Choose the play “Fences” by August Wilson or “M. Butterfly” by David Henry Hwang and discuss how character and/or culture relate to the overriding theme or themes. State a thesis of what you consider to be the overriding theme of the play and how it relates specifically to the character and the cultural setting. Use elements to prove the thesis such as point of view, setting, and atmosphere. Research other opinions which support or argue against your thesis and address them accordingly. Restate your thesis as a conclusion and briefly restate your supporting evidence. “Fences” summary: http://www.sparknotes.com/drama/fences/summary.html “M. Butterfly” summary: https://www.enotes.com/topics/m-butterfly
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Thesis: In Fences by August Wilson, the overriding theme is the struggle for identity within the context of race and family dynamics. The play explores how the protagonist, Troy Maxson, attempts to assert his masculinity and personal worth within a society that marginalizes him due to his race. This theme is intricately connected to Troy’s relationships, particularly with his son Cory, as well as the cultural setting of 1950s America, where racial discrimination profoundly impacts the characters’ choices and aspirations.
Supporting Evidence:
Fences is set in the 1950s, a time when African Americans were still fighting against racial inequality, particularly in areas such as employment and social acceptance. Troy Maxson, the protagonist, is a former baseball player whose career was stunted by racism. He now works as a garbage collector, struggling to provide for his family and maintain a sense of dignity. Troy’s inability to overcome the social and racial barriers that restrict him leads to his frustration, which he often takes out on his family. His relationship with his son, Cory, illustrates this generational clash. While Troy encourages Cory to be practical and pursue a career like his own, Cory dreams of playing college football. Troy’s refusal to allow Cory to pursue his passion stems from his own past experiences with racial discrimination, which makes him protective and fearful for his son’s future.
The play’s setting, a working-class African American household, reflects the social pressures of the time. The fence, both literal and metaphorical, symbolizes the barriers that Troy faces—both the external racial boundaries and the emotional walls he builds within his family. Troy’s relationships, particularly with his wife, Rose, and his son, Cory, are strained as a result of his inability to reconcile his past experiences with his present.
Counter-Argument:
Some critics argue that Fences focuses primarily on Troy’s personal shortcomings rather than the broader cultural issues. They contend that the play is more about individual failure than racial oppression. However, Troy’s personal struggles cannot be divorced from the larger societal context of racial discrimination. His bitterness and anger stem from the systemic barriers that shaped his life, and thus, his personal struggles reflect the cultural constraints of his time.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the overriding theme of Fences is the struggle for identity within the confines of race and family. Troy’s relationships and his own internal conflict serve as a reflection of the larger racial issues in 1950s America. The play’s setting and atmosphere, coupled with the characters’ experiences, illuminate how cultural barriers shape individual identity and familial relationships.
