Troy Maxson Hero

The play, “Fences”, written by August Wilson tells the story of a tragic hero by the name of Troy Maxson. Troy is portrayed as a hard-working African American man, driven to provide for his family. Wilson writes in a way, though, that makes the audience feel that Troy does this more out of a sense of duty to his family, than for any other reason. Troy grew up a hero in a sense and experienced what it means to be truly great at something. He was a gifted athlete, specifically in the game of baseball. The future was bright for Troy, but similarly to many other aspects of his life, Troy got in his own way. Many decisions he makes in life regarding his family, career, and personal desires exemplify why Troy Maxson is tragic hero. His decisions …show more content…
During his playing days, he did no wrong at the plate, but his life outside of baseball is a very different story.
Troy was idolized by many throughout his teenager years for the success he had on the baseball diamond. It was assumed by many that he would play on the highest level and that his potential was endless. His friend, Bono, illustrates this when he compares Troy to the likes of Babe Ruth. “Ain’t but two men ever played baseball as good as you. That’s Babe Ruth and Josh Gibson. Them’s the only two men ever hit more home runs than you” () The opportunity came along for Troy to play on a big stage, but he allowed himself to get caught up in outside things that deterred him from being successful. Troy, a proud black man, often consumed himself with the idea that the white man would always hold him down. He convinced himself that he would never be given the same opportunities in baseball, or life, that white people were given. His baseball career ended with him falling well short of his potential. The racial issue he was standing up against was real, but playing the game could have allowed his people the chance to experience something special through him, instead he chose to fight a losing battle.

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