Divided by fences built
A fence, by definition, is a barrier controlling access or preventing escape from an area. Fences by Aug. Wilson takes this to mean that the boundaries between characters are much more expansive. Fences are a metaphorical way to define many of the major conflicts in the drama. Troy Maxson’s character will create unhealthy social enclosures to keep his family away from him. They will then leave, leaving Troy Maxson alone.
In the story, Troy’s spouse Rose wants him build a fence around their backyard. Troy is just as uncommitted in his building of the fence as he was to his marriage. He cheats on her instead of working on the project. Troy explains that this affair was done to create a barrier. “…She teaches me something new about myself. I can step outside this house and be a different person. He believes that he is using his affair to get away from his wife, but it actually causes a rift between them. Ironically Rose’s fence is a way to keep family unity. Bono, Troy’s best friend and the first person to know about the affair, tries explaining this to Troy. Rose wants you to all hold on. She loves her” (1312). The yard fence only becomes a complete project when Troy’s mistress, Raynell, dies during childbirth. Troy’s commitment to his wife is important because it reflects his character. He was holding himself back by his affair, which prevented him from fulfilling the obligations of a family member. His wife has no desire to be married to him. Rose informs him that while she will be raising the baby for him, his actions have left him “a womenless man”.
Troy’s relationships with his two sons, Lyons & Cory, are ambivalent throughout the entire play. Troy is the reason for both dynamics. Although each one has its own reasoning, they are both unhealthy. The relationship between Troy and his oldest son Lyons from a former marriage may appear to be one of business transactions. Only on paydays do they have any interaction. Lyons is borrowing money from Troy. It is not a happy relationship between Troy and Lyons because Troy is the musician, while Lyons thinks that he should find a better job. Lyons says to his father that he doesn’t want him to haul garbage at his place of work. I don’t want to push nobodies clock (1292). Troy gets upset by this because it’s obvious that hauling rubbish wasn’t Troy’s ideal career. However, he still has to earn some money. So he says to Lyons “Where are you getting the ten bucks you mention? You’re too lazy to do any work, so I will give you my money. Troy blames the lack of work ethics in his son on his mother’s upbringing. Lyons tells the father who had been absent that if he wanted to change him, he should have attended his childhood (1292). Lyons’ father was unable to be present during his childhood because of a fence around the jail. This has been the source of all their disagreements. The prison fence prevented him from being in his son’s life for 30 years. Their relationship has been strained to no end.
Troy’s relationship is more volatile with Cory than it is with Lyons. Troy, who was once an athlete, is now resentful of Cory’s success as a football player in high school. Troy missed the chance to become a professional footballer because of both his age and his race. Troy takes this bitterness out on the boy he’s raised since birth. “Not after the things they did to my in sports” (1302). Rose is a supporter of Cory’s football ambitions and tries explaining to Troy that the times have changed since Troy was a young boy. Folks evolve. “You can’t believe how fast the world is changing. Troy is not interested in seeing it. He wants to protect his son from the same fate he had to endure, but he’s jealous that Cory is getting these opportunities he never got. In order to stop Cory from becoming better than Troy, he controls everything in Cory’s world. Cory’s father tells him, “You didn’t have any chance! You’re just scared that I’m going to be better. (1311). Troy is now on the receiving end of this first strike after Troy’s ego was ruffled. This moment is crucial because it represents the downward spiral in their relationship. After the affair has been made public, the relationship between father-son is forever shattered after a physical confrontation. When Cory was told to leave, there is a dialogue that has been exchanged. Troy responds coldly with “They will be the other side” (1325). This is not just a symbol of the wall they’ve built, but also their forever-lasting divide.
Bono, Troy’s friend, is by his side even though he has destroyed his relationship with family. Their friendship is based on their prison experience. Bono finds out first that Troy is having extramarital liaisons, which causes distance between them. Bono worries about Troys decisions and tries his best to explain them. “I remember you meeting Rose…That was when I first knew you have any sense. I said…My Troy is an intelligent man…I will follow him…he might lead me to a better place…I have learned so much from watching you…Rose was a wonderful woman, Troy” (1312-13). Bono had a vision of Troy, a man he looked up and respected, until now. Bono lost his respect for Troy after Troy destroyed his family. He rarely visits Troy anymore and his communication with him has deteriorated from an old friend to just a casual acquaintance. Troy identifies this and remarks, “You’ve not stopped by for over a month.” Hell, I’m sure you owe me some money” (1323). Bono explains that Troys promotion at the office is to blame for their lack of communication. It’s funny, I used to see your face every day. Now I’m not sure what route you travel. It’s obvious that Bono is wrong about Troy. He isn’t the person Bono used to think he was. Bono can now see Troy for who he really is and doesn’t want to continue following him.
Troy Maxson slowly, but surely, destroys this relationship by using metaphorical fencing. This structure is designed to provide security for people, but it has the exact opposite effect on their family. He lost his wife because of a childish whim. He loses sons due to his selfishness, resentment, and control. After seeing the harm Troy can do, he loses a friend. The family only comes together after Troy dies. The family gathers inside the fence and home to await his funeral. Mortality has finally fenced Troy out. Three strikes and he is out.