The play Fences by August Wilson details the lives of Troy, his wife Rose, and his son Cory. Set in the bustling year of 1957, Fences explores the themes of family, sacrifice, and the effect of racism on jobs and careers in America. The play starts with Troy and his longtime friend Bono’s weekly ritual of drinking and talking about their jobs and lives. Bono accuses Troy of cheating on his wife, Rose, with Alberta, but Troy denies it as his wife walks into the scene. It is made clear that Troy is not a man of commitment; however, his love for Rose surpasses his lack of desire for marriage. He has an internal conflict regarding his son, Cory, who landed a job at the local A&P, despite getting recruited for a college football team. Bittered by…
Rose agrees to take care of Raynell since the baby should not have to atone for the sins of her father, but denies responsibilities as Troy’s wife. Cory has now graduated from high school and is trying to find a job, but there is still tension in the household. Bono stops by after a long time, and they both notice the differences the strain the passing months have caused on their friendship. When Cory returns to the house, Troy gets mad and requires that he move out the house. Cory rebuts by listing Troy’s shortcomings, such as how Gabriel’s checks pay for the roof over Troy’s head. Troy attacks Cory, and Cory picks up the baseball bat in retaliation. With this action, Cory is kicked out the house, and Troy says all his belongings will be on the other side of the fence. Troy begins to taunt Death again, this time swinging the bat. In the last scene, it skips to seven years ahead. Raynell is seven years old and everyone is gathered for Troy’s funeral. Cory, now an engaged Marine, returns back home, but tells Rose that he does not want to attend the funeral. He begins to talk to Raynell about Troy, and they begin to sing “Blue Dog,” the song that Troy used to sing, together. Gabriel enters with his trumpet, dancing and howling, “opening the gates of heaven” wide…
