Fences 1

Symbolism of the Title of the Play Fences Fences is a play set in 1950’s America, which examines the conflicts between generations, and racial tensions between African Americans and white Americans. The play focuses on the Maxson family’s struggle to cope with Troy’s egotism and double-standards. On the one hand, he demands people to be realistic, practical, and responsible. On the other hand, he is having affair with Alberta and is living in a private fantasy world. The title of August Wilson’s play Fences is a plural. Significantly, Fences has multiple meanings. It is a complex symbol of protection, barrier, and boundary for the play’s characters, as well as a dividing line for the people in the society. Rose is a 1950’s traditional housewife who has invested eighteen years of her life in her relationship with Troy, despite the imperfection of her husband, and in taking care of the family. To Rose, nothing is more important than the family. She recognizes that Troy and Cory, their son, do not see eye to eye. The father and son’s conflicts stemmed from Troy’s strong disapproval of Cory’s choice to be recruited and to play football in college in addition to Cory’s disobedience to the authority, Troy. Rose does not want the Maxson family to fall apart. She wants to have a fence built around her yard to protect her so that nothing can harm her and the unity of the family. The idea of a fence as a protection can be seen when Rose sings a song to herself. ROSE (sings). Jesus, be a fence all around me every day. Jesus, I want you to protect me as I travel on my way. Jesus, be a fence all around me every day (1; sc. 2). Bono’s idea about the fence is similar to that of Rose’s. He sees a fence as an enclosure that keeps other members of the Maxson family close to Rose. In the following example, Bono explains the functions of fences and their relationship to family.
BONO. Some people build fences to keep people out . . . and other people build fences to keep people