Analysis Of Baseball As History And Myth In August Wilson's Fences

Reading Report of “Baseball as History and Myth in August Wilson’s Fences” The literary analysis “Baseball as History and Myth in August Wilson’s “Fences”” was written by Susan Koprince. According to a side note on the analysis, Koprince is a professor at the University of North Dakota. She teaches courses in American Fiction and drama. A few of her most well-known published articles are on Tennessee Williams, Williams Inge, and Edith Wharton. The article in speculation about August Wilsons’ Fences was published in an academic journal, African American Review. It was published in the summer 2006 Edition. It can be found in Volume 40, Issue 2, on pages 349-358. This literary criticism goes into depth about how many African American baseball players felt during the time after the Civil War. It tells of the history and obstacles of African American ball. After the war, blacks began forming segregated leagues so they could play the sport they loved. Blacks found ways to make careers out of baseball but they faced much criticism and racism in their pursuit. “Ironically, most players found greater freedom and respect when they traveled outside of the borders of the United States” stated Koprince. …show more content…
Koprince states “Besides invoking the history of the Negro Leagues in Fences, Wilson makes use of the mythology of baseball to reveal the failed promise of the American dream.” The analysis goes on to explain the difficulties of players in major leagues as they overcame adversity to play a game that they had an emotional connection with. It explained how Wilson’s character Troy was very bitter over his career in baseball. Towards the end of the analysis it explains that Troy may have seen a downside to his favorite sport, but baseball has taught him a great deal on