In Fences, August Wilson creates a character, Troy, constantly wanting to control the lives of Rose, Cory, and Gabriel. In Troy’s mind, it’s his responsibility to protect his family; however, it falls into control over their lives. Eventually Rose, Cory, and Gabriel take control over their lives to get away from Troy’s control in various ways.
Rose, Troy’s wife, is a typical, stereotypical 1950’s housewife in the novel. She stayed at home cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the children while her husband goes off to work. Troy constantly argues with Rose and belittles her with sexual innuendos in front of others. He keeps her in check and under his control, but she still breaks free a bit by not letting him lie. When he is in the wrong, she makes sure to call him out. For example, “Troy, you ought not talk …show more content…
Troy used this to advantage by taking the disability checks that Gabriel receives from the government. Troy takes the money Gabriel receives to pay for the house. For example, “They give him a lousy three thousand dollars. And I had to swoop down on that” (28). Troy even states, “If my brother didn’t have that metal plate in his head.. I wouldn’t have a pot to piss in…” (28). Troy has used the money for his own personal gain. Of course, Gaberl had been living with them; however, what happened to his money after he moved into Mrs. Pearls? The novel never stated the money started going to Gabriel again. However later in Fences, Troy signed papers to send Gabriel to a mental institution. By doing this, “... the government send part of his check to the hospital and the other part to you” (75). Troy refused this to be the reason he signed, but he had another child coming. He needed the extra income to support his broken family. All Gabriel wanted was to have is own place to gain control over his life instead of someone fussing over
Rose, Troy’s wife, is a typical, stereotypical 1950’s housewife in the novel. She stayed at home cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the children while her husband goes off to work. Troy constantly argues with Rose and belittles her with sexual innuendos in front of others. He keeps her in check and under his control, but she still breaks free a bit by not letting him lie. When he is in the wrong, she makes sure to call him out. For example, “Troy, you ought not talk …show more content…
Troy used this to advantage by taking the disability checks that Gabriel receives from the government. Troy takes the money Gabriel receives to pay for the house. For example, “They give him a lousy three thousand dollars. And I had to swoop down on that” (28). Troy even states, “If my brother didn’t have that metal plate in his head.. I wouldn’t have a pot to piss in…” (28). Troy has used the money for his own personal gain. Of course, Gaberl had been living with them; however, what happened to his money after he moved into Mrs. Pearls? The novel never stated the money started going to Gabriel again. However later in Fences, Troy signed papers to send Gabriel to a mental institution. By doing this, “... the government send part of his check to the hospital and the other part to you” (75). Troy refused this to be the reason he signed, but he had another child coming. He needed the extra income to support his broken family. All Gabriel wanted was to have is own place to gain control over his life instead of someone fussing over