In Fences, the physical barrier of the fence symbolizes various forms of confinement and restraint. August Wilson employs this symbol as a powerful metaphor to explore themes of emotional, social, and psychological imprisonment within the context of the dramatic structure and theatrical presentation. The construction of the fence is not only a physical barrier, but also an emotional one. It describes the relationships …show more content…
The rampant racial discrimination and segregation going on during that era highlights the struggles of African Americans. Troy's past as a baseball player and Cory's recruitment for football shows the limitations faced by black athletes during that era. Also, Troy's questioning of his boss for the differential treatment of whites and blacks. The fence serves as a representation of the barriers faced by black people during that era.
The fence also symbolizes psychological imprisonment. It can be seen in Troy's battle with death. He ties it to the fence as the reason behind his misfortunes in life. As he faces life, Troy has various conversations with death and builds the fence to keep it out.
The fence is a main prop, signifying its importance throughout the play. It serves as a constant reminder of their entrapment. In summary, the fence is more than a physical structure as it represents the emotional, social, and psychological struggles faced by the …show more content…
The play is set during the civil rights movement era in a struggle for social justice and equal rights for African Americans. It shows the struggle for equality and social justice. The fence being built sheds light on racial segregation and the barriers built to prevent the progress of black people. Take for example Troy Past with sports in which age, skin color and white privilege prevented him from being a professional baseball player. This act of racism put a permanent dent in his ideology for the rest of his life. This is evident in his constant refusal for Cory to play football in fear that he would be treated the same. Furthermore, Troy sees that his job as a sanitation worker only allows him to pick up the rubbish and not drive the truck. He sees this as mistreatment of blacks and the white privilege that exists in the workplace. He fights for the right to get a promotion. This shows that blacks were oppressed into doing minority jobs and taking back seats to sports. The pain inflicted by white power is evident in individual lives, family dynamics, and the overall African American community. Through Troy's personal struggles, we gain insight into the broader social issues affecting African American communities in the 1950s. Wilson navigates these intersections of individual and collective experiences within the framework of dramatic storytelling and offers insight into the