Fences Themes In The Play

1.) Bono’s line on page, enholds various implications of the play’s title. Bono says “Some people build fences to keep and..and other people build fences to keep people in.” Pg.61 This depicts the dualistic nature and purpose of a fence. Using this quote, the name of the play “Fences” and throughout the play, the fence was often in construction. When it was done, it used as a barrier to keep unwanted people out and keep the wanted in. “They’ll be on the other side of that fence.” Pg.89 Cory was unwanted in the household and sent to the outer-side of the fence. The title “Fences” focuses the novel on the use of the barrier. The inside of the fence is where feelings are released and the preparation for the outside of the fence or the outside world begins. The outside of the fence represents a blur where strangers live and where problems for the family emerge, like the act of the infidelity that Troy committed. Trying to fulfill the American Dream, Troy builds a white picket fence around his house. Ultimately, he dies within the barrier, one in which death was not welcomed.

2.) The play “Fences” unfolds distinctive features that makes the play about African-American. Throughout the play, incarceration was often discussed. It was discussed to the point of normality in the play, as if it was the usual for an African-American. “The man done had his life ruined for what ? And they wanna take and lock him up.” Pg.65 Gabe is often put in jail for the slightest errors, even if none