Hi,
I have written a rough draft for an essay on the play "fences" in where i have to analyze a character and link it to an aspect in the play. My teacher is extremely rough with grading and i need all the help i can get. Im missing a few sources, this is a pretty rough draft and will be working on it much more. Thanks in advance!
In the play "Fences" the characters that were involved had very complex personalities and their decisions greatly influenced the outcomes and personalities of the others. The intricate way of speaking and thought processes of the protagonist Troy gave the audience a clear picture of how many black men acted during the 1950s. "Fences" focuses on a small black family and a close family friend in which they all had dramatic shifts in their lives over the years. The main character, Troy, showed a specific way of thinking which was based on the racism of the 50s that greatly impacted the people he cared the most about in a negative way.
Troy was in his early 50s at the beginning of "Fences" and had already gone through a lifetime of troubles and anguish which made him come across as bitter. He had the attitude of a bitter black man, who believed he was in charge of every aspect of his life such as his wife Rose and his son Corey. Troy could be looked at almost like a hero, but with all heroes they always have their flaws. He only wanted the best for his son Corey and his wife Rose, but based on his personality he would treat them with hard love.
Troy showed a complex care for his son Corey and did not show an outward way of caring, but a more internal approach that was heavily dependent on the racism during the 1950's. Corey had been playing football in school and had been doing very well at the time, but Troy did not want him to continue it; instead he wanted him to have a steady job to make a living. Troy made it clear that he only wanted the best for Corey by saying, "It ain't gonna get him nowhere. ()" Troy's view of sports never paying off for a black person during this time was a direct result of him not going pro in baseball regardless of his great skills or determination. This set Troy's mind on the opinion that no black man will ever make money playing sports, which is why he wanted Corey to quit football and keep a job.
During this time period of extreme racism, black men frequently lashed out on their sons' as an attempt to avoid the racism and social neglect that they had experienced during the 50s (Shannon 158). This could be looked at as an attempt to get them ready for the rest of their lives in this racist society that they must endure for the rest of their lives (Shannon 158). During "Fences" Corey needed Troy to sign a paper so he could play football in college, but Troy wanted nothing of it. Troy's opinion of anyone leaving a job, especially his own son, to play a sport in the hopes of succeeding was a farfetched thought for any black person. Troy's use of tough love and hopeless thinking greatly impacted his son Corey's future and Troy's prosperity in his later years. Because of his extreme control he had over his son, he greatly affected the relationship he had with him. This later brought about an argument between him and Corey which resulted in him leaving home and trying to forget about his father. This lead to Troy's bitter living for the rest of his life and greatly impacted how Rose felt about him.
Every Friday Troy had used drinking as an excuse to escape the persecution from his job and from the real world. This choice would alter his personality and his rational thought process which would usually result in conflict with his wife Rose. This conflict with his wife reflects Troy's view on commitment in which he has great trouble finishing anything he starts. "The wooden porch is badly in need of paint," signifies his lack of committing to a single task and staying with it through to the end. In "Fences" Troy admits to his best friend Bono that he has been having an affair with a girl named Alberta who he has been seeing every Friday night. The act of Troy seeing this woman shows Troy's view of commitment towards his wife and anything else he does.
The title "Fences" has a strong relation to Troy's character because every Saturday he was supposed to finishing building the fence in his yard, but due to his lack of commitment he is unable to finish this task. This is a tell tale sign of Troy's agenda on Friday nights which raises red flags because if he is unable to finish the fence, what would stop him from staying truthful with Rose. Regardless of how Troy felt about trying to provide for his family and make sure he was the man of the house, he failed as a husband. He was unable to stay loyal to his wife who he proclaimed there was no one else out there for him but Rose.
In "Fences" Troy's personality was extremely complex and unpredictable, and impacted the people he cared greatly about. He was trying to be the best father he could be to his son, but by doing so it drove his son further away from him. Troy had also loved his wife very much and did everything possible to provide for her, but was still unable to stay committed. His heart and his intentions were in the right place but unfortunately his actions were not. Troy had the potential to be an extremely successful father and husband, but it was his few flaws that drastically affected the outcome of his intentions.
