Senior Thesis
John Isaac
Mrs. Vittiglio
E71H-6
1/19/12
Racial Segregation: Neglect in Fences and Black Boy In the 1900s, racism and segregation were major issues for African Americans who were living in South. These people were not treated as equals to the white people. The play Fences and the memoir Black Boy exhibit the neglect, caused by the absence and loss of a parent for African Americans, because of a time of racial segregation presiding in the 1900s. In addition towards this, African Americans suffered numerous hardships, prejudice, and discrimination. These were all compounds to the effects of segregation. The first primary source that proves this, is a play known as Fences written by August Wilson. Troy, the main character struggles with providing for his family and cheating death because of racial discrimination. He lives in a dysfunctional family with his wife Rose and sons Cory and Lyons. Originally, Troy worked as a garbage man. But recently according to Bono, “[Troy’s] gonna be the first colored driver. Ain’t got to do nothing but sit up there and read the paper like them white fellows” (Wilson). Troy was originally kicked out of his father’s house, so he repeats the cycle by kicking Cory out of the house for disrespecting him. Cory, however, later forgives his father by attending Troy’s funeral. This play has some arguments that are used to criticize its apparent concept. Wilson’s use of setting was simplistic as it took place in a single scene in the main character’s yard. Troy says, “You [Cory] live in my house…sleep your behind on my bedclothes…fill your belly up with my food…cause you my son. You my flesh and blood. Not cause I like you! Cause it’s my duty to Isaac 2 take care of you” (Wilson 97). Troy is jealous of Cory getting a college scholarship for football, because Troy wasn’t allowed to play in the major leagues, by his race. Each act and scene is combined through unity
Mrs. Vittiglio
E71H-6
1/19/12
Racial Segregation: Neglect in Fences and Black Boy In the 1900s, racism and segregation were major issues for African Americans who were living in South. These people were not treated as equals to the white people. The play Fences and the memoir Black Boy exhibit the neglect, caused by the absence and loss of a parent for African Americans, because of a time of racial segregation presiding in the 1900s. In addition towards this, African Americans suffered numerous hardships, prejudice, and discrimination. These were all compounds to the effects of segregation. The first primary source that proves this, is a play known as Fences written by August Wilson. Troy, the main character struggles with providing for his family and cheating death because of racial discrimination. He lives in a dysfunctional family with his wife Rose and sons Cory and Lyons. Originally, Troy worked as a garbage man. But recently according to Bono, “[Troy’s] gonna be the first colored driver. Ain’t got to do nothing but sit up there and read the paper like them white fellows” (Wilson). Troy was originally kicked out of his father’s house, so he repeats the cycle by kicking Cory out of the house for disrespecting him. Cory, however, later forgives his father by attending Troy’s funeral. This play has some arguments that are used to criticize its apparent concept. Wilson’s use of setting was simplistic as it took place in a single scene in the main character’s yard. Troy says, “You [Cory] live in my house…sleep your behind on my bedclothes…fill your belly up with my food…cause you my son. You my flesh and blood. Not cause I like you! Cause it’s my duty to Isaac 2 take care of you” (Wilson 97). Troy is jealous of Cory getting a college scholarship for football, because Troy wasn’t allowed to play in the major leagues, by his race. Each act and scene is combined through unity
Cited: Bloom, Harold. Bloom’s Major Dramatists: August Wilson New York City: Chelsea House Pub, 2002. Print. ---. Bloom’s Modern Critical Views: Richard Wright. New York City: Infobase Publishing, 2009. Print. “Analysis of August Wilson’s Fences 83” < http://chaninstorm.hubpages.com/hub/Analysis-Of-August-Wilsons-Fences> Web. Wilson, August. Fences. Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, 1983. Drama. Wright, Richard. Black Boy. Harper & Brothers, 1945. Print.