Fences

Fences was yet another sad play. However, Troy's character was very fascinating for me. Troy is the instigator of all of the conflicts in this play, and does not have the ability to empathize with others, or understand other character's choices if they differ from his own perspective. Also, Troy's character reminds me slightly of Willy Loman in Death of a Salemans, primarily because of the affairs that they both partake in.

I also saw a similarity between Linda Loman and Rose Maxson. Bother characters are nurturing and caring for their family, and they both have to put up with awful husbands. It is also interesting to note that Wilson's mother was also named after a flower, as her name was Daisy. Flowers and planting was a motif in Fences that representing the nurturing and caring characteristics in order to allow something to grow or change. I bet that Wilson was a Mama's boy and really loved his mother! I think that in general, playwright's mothers are often very influential in their lives as they are often reflected in their work.

Finally, I want to discuss the meaning behind the fence in this play. Bono explains to Cory and Troy that Rose wants this fence to be built because she wants to hold and protect her loved ones. However, because Rose is a woman she cannot provide that protection on her own, and relies on her son and husband to build it (and they do so reluctantly). Ironically, an outsiders, Alberta, has already corrupted the Maxson home.