Symbolism in Fences by August Wilson

August Wilson’s play, Fences, explores the lives of African Americans in the 1950s, particularly focusing on the protagonist, Troy Maxson, and his complex relationship with his family and society. Throughout the play, Wilson employs various symbols to convey deeper meanings and themes. One prominent symbol that recurs several times in the text is the fence. This essay will delve into the symbolism of the fence in Fences, exploring its multifaceted significance and how it reflects the characters' desires for freedom, protection, and identity.

The Desire for Freedom

From the opening scene, the fence is introduced as a symbol of Troy's desire for freedom. In the dialogue between Troy and his friend, Bono, the former talks about his dream of owning his house and building a fence around it. He sees the fence as a representation of his independence and a way to keep others out of his personal space. As Troy states, "Some people build fences to keep people out, and other people build fences to keep people in" (Wilson, 6). This statement suggests that the fence not only serves as a physical barrier but also as a metaphorical one, separating Troy's personal life from the outside world.

Furthermore, the fence can be seen as a manifestation of Troy's desire to break free from the constraints of society. As an African American man living in a racially divided America, Troy has faced numerous obstacles and limitations throughout his life. The fence, therefore, becomes a symbol of his aspiration to transcend these barriers and create his own space where he can assert his autonomy.

The Need for Protection

Another aspect of the fence's symbolism in Fences is the need for protection. Throughout the play, Troy's character is characterized by his protectiveness towards his family, especially his son, Cory. The fence serves as a physical representation of this protectiveness, as it is meant to shield his loved ones from the dangers of the outside world.

Moreover, the fence can be seen as a means of protecting oneself from emotional pain and vulnerability. Troy's own experiences, including his difficult childhood and failed dreams of becoming a baseball player, have made him wary of opening himself up to others. By building a fence around his house, he creates a barrier that prevents others from getting too close and potentially hurting him.

Identity and Belonging

In addition to representing freedom and protection, the fence in Fences also symbolizes identity and belonging. Troy, as an African American man, grapples with issues of racial identity and the struggle for recognition in a predominantly white society. The fence, therefore, becomes a symbol of his attempt to define his own identity and assert his place in the world.

The fence is also significant in terms of Troy's relationship with his brother, Gabriel, who suffered a head injury during World War II and now requires constant care. Gabriel often wanders the neighborhood, carrying a trumpet and claiming that St. Peter has given him the power to open the gates of heaven. The fence, in this context, can be seen as a representation of the divide between reality and Gabriel's world. It serves as a reminder of the barriers that prevent Gabriel from fully integrating into society and finding his place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the fence in August Wilson's Fences serves as a powerful symbol that conveys various themes and meanings throughout the play. It represents Troy's desire for freedom, protection, and identity, encapsulating the struggles and aspirations of African Americans in the 1950s. By examining the symbolism of the fence, we gain a deeper understanding of the characters and the larger social context in which they exist. Wilson masterfully employs this symbol to convey complex emotions and ideas, making Fences a thought-provoking and impactful play.

Overall, the fence in Fences is a testament to the power of symbols in literature and their ability to enhance the depth and richness of a text. It reminds us of the importance of examining the subtle imagery and metaphors in a work of art and the insights they can offer into the human experience.