Reality In August Wilson's Fences

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Semblance vs Reality A person's perception of themselves and the way the rest of the society views them, often differs. Sometimes these people are prone to believing in self-created illusions. Illusions are something that trick the brain, allowing you to sense something that isn't there. Normally, playwrights will include characters with semblance, to create an illusion that develops a theme in the play. Throughout the play, we find out the two distinct meanings of "Fences". Rose imagines a fence to keep her loved ones close, whereas Troy views the fence as a way to keep his family from accomplishing their dreams. In August Wilson's "Fences", the way the world views Troy and the way Troy views himself contrast each other. Troy grew up …show more content…
Troy is in reminded of this when friend Bono tells him, "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" (Wilson I.1.67-69). Troy instigates conflict with his family members and friends, due to his belief in self created illusions. It is hard for Troy to accept other's decisions and how their choices might not align with his philosophy. Through the self created illusions that Troy has created, he has developed complicated relationships with his family members and often ignores their opinions. I believe Troy's children each had their own perception of how a father should be and what their father was …show more content…
Other white workers have the opportunity to drive the trucks, but the colored workers are forced to do manual labor. Troy confronts his boss, Mr. Rand about this inequality in the workplace. Troy shouts, "Why? Why you got the white mens driving and the colored lifting?" (Wilson I.1.11-12). Troy has spent many years with this company and continues to work at the lowest level. In our society, after being loyal to a company for a few years, the employee would typically get promoted or moved up. I believe Troy asking Mr. Rand about his position at the Sanitation Department is powerful and an act of bravery. Despite Troy's self created illusions, he ends up being one of the most influential characters in the play. Troy was the boss of the Maxson household, stood for equal rights, and feared nothing. Unlike many people, Troy considers death just another part of life. "Death ain't nothing but a fastball on the outside corner" (Wilson I.1.82). Troy contributes to the central theme of the play, Fences. Rose imagines the fence around the house so she can keep her family close, but Troy views it as a way to keep the family fenced in from their
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