fences ap lit essay

“Fences” by August Wilson Literature Analysis Essay

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Introduction

Dramatic structure of the play, troy – the modern hero, metaphors and symbols – direct messages to the audience, works cited.

Reputedly, Fences is one of the most famous dramas in American literature. In 1983 August Wilson wrote a story of a man who built fences around himself. The play is full of metaphors concerning fences which reveal the major theme and idea, building fences. Depicting the life of the average African American family Wilson articulates the universal truth that if “someone builds a fence, the builder is at once fencing in and fencing out” (Bloom 139).

It is important to point out that Wilson portrays negative outcomes of such building in a very lively manner. The dramatic structure of the play, use of numerous metaphors, and, of course, depiction of such a modern hero as Troy make Wilson’s ideas obtain physical form.

Admittedly, drama “is not flexible as other forms of literature” (McMahan et al. 736). The playwright is limited in time and space, so it is essential to be precise when writing a play. Wilson manages to reveal his ideas within the necessary limits. The story is told in two major parts. The first part is revealed in the very beginning of the play, more so, in the very setting of the play: “a small dirt yard, partially fenced” (Wilson 788).

In this first part of the play Wilson portrays the process of building fences. Troy’s memories, Troy’s dialogues with the members of his family make the viewer see how Troy is building his fences, and why he is doing that. The image of the incomplete fence enhances the idea of building fences.

The second part of the play is its very ending. This part reveals the outcomes of fences building. Troy is buried. Now he is completely fenced from the rest of the world. The fence around the yard is completed. This part of the play is concerned with the outcomes of fence building. Wilson draws a conclusion in this part: a man, who is trying to build a fence around himself, manages to do it, but he fences himself in, and makes this person absolutely lonely.

This specific structure makes the play really appealing since the playwright ends his story with a strong and evocative scene when insane brother of Troy, Gabriel, opens the heavenly gates to his brother and makes him free from the fences Troy was building during his life. Of course, the viewer understands that the fences are destroyed too late.

This makes the end very strong, since the viewer starts thinking about his/her own fences. It goes without saying that such a dramatic structure serves the major aim of the play: to reveal the negative outcomes of building fences.

Admittedly, to reveal his ideas Wilson uses one more tool. He creates a lively modern character. It is necessary to point out that Wilson’s Troy is one of the brightest examples of the modern hero since he is not only bad or good, only tragic or comic (McMahan et al. 786). Troy is a living man who is characterized by myriads of good and bad features.

Sometimes he is too distant from his wife and children. For instance, in his talk with his friend Troy confesses about his love affair, but at the same time it is possible to feel that he loves his wife and sometime can express his affection (Wilson 790-791). Troy can be characterized as a stern father, but he still loves his children. Even in his disapproval of his son’s longing to enter big sport it is possible to feel care.

Troy simply does not want his son, Cory, to experience the same disappointment: “I decided seventeen years ago that boy wasn’t getting involved in no sports. Not after what they did to me in the sports” (Wilson 806).

Of course, times has changed and Cory has a real chance to become a famous and successful player, but Troy does not see the changes because the fence he built in his mind is too high to see it (Wilson 805). Thus, Wilson creates a hero who is, so to speak, multifaceted. This characteristic feature of the modern hero Troy makes it possible to understand why he built the fence around him.

It goes without saying that the image of the main character and his fences is enhanced by the use of metaphors and symbols which play essential role in revealing the playwright’s ideas. Admittedly, the major symbol of the play is physical representation of the fence, which is incomplete in the first part of the play and is finished in the second, culmination part of the play.

The viewer is exposed to the major idea of the play all the time. Troy is building a fence around his yard in the real world and around himself in his mind. He wants to defend himself from the hostile world, but instead he isolates himself. Troy’s fences do not let him see numerous opportunities which appear in a rapidly changing world.

Interestingly, Troy also uses numerous metaphors dreaming about “swinging for the fences” (Bloom 139). Wilson’s main character does not admit he has built fences (does not see new opportunities and does not always let somebody in), but he still wants to escape from the metaphorical fences. Troy wants to go beyond his own fences. These metaphors also enhance the idea of being imprisoned in one’s own fences.

One of the most evocative symbols of the play is the final performance of Gabriel who is breaking the fences for his brother and sets him free. Notably, Wilson articulates an idea that in many cases only insane can ruin fences whereas “normal” people build new ones.

This idea is articulated by the scene when Lyons is trying to stop Gabriel when he is “opening” the gates for Troy (Wilson 834). Admittedly, these are only some of the brightest metaphors used in the play. And the whole scope of these metaphors reveals the major idea of the play.

In conclusion, it is possible to note that Wilson made his idea of the negative outcomes of building fences absolutely explicit in his famous play. More so, specific structure of the play, numerous metaphors and symbols create a complete picture of fences which can exist in human life.

Moreover, Wilson’s modern hero, Troy, is a kind of illustration of a fenced individual. Wilson reveals his sorrows and his happy moments, but apart from all this Wilson claims that any fences lead to loneliness. Notable, Wilson’s expressive and emotional play makes people think of their own fences and their own ways in the world.

Bloom, Harold. August Wilson. New York, NY: Infobase Publishing, 2009.

McMahan, Elizabeth, Susan Day, Robert Funk. Literature and the Writing Process. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007.

Wilson, August. “Fences.” Ed. Elizabeth McMahan, Susan Day, Robert Funk. Literature and the Writing Process. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. 788-834.

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Bibliography

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AP English Literature and Composition Exam Questions

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by August Wilson

Fences essay questions.

Why does Gabriel carry a trumpet around his neck?

Because of a head injury, Gabriel believes that he is the angel Gabriel and that he is able to open the gates of heaven with his trumpet. While the audience knows that this is not literally true, the final scene shows that Gabe becomes the play's figure of redemption. He unsuccessfully tries to blow his trumpet and when that does not work, dances his brother into heaven. Troy does not have the play's last word; instead, it is the fool, the representation of innocence, that finally offers Troy deliverance.

Why is the setting of the play important?

The setting of the play is important because the 1950's represents a time of great upheaval in race relations in the United States. Troy Maxson represents a previous generation that now watches the world move on around them. They have been maligned by white transgression in the past and yet have been able to procure a small portion of the country's booming wealth for themselves. Troy dies, however, in 1965, the year of the greatest legislative triumph of the Civil Rights era. He is not able to enjoy the victory that he helped bring about.

Why is Troy Maxson considered an "everyman" character?

Troy Maxson is a character of universal type. Though his life is dictated by the particulars of the African American experience of the early twentieth century, his failings as a man as well as his small measures of redemption are applicable to all people. Wilson deftly creates a character who is a flawed and identifiable hero, through his responsibilities to family and his inabilities to live up to his own high expectations. His battles with his sons resonate across racial and cultural lines as universal human experiences.

Explain the play's principal metaphor of the fence.

Jim Bono best sums up the play's overarching metaphor by explaining to Troy, "Some people build fences to keep people out…and other people build fences to keep people in.” Both Troy and Rose Maxson attempt to build emotional fences throughout the play. Rose attempts to keep her family within her fence by being a good and faithful wife. Troy is more concerned with an emotional fence that never permits his sons to understand his love for them.

Is Rose's character an example of feminism or an example of the repressed role of women in society?

Scholars have been divided on Rose's role in the play. Some have seen Rose as the prototypical 1950s housewife, disappearing into her husband and leaving no room for her own self to flourish. Others, however, have seen Rose as occupying a feminist position; she does remain a housewife and mother but only because she makes the choice for herself. No one forces motherhood on her. She admits that when Troy takes pieces of her, it is because she gives those pieces out of her own choice. But then, what other choice does she have?

Discuss the role of the blues in Fences .

Troy's blues song for his dog, Old Blue, is an example of Wilson's use of blues music in the play. Troy takes on the role of an archetypal blues character who has seen his world taken away from him for his transgressions. The blues also acts as a form of aural tradition. Cory and Raynell sing Troy's blues song as they bury him, representing pieces of Troy that pass down through generations.

Discuss the meaning of baseball in the play.

Troy uses baseball as a metaphor for his own life, yet the audience comes to understand that the game Troy plays is not necessarily the one in which he sees himself. Troy remembers himself as a star in the Negro Leagues, but he was never given a chance to prove himself. His relationship with Alberta, and the selfishness that it inculcates in him, is his chance to please himself in a way that he never could while playing baseball. Troy, however, fails at his own game. His failures in his relationships with his wife and son represent two strikes in his life. The inevitability of his death is his third and final strike.

What traits make Troy Maxson an unlikable protagonist?

Troy is seen as an unsympathetic character for much of the play because of the emotional fence he builds to keep his sons and wife from seeing and accepting his underlying love for them. This is best observed when Cory asks Troy why Troy does not like him. Instead of offering a reassuring remark, Troy shames his son by telling him that there is no law that says he must like him. The fence that Troy puts up to keep his sons from accepting him also acts as a fence to keep the audience from sympathizing with Troy.

What traits make Troy Maxson a redeemed protagonist?

For all of his faults, Troy Maxson is ultimately redeemed. This is accomplished through the small glimpses of care and affection that his children remember in the play's final scene. Raynell tells Cory that Troy always called her room "Cory's room" and that he never threw out Cory's football equipment. They close the play by singing Troy's old blues song about his dog. It is inevitable that fathers pass on pieces of themselves to their children. Through this process, Troy becomes a redeemed character and a flawed hero, but a hero nevertheless.

Discuss the cycle of father-son relationships in the play.

In the play, sons become outraged at the actions of their fathers. This outrage turns into hate, and yet the sons cannot help but bear a resemblance to their fathers. For Troy, this happens when he assaults Cory and kicks him out of the house. Troy believes that he is protecting Cory from a life of failure in football, yet Troy has become the same man that his father had been. The final scene sees Cory struggling with this same dynamic. He seeks to reject his father, but he cannot completely leave Troy - he carries his memory, influence, and song with him.

Fences Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Fences is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Troy seems to limit Rose to the domestic. Rose is the only character that is a woman that plays a role. Troy seems to marginalize her and seems to view women as ultimately disposable in some way.

Why does Troy refuse to accept Lyon's repayment of the loan?

Troy naturally assumes that Lyons will soon be back for another "loan", it's a bit of a habit for Lyons to come to his father for money. Thus, to prove his point, Troy tells Lyons to put the money in the bank, so he can just go and take it out...

Discuss your thoughts on Cory intial decision not to attend Troys funeral. Why did he feel this way ? Do you agree?

I was actually surprised that Cory traveled home for the funeral, and yet, he decided not to attend. On one hand, we can consider the fact that Cory's last fight with his father and the fact they never came to terms weighed heavily on Cory... it's...

Study Guide for Fences

Fences study guide contains a biography of August Wilson, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Fences
• Fences Summary
• Character List

Essays for Fences

Fences essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Fences by August Wilson.

• The Importance of Dreams
• The Significance of Songs in August Wilson's Fences
• Death and Baseball: August Wilson's Fences
• Rebuilding Relationships in Fences
• The Apple and the Tree: Family Ties in The Namesake and Fences

Lesson Plan for Fences

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Fences
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Fences Bibliography

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August Wilson

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Divided into two acts, Fences begins on a Friday night—payday for Bono and Troy —when the two friends engage in a weekly ritual of drink and conversation. As they talk, we learn that Troy has confronted their boss, Mr. Rand , about the fact that only whites are assigned to drive the trucks at their garbage collection company, while black employees are hired exclusively to carry the garbage. Bono then suggests that he’s suspicious of Troy’s relationship with another woman ( Alberta ) besides his wife. Further, Cory , Troy’s son, has the opportunity to play college football, but Troy is wary about his son playing sports because of his own past with racial discrimination in major league baseball. Troy also succumbs to his tendency to spin tall tales about his life, and starts talking about his encounter with “ Mr. Death ”—when he wrestled with the Grim Reaper. Rose , Troy’s wife, enters and reveals that he’s really talking about his battle with pneumonia.

Later, Troy and Cory work on constructing a fence which Rose has asked them to build, and the two clash over Cory’s desire to play football. Troy thinks that, as a young black man, Cory has no future in football, but says he will allow Cory to pursue football on one condition: he must work his job at the A&P store and juggle football practice at the same time. Even though Cory is scheduled to meet with a recruiter, who would present Troy papers which, if he’d sign, would secure his son a position at a college, Troy is difficult, and says he won’t sign anything unless Cory works.

Eventually, we learn that Cory never gets his job at the A&P back, and Troy—having found this out too—tells his coach to take him off the team. This enrages Cory, as the future he’d envisioned for himself has crumbled before his eyes. Troy tells him that his disobedience—in not getting his job back at the A&P—counts as a strike against him, like a strike in baseball.

When working on building Rose’s fence, Bono tells Troy that he thinks he should realize just how good and loving of a woman Rose is to him. Irritated by the fact that Bono feels the need to tell him this, Troy asks why Bono feels motivated to say such a thing. Troy eventually admits to having an affair with Alberta, and Bono tells him that he needs to find a way to make things right. He also says that he’s always looked up to Troy, precisely because of his wise decision to choose Rose over all the other women who were interested in him.

Soon after, Troy confesses to Rose that he’s had the affair with Alberta and that he’s going to be a father to her baby. Shocked, Rose can’t believe Troy would do such a thing at his age, and stands up for herself, blaming Troy for not sacrificing himself enough for the preservation of the relationship. Walking in on Troy and Rose fighting, Cory is angered at the sight of Troy roughly holding Rose by the arm, and fights his dad, earning yet another supposed “strike.”

Later, we learn that Alberta died when she gave birth to Troy’s baby, Raynell . Rose agrees to raise Raynell. Then, on another one of Troy’s Fridays, Troy and Cory end their relationship, in an argument over Troy’s infidelity to Rose.

The play then drops off for eight years—the last act begins at the advent of Troy’s death. The family—Cory, Lyons (Troy’s son from a wife before Rose), Rose, Raynell, and Gabriel (Troy’s brother, who suffers from a brain injury and thinks he’s an angel)—are gathered at the Maxson household, with Bono, preparing to attend Troy’s funeral. Cory, however, says that he does not want to attend—and Rose reprimands him, saying that Cory is obligated to go because Troy was his father, and that refraining from mourning his dad doesn’t make him into a man. Gabriel enters the scene and tries to play the music of spiritual exaltation with his “trumpet of judgment,” but no sound comes out. In response, Gabriel dances hysterically, and August Wilson writes, in a note in the script, that the gates to Heaven are opened.

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Fences Essay Prompts for AP Literature: Symbolism, Complexity, and Conflict

Description

Enhance your AP Literature curriculum with these comprehensive essay prompts centered around August Wilson's renowned play, "Fences." These prompts are designed to challenge students to delve deeper into the text, examining symbolism, character complexity, and the thematic role of conflict. Perfect for in-class assignments, assessments, or individual study, these prompts encourage critical thinking and literary analysis skills.

Essay Prompt #1: "Unveiling Symbolism in 'Fences'" Unlock the layers of symbolism within 'Fences' by selecting a key symbol from the play. Through close analysis, explore how this symbol functions within the narrative, uncovering its significance beyond its literal representation. Dive into the depths of character development and thematic exploration, revealing the profound insights it offers into the work as a whole. This prompt demands thoughtful interpretation and goes beyond mere plot summary.

Essay Prompt #2: "Navigating Character Complexity in 'Fences'" Embark on a journey of understanding complex characters within 'Fences.' Choose a character whose behavior is contradictory or inconsistent, and dissect the intricacies of their portrayal by August Wilson. Through a meticulous examination of literary elements and techniques, elucidate how Wilson crafts this character's complexity, shedding light on their motivations, conflicts, and relationships. This prompt encourages students to analyze character dynamics with nuance and depth.

Essay Prompt #3: "Exploring Conflict in 'Fences'" Enter the world of 'Fences' where conflicts abound—be they marital, societal, racial, or interpersonal. Select a central conflict from the play and embark on a literary exploration of how August Wilson masterfully employs various elements and techniques to convey its function. Uncover the layers of tension, explore the ramifications of discord, and delve into the thematic resonance of conflict within the narrative. This prompt challenges students to dissect the intricacies of conflict while appreciating its role in shaping the story's trajectory.

Elevate your students' understanding of literature with these thought-provoking essay prompts tailored for AP Literature. Engage in rigorous analysis, foster critical thinking skills, and deepen comprehension of August Wilson's masterpiece, 'Fences.' Whether used for individual reflection or classroom discussion, these prompts provide a springboard for insightful literary exploration.

Grab this comprehensive set of essay prompts today and empower your students to unravel the rich tapestry of 'Fences' in new and profound ways!

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, seeking sample essays for ap english literature and composition.

Hey all, I'm studying for the AP English Literature and Composition exam and I would like to see some high-scoring samples to better understand what the AP examiners are really looking for. Anyone knows a reliable source where I might find some? Your help would be much appreciated.

Absolutely, studying from high-scoring sample essays is an effective way to grasp what AP examiners look for. A great free resource is the College Board's website, which gives access to free-response questions from previous AP English Literature and Composition exams, along with examples of high-scoring student responses, and scoring guidelines.

Remember that the essays for AP English Literature and Composition generally ask you to analyze literary works. You may be asked to explore the author's use of stylistic elements, literary features, or themes. A high-scoring essay generally will not merely summarize the text; it will provide a thoughtful analysis.

In addition, these essays often closely follow an organized, clear structure. They typically start with an introduction that presents a clear thesis statement, followed by body paragraphs that provide detailed evidence or examples from the text to support the thesis, and a conclusion that restates the thesis in a new way and summarizes the essay's main points.

One thing to look out for in high-scoring samples is the effective use of literary terminology. Phrases like "symbolism", "irony", or "character development" get thrown around a lot, but high-scoring essays use them appropriately and accurately. For example, they don't just claim that an author uses symbolism—they show how a certain symbol is used, why the author might have chosen that symbol, and what larger themes or ideas it could relate to in the text.

As helpful as studying previous high-scoring responses can be, make sure you also practice writing your own essays under timed conditions to simulate the testing environment. This can help you manage your time effectively during the actual exam. Good luck with your studies!

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