up almost in opposition to loving happiness. When Cory asks his father why he has never liked him, Troy argues that there was never any suggestion that he should like his son, so long as he provided for him, which he has done. He has spent his life working to keep a roof over Cory's head. He recognizes that his responsibility to his wife includes keeping her properly fed and housed. He seems to believe that...

Themes: Racism

Racism is a central theme in Fences, affecting the characters' lives and dreams. The play portrays the impact of racial discrimination on African Americans in the 1950s, highlighting how it limits opportunities and shapes personal relationships. Through the experiences of Troy Maxson and his family, the play examines the pervasive nature of racism and its influence on aspirations and familial dynamics.

Racism interferes with the characters' dreams,...

Themes: Family Dynamics

In Fences, family dynamics are central to the narrative, revealing the complexities and tensions within the Maxson family. The play, set in 1957, explores the impact of racial discrimination and personal disappointments on family relationships. Troy Maxson, the protagonist, grapples with his unfulfilled dreams, which affects his interactions with his family, particularly his son Cory and his wife Rose. The play highlights how personal frustrations...