Fences
Fences was a realistic breath of fresh air from Los Vendidos, Fires in the Mirror, and the Sandbox. Although I really enjoy plays that are absurdist and/or satirical, I needed a good solid read after all that unrealistic drama. August Wilson does a great job depicting the lives of African-Americans in the 1950's. The dialogue is realistic, yet no overly so, and the characters are very believable, not stereotypes.
After reading only a few pages of Fences, I began to see a connection or a parallel between Troy Maxson and Willy Loman from Death of a Salesman. Troy has not had much luck in life and has not been given many chances to rise up out of his condition. He is trying to support his family, just like Willy Loman, but can't get ahead picking up trash. Willy couldn't get ahead because of his age and lack of sales skills, while Troy can't get ahead because of racism and possibly his attitude. The question of whether or not Troy is a tragic character though is still up in the air for me. In my own definition of tragedy, Troy would be there. However, I don't think the literary definition of tragedy would include him.
Fences is very heavy in dialogue. Usually I get lost in plays with a lot of dialogue, but Wilson writes it so naturally that I was able to keep up. Also, it helps that there are only seven characters and one setting for the action.
The relationship between Troy and Cory was the most intriguing to me. Troy's childhood and adult opportunities were so much different than Cory's. Cory knows that he could be a professional football player, but Troy refuses to believe that it is possible. During Troy's time, black professional athletes were rare, if not non-existent. Cory tries to tell Troy that times have changed and that he might have a chance to make it, but Troy lays down the law. Troy is too hard on Cory about everythinghis chores, playing sports, and his job. It seems that Troy just takes all of his...
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