Symbols in The Play Fences

August Wilson's play Fences is a rich and complex work that delves into the lives of African American families in the 1950s. The play explores themes of race, family, and the struggle for personal and professional fulfillment. One of the most prominent features of the play is the use of symbols to convey deeper meanings and emotions. Throughout the play, various symbols emerge, each carrying its own significance and contributing to the overall themes and messages of the narrative. In this essay, we will explore the symbols in Fences and their roles in the play's storytelling and thematic development.

The Fence

One of the most prominent symbols in Fences is the fence itself. The fence serves as a physical and metaphorical barrier that separates the Maxson family from the outside world. It is a symbol of protection and security, as well as a representation of the barriers that exist within the family unit. Troy Maxson, the protagonist of the play, takes great pride in building and maintaining the fence around his home. He sees the fence as a way to keep his family safe and secure, but it also serves as a barrier that keeps him emotionally distant from his loved ones.

The fence also symbolizes the division between the past and the present. Throughout the play, Troy is haunted by his past mistakes and the impact they have had on his life. The fence represents his attempts to keep the past at bay and move forward, but it also serves as a reminder of the things he can never truly escape. The fence becomes a symbol of the emotional and psychological barriers that Troy has built up over the years, and the ways in which those barriers have affected his relationships with his family and friends.

The Tree

Another important symbol in Fences is the tree that Troy and his son Cory plant in the yard. The tree represents the aspirations and dreams of the Maxson family, as well as the struggles they face in achieving them. The tree starts out as a small sapling, full of potential and promise, but it struggles to grow and thrive in the shadow of the fence. This mirrors the struggles of the Maxson family as they try to overcome the obstacles and limitations that society has placed upon them.

The tree also symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of change. As the tree grows and matures, it becomes a reminder of the ways in which the Maxson family has evolved and adapted to their circumstances. However, the tree also serves as a reminder of the ways in which they have been held back and prevented from reaching their full potential. The tree becomes a symbol of the complex and often contradictory nature of the American Dream, and the ways in which it can both inspire and oppress those who strive for it.

Music

In addition to the fence and the tree, music also emerges as a powerful symbol in Fences. Throughout the play, music is used to convey emotion, create atmosphere, and underscore the themes and messages of the narrative. The blues, in particular, plays a significant role in the play, serving as a symbol of the struggles and hardships faced by the characters. The blues music that permeates the play becomes a reflection of the pain and suffering experienced by the Maxson family and the African American community as a whole.

The blues also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the characters in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges they face, the characters in Fences find solace and empowerment in the music, using it as a means of expressing their emotions and connecting with one another. The blues becomes a symbol of the ways in which art and culture can provide a sense of identity and purpose, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Fences is a play that is rich with symbols, each of which plays a significant role in conveying the themes and messages of the narrative. The fence, the tree, and the blues music all serve as powerful symbols that add depth and complexity to the storytelling, as well as the character development and thematic exploration. These symbols provide insight into the experiences and struggles of the Maxson family, as well as the broader African American experience in the 1950s. They serve as reminders of the ways in which individuals and communities navigate the complexities of race, family, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Through these symbols, August Wilson creates a powerful and evocative portrayal of the human experience, one that resonates with audiences and continues to inspire and provoke thought.