Themes in August Wilson’s Fences: Navigating Dreams and Struggles

"Fences," a play by August Wilson, explores the themes of dreams and struggles and their intersection in the lives of the characters. The play offers valuable insights into the human condition, highlighting how unfulfilled dreams can lead to frustration, disappointment, and even relationship strains among the characters. This essay will delve into the concept of dreams and struggles, analyze their impact on the characters, and evaluate their interplay.

Dreams and aspirations

Dreams are significant in a person's life; they drive their actions by providing a sense of purpose and direction. "Fences" portrays the dreams of different characters, driving their motivation and desires. For instance, Troy wants to provide a better life for his family, Cory dreams of becoming a professional football player, and Rose's sole aspiration is to have a stable family.

The unfulfilled dreams of the characters have far-reaching implications on their lives. Troy's unfulfilled dreams lead to resentment and a sense of unfulfillment, which manifests in his relationship with his son Cory. His frustration and inability to live his dream, coupled with his feelings of shame, contribute to his strained relationship with his son and the eventual dissolution of his family.

Struggles and obstacles

Struggles manifest in different forms and impact different characters in the play. Some of the struggles are societal, such as racial and economic disparities experienced by the characters. For instance, Troy's experiences as a Black man in 1950s America shape his worldview and contribute to his struggles. Personal limitations and generational conflicts are other manifestations of struggle that the characters experience in the play.

The internal struggles of the characters, such as Troy's internal conflicts regarding responsibility, love, and duty, highlight the dilemmas that people face when their beliefs and values conflict with external pressures. The inability to reconcile these internal struggles contributes to the conflicts that arise between the characters.

Interplay between dreams and struggles

Dreams or aspirations can act as a source of hope when facing struggles. In "Fences," the characters utilize their dreams as motivation to overcome their obstacles. For instance, Troy's desire to provide a better life for his family motivates him to work hard despite the racism he faces at work.

However, struggles can hinder the realization of dreams. The characters' internal and external struggles often impede their ability to achieve their dreams. For instance, Troy's personality and haunting memories of his past limit his ability to support his son's dream of becoming a football player.

The outcomes of navigating the interplay between dreams and struggles are varied and dependent on multiple factors. For instance, Rose manages to achieve her dream of having a stable family by accepting her husband's illegitimate daughter. On the other hand, Troy's inability to adjust to the changing times and deal with his internal struggles lead to his death.

Conclusion

"Fences" by August Wilson explores the themes of dreams and struggles in the lives of the characters, highlighting the potential impacts of unfulfilled dreams and internal and external struggles. The interplay between these themes is complex and can lead to varied outcomes. August Wilson's play offers valuable insights into the human condition and highlights the importance of balancing dreams and struggles.

In conclusion, the themes explored by August Wilson in "Fences" are still relevant to society today. There are still unsolved issues such as racial disparities which can generate an internal struggle within people, affecting their aspirations and motivation. I encourage people to explore August Wilson's works further and reflect on the deeper meanings the play offers.

References

1. Wilson, A. (1985). Fences. Penguin.
2. Sandberg, L. (2006). Troy Maxson and the African American Experience in August Wilson’s[Title of Play]. University of Agder Master’s Thesis.
3. Barnett, (2017). August Wilson and the Long Civil Rights Movement. Journal of African American Studies, 21(2), 253-268.