Fences Act 2 Summary

Introduction

August Wilson's play "Fences" is a rich tapestry of character dynamics and conflicts, with Act 2 bringing pivotal changes that shake the core of the story. This essay dives into Act 2, summing up its key moments and their meanings in the larger narrative. By looking at relationships, clashes, and themes in this act, it's clear that Act 2 marks a big turning point. It deepens the characters' struggles and sets up for the climax. Let's dig into what makes Act 2 so important and why "Fences" still hits home today.

Troy's Affair: A Family Shaken

Act 2 kicks off with a bombshell—Troy's affair with Alberta comes to light. Man, this really rocks the boat for everyone involved. Troy’s marriage to Rose starts falling apart fast, and his bond with his son Cory gets super tense. This revelation doesn't just show Troy’s flaws as a husband and dad; it also highlights how secrets can tear families apart.

Rose feels this betrayal deeply. She's been this rock-solid wife all along, holding her family together. But Troy’s cheating shatters her trust. She confronts him, saying, "You're supposed to be my husband. You're supposed to love me." You can really feel her pain and disappointment here.

The affair messes up things with Cory too. Troy never wanted Cory to chase his football dreams because he was bitter about his own failed baseball career. After the affair comes out, though, Troy looks like a big hypocrite, and his control over Cory becomes suffocating. Their relationship gets more strained as Cory fights for his independence.

This affair is a turning point in "Fences." It unravels the Maxson family dynamics and shows how deceit can destroy trust and relationships.

Troy and Gabriel: Strained Ties

Another thing going on in Act 2 is Troy's rocky relationship with his brother Gabriel. Gabe suffered a head injury in World War II; he's got this childlike innocence but also something kind of prophetic about him. In the play, Gabe stands as a symbol of hope and spiritual meaning.

In this act, Gabe becomes more significant as he challenges Troy’s authority. He wants to blow his trumpet to open heaven's gates—a metaphor for breaking free from life's barriers. This ties into bigger themes of freedom and overcoming obstacles.

Troy’s conflict with Gabe isn’t just about money issues or guilt over disability checks; it’s also about control within the family. The tension peaks when Troy decides to have Gabe committed to an institution, supposedly for his good. But this isolates Troy even more from those he loves, reinforcing those metaphorical fences that divide them.

The Impact of Racial Discrimination

Racial discrimination hits hard in Act 2 as well, revealing harsh truths faced by African Americans in the '50s.

A standout moment is when Troy confronts his boss about why black workers can't become drivers. His frustration mirrors the bigger struggles against racial inequality back then.

Cory’s storyline touches on this too. He dreams of playing football but faces opposition from Troy who thinks sports are biased against blacks—stemming from his own bitter experiences in baseball.

This clash reflects generational divides among African Americans—their battles shape their views and relationships.

Conclusion

All said and done; Act 2 is where "Fences" truly deepens its character complexities while pushing towards its peak moments later on down line-up ahead! Exploring themes such as infidelity impacts both personal/professional lives alike amidst social constructs/societal barriers seen through interactions between people involved showcases how universal these ideas remain relevant today even after all these years past since initial release date originally hit stage first time around!

References

• Sawyer-Lauçanno C., (1995). August Wilson: The Playwright's Vision Through Fences"
• Bogumil M., (1999). Understanding August Wilson"
• Nadel A., (1993). May All Your Fences Have Gates: Essays on the Drama of August Wilson"
• Pereira K., (2010). "August Wilson: Completing The Twentieth-Century Cycle"
• Wessling J.H., (2008). "Conversations With August Wilson"