Fences August Wilson Analysis

Dreams and ambitions are an important aspect of life. Having goals to strive towards provides purpose, drive, and determination. In August Wilson’s play Fences, Troy and Cory Maxson are a father son duo with sports-related dreams, both past and present. However, neither character accomplishes their respective goals due to the racial differences experienced during the 1950s and 1960s. The dreams of these characters in Fences are impacted by the racism of the time as well as the bitterness harbored by others. Fences begins in the year 1957. Racism was still a major factor in the United States during this time period. In the article “1950s Milwaukee: Race, Class, and a City Divided,” author Tula Connell states that “Thousands of African …show more content…
Cory was being recruited to play college football based on both his football abilities and his good grades (1735). Cory speaks to his dad about the recruitment, and he tells Troy that by playing college football, he’ll “be going to college [and] I’ll get a chance…” (1735). Not only does Cory want to continue his football career past the high school level, but he also wants to receive a college education (1735). The reader can infer that, without a football recruitment, Cory would not be able to attend or afford college (1735). Because of this, Cory desperately wants his father to see things his way and talk to the recruiter, even though Troy does not approve of him playing college football. Cory tells his mother “I ain’t quitting the team. I don’t care what Poppa says” (1745). He is very serious about his opportunity, but Troy continuously shuts him down, refusing to talk to the recruiter (1745). Troy claims that he does not want Cory to be disappointed, as “white [men] ain’t gonna let him get nowhere with that football” (1722). However, both Cory and the reader can see that Troy’s main incentive in resisting Cory’s desire to play college football is his own resentment towards the Major Leagues for not allowing him to play