Troy Tragic Hero

When most people think of the term “hero” they think of comic book characters with superpowers or role models who have admirable traits. For some, the thought of a “tragic hero” could seem somewhat contradicting and confusing. However, the Greek philosopher Aristotle defines a tragic hero as a character who, for the most part, is a good person but suffers from his or her hamartia and hubris, which ultimately leads to their downfall and recognition of their poor choices as well as the reversal of their situation. The play Fences written by August Wilson describes the struggles and hardships of an African-American family attempting to live the American Dream in the 1950s. Although some may argue that the main character, Troy, is not a tragic …show more content…
Troy is a man who sticks to his own opinions and refuses to change them. When discussing with Rose how the store owner, Bella, over charges, but the A&P does not, Troy says, “The A&P ain’t never done nothing for me. I spends my money where I’m treated right” (1839). Rose brings up the fact that Bella overcharges and the A&P is much cheaper, but Troy is stuck in his old ways and will not shop anywhere else except Bella’s. Troy feels he needs to be treated with favors everywhere he goes, or else he will not go. His pride tremendously outweighs being able to save money shopping somewhere else. Not only does Troy refuse to shop at a new store, but he also refuses to buy any forms of new technology. When Cory brings up buying a television, Troy responds with, “What I want with a TV? What I one of them for?” (1850). Troy is too prideful and feels that buying useless and leisurely pieces of technology is a waste of precious money. Troy never had a television when growing up, so he does not see the point in having one now. When discussing baseball Troy’s hamartia of stubbornness comes out. When talking about baseball with Cory, Troy says, “The colored guy got to be twice as good before he get on the team…They got colored on the team and don’t use them. Same as not having them” (1852). Even though Cory is giving Troy reasons to believe that things have changed and players of color do get chances to play in professional sports, Troy is too stubborn and too prideful to admit that he is wrong. Troy’s hubris is what stops him from forming a deeper relationship and bonding with Cory because Troy takes too much pride in himself and does not want to be compared to his son Cory, who is making good choices and doing well in his sports career. When Troy and Rose are arguing about Troy having an affair, Troy says to Rose, “I done give you