Troy Maxson: A Villain And Hero

Troy Maxson: A Villain and Hero The playwright Fences was written by August Wilson who is known as one of America’s most celebrated dramatists (1427). Fences is based on the life of Troy Maxson, an African American who hoped to play baseball in the Negro Leagues, but is now a garbage collector. In the playwright, Troy could be classified as both a hero and a villain through his words and family. Troy Maxson could be portrayed as an average African American who wants his child, Cory, to be successful, but not by following his footsteps. Being a stern father toward Cory, he could be thought of as a villain. Cory asked his father, “How come you never liked me?” this portrays an image that Troy does not show him affection in a polite or loving manner (1446). Troy responded with, “Like you? Who the hell say I got to like you? Wanna stand up in my face and ask a damn fool-ass question like that? Talking about liking somebody.” demonstrating that his job as a father is not to like his child, but to teach him how to be a successful man (1446). Since Troy’s baseball career took a turn for the worse after his jail time, he did not want Cory to use sports as a way to make money. Troy believes that if Cory plays sports, he will have to suffer through a disappointment like the baseball let-down. Cory received an opportunity to be recruited by a college football team, but in order for the recruitment to be successful, Troy had to sign the permission papers. “I don’t care …show more content…
Raising Cory to be successful without following his footsteps, giving life lectures to Lyons and Rose, and providing for his family, Troy held the responsibilities and characteristics of a hero. Being selfish, inconsiderate, and coldhearted toward Rose and Cory portrayed Troy as a villain. Troy Maxson affected everyone he encountered, whether it was good or bad, and was remembered as a strong