Fences Act 2 Summary

In August Wilson's play Fences, Act 2 unfolds with a series of events that significantly impact the lives of the characters and propel the narrative forward. This essay will provide a summary of Act 2, highlighting key moments and analyzing their implications within the broader context of the play. Through an exploration of the relationships, conflicts, and themes presented in this act, it becomes evident that Act 2 serves as a turning point in the story, deepening the complexities of the characters and setting the stage for the climax. By delving into the significance of Act 2, this essay aims to shed light on the thematic richness of Fences and its enduring relevance.

The beginning of Act 2 introduces the revelation of Troy's affair with Alberta, which has significant consequences for the characters involved. The affair serves as a catalyst for the crumbling of Troy's relationship with his wife, Rose, and creates tension between Troy and his son, Cory. This shocking revelation not only exposes Troy's flaws as a husband and father but also highlights the destructive power of secrets within familial relationships.

The affair's impact on Rose is particularly poignant. Throughout the play, Rose has been portrayed as a steadfast and devoted wife, committed to her family and marriage. However, Troy's betrayal shatters her sense of security and trust. This is evident when she confronts Troy, exclaiming, "You're supposed to be my husband. You're supposed to love me." This moment showcases the emotional turmoil Rose experiences and the profound disappointment she feels towards Troy's actions.

Moreover, the affair also affects Troy's relationship with Cory, his teenage son who aspires to play football. Initially, Troy disapproves of Cory's dreams, convinced that his own unfulfilled baseball career has left him bitter and resentful. However, after the affair is revealed, Troy's hypocrisy becomes more apparent, and his control over Cory's future becomes increasingly oppressive. This conflict between father and son intensifies, as Cory struggles to assert his independence and pursue his own aspirations.

Overall, the affair in Act 2 serves as a pivotal moment in Fences, as it unravels the dynamics of the Maxson family and exposes the consequences of deception and betrayal. The affair's impact on Rose and Cory showcases the profound emotional toll that secrets can have within a family, highlighting the fragile nature of trust and the complexities of human relationships.

Another significant aspect of Act 2 is the deepening of the strained relationship between Troy and his brother, Gabriel. Gabriel, who suffered a head injury during World War II, is mentally impaired but possesses a childlike innocence and a prophetic quality. Throughout the play, Gabriel has been a symbol of hope and spiritual significance, serving as a reminder of the barriers and limitations faced by African Americans.

In Act 2, Gabriel's presence becomes even more prominent, as he challenges Troy's authority and exposes his inner conflicts. Gabriel's desire to blow his trumpet in order to open the gates of heaven becomes a metaphor for breaking free from the metaphorical fences that confine the characters in the play. This symbolism underscores the broader themes of freedom and liberation, as Gabriel represents the possibility of transcending the limitations imposed by society.

Troy's strained relationship with Gabriel is not only influenced by his guilt over receiving money from Gabriel's disability checks but also by his desire to maintain control and dominance within the family. This conflict reaches its climax when Troy decides to have Gabriel committed to a mental institution, believing it to be in Gabriel's best interest. However, this decision further isolates Troy from his loved ones and reinforces the notion of fences as barriers that divide and confine.

In summary, Act 2 deepens the complexities of the relationship between Troy and Gabriel, highlighting the themes of freedom and confinement. Through their strained interactions and the metaphorical significance of Gabriel's trumpet, the play emphasizes the importance of breaking free from the fences that restrict personal growth and prevent the characters from reaching their full potential.

One of the pervasive themes in Fences is the impact of racial discrimination on the characters' lives. Act 2 delves deeper into this theme, exposing the harsh realities faced by African Americans during the 1950s.

A significant moment in Act 2 is when Troy confronts his employer about the lack of opportunities for black employees to become drivers. This confrontation highlights the racial inequality and systemic barriers that African Americans faced in the workforce. Troy's frustration and anger stem from his own experiences of being denied opportunities due to his race, mirroring the larger struggles faced by the African American community during this time period.

Furthermore, the impact of racial discrimination is also evident in Cory's storyline. As an aspiring football player, Cory faces opposition from his father, who believes that the sports industry is biased against African Americans. Troy's own disillusionment with his baseball career has influenced his perspective on Cory's dreams, leading to tension and conflict between them. This conflict between father and son reflects the generational divide in African American experiences, as Troy's struggles with discrimination shape his worldview and affect his relationship with his son.

In conclusion, Act 2 further explores the theme of racial discrimination and its impact on the characters in Fences. Through Troy's confrontation with his employer and the conflict between Troy and Cory, the play sheds light on the systemic barriers and generational differences that African Americans faced during the 1950s. These moments serve to highlight the broader social and historical context of the play, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Fences and its exploration of race and identity.

In summary, Act 2 of Fences serves as a turning point in the play, deepening the complexities of the characters and propelling the narrative towards its climax. Through the exploration of Troy's affair and its consequences, the strained relationship between Troy and Gabriel, and the impact of racial discrimination, Act 2 reveals the thematic richness of the play. The revelations and conflicts presented in this act expose the fragility of trust, the limitations imposed by societal barriers, and the enduring impact of racial discrimination. By delving into these aspects of Act 2, this essay has shed light on the significance of Fences and its exploration of universal themes that continue to resonate with audiences today. As a powerful portrayal of the African American experience, Fences invites us to reflect on the fences that confine us and the possibilities of breaking free.