Fences is a play by August Wilson that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987. It was adapted into a movie in 2016, starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. The story takes place in the 1950s in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It centers around Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player and current garbage man, and his family.
The Setting of Fences
Fences takes place in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during the 1950s. The Hill District is an African-American neighborhood and is the setting for much of the action. The play focuses on the Maxson family, who live in a small, two-bedroom home. The home is modest in size but is a refuge for Troy and his family from the struggles and racism of the outside world.
The Characters of Fences
The main characters of Fences include Troy Maxson, Rose Maxson, Cory Maxson, Lyons Maxson, Gabriel Maxson, and Raynell Maxson. Troy is the father figure and head of the household. He is a former Negro League baseball player and current garbage man. He is a proud, hardworking, and opinionated man who struggles with his own personal demons. Rose is Troy’s wife and the matriarch of the family. She is a loving and supportive wife who is devoted to her family. Cory is Troy and Rose’s son, a high school football player whose dreams of going to college are threatened by Troy’s actions. Lyons is Troy’s son from a previous marriage and is a musician. Gabriel is Troy’s brother, a disabled veteran who lives with the family and is looked after by Troy. Lastly, Raynell is Troy and Rose’s young daughter.
Themes of Fences
Fences is a story of family, loyalty, and responsibility. The play examines the struggles of African-Americans in the 1950s and how they are able to overcome these struggles. It also looks at the power of relationships and how they can be both a source of strength and a source of conflict. The play touches on topics such as marriage, fatherhood, and the struggle to make a living in a world that is often hostile to African-Americans.
The Message of Fences
The message of Fences is one of hope and resilience. Despite the struggles and hardships faced by African-Americans in the 1950s, the characters in the play are able to persevere and triumph. The play ultimately shows that through love, family, and friendship, anything is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fences
Q1. Who wrote the play Fences?
A1. The play Fences was written by August Wilson.
Q2. Who stars in the 2016 movie adaptation of Fences?
A2. The 2016 movie adaptation of Fences stars Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.
Q3. What is the setting of Fences?
A3. The setting of Fences is the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the 1950s.
Q4. What themes are explored in Fences?
A4. Themes explored in Fences include family, loyalty, responsibility, marriage, fatherhood, and the struggle to make a living in a world that is often hostile to African-Americans.
Q5. What is the message of Fences?
A5. The message of Fences is one of hope and resilience. The play ultimately shows that through love, family, and friendship, anything is possible.