Name ______
Fences
Getting to the BIG PICTURE
1. Construct a chronological biography of Troy Maxson. How naturally do the expository materials figure into the conversations where they are revealed (that is, what reasons does Troy have for summarizing his past at various points in the play)?
2. Explore the various meanings of the title, from the literal fence Troy is building (why is he? What purpose does it serve?) to the more figurative fences, the obstacles that Troy has faced and overcome. What does the title have to do with Troy’s career as a baseball player? How are Troy’s victories ironic? (for example he achieves his wish to become a driver, but what effect does that have on his relationship with Bono? Does it bring him happiness?)
3. What motifs exist throughout the play and why are they significant to the whole of the play?
4. What aspects of this play make it convincingly realistic in its conventions? What qualities of African-American urban life in the late fifties does it capture?
5. In a television interview with Bill Moyers, Wilson made this important point about Fences — Although this play is directly concerned with the experiences of African-Americans at the time and place that it is set, its themes are not restricted to these specifics. What universal themes, characteristics and ideas about life are conveyed within this restricted, specific milieu?
6. Define the conflicts between Troy and Cory, showing how they develop. In what ways do they resemble those between Troy and his father? What does Troy want to protect Cory from, and what direction does he want him to take? What economic lesson does he impart to his son?
7. What similarities and contrasts exist between Troy and Willy in his situations and in his temperament? What are their attitudes about being “liked”? Does Troy lie to himself or others? What are some of their child-rearing philosophies?