African-American Literature Term Paper

Fences, by August Wilson. Specifically, it will contain an analysis of the following essay question: Develop the theme of "responsibility of family." Throughout the play, the importance of Troy's family plays an all-important place in his life. His responsibility to his family is paramount to him, even though he does not always show it, and they do not always know it.

FENCES

Death ain't nothing but a fastball on an outside corner" (Wilson 10).

Troy Maxson is not a model father and husband by any means. He alienates his wife who loves him by siring an illegitimate child with his mistress, who dies giving birth. Rose, Troy's wife, agrees to raise the child, but the love between the two is forever damaged, and Rose will no longer give Troy all her love. "Rose... I'm standing here with my daughter in my arms. She ain't but a wee bittie little old thing. She don't know nothing about grownups' business. She innocent... And she ain't got no mama" (Wilson 78). Troy has damaged the family with his thoughtless and selfish act, and they will never be the same.

Part of Troy's problem with his family is his massive pride and ego. While he is intensely proud of his family and his ability to take care of them, he continually rides his son Cory, alienating him just as he alienated Rose. He sends Cory away, ostensibly to make him a man, but in his heart, he may fear Cory, and fear he will become more of a success than Troy has been - thus more of a "man." "You a man. Now, let's see you act like one.Turn your behind around and walk out this yard. And when you get out there in the alley... you can forget about this house. See? Cause this is my house" (Wilson 86). Cory leaves, and the two do not meet again. Troy dies, and it takes his death for Cory to really understand the complexities of his father.

Troy always manages to find his way home, carrying with him his weekly sack of potatoes, lard, and $76-42 paycheck: "It's my responsibility!" he tells Cory. " A man got to take care of his family" (Wilson 38). This is the core of the play and how it relates to Troy's family. While he is paradoxical in his affair, and his treatment of his son, he is adamant about his ability to take care of his family. He is completely opposite of the stereotypical black "absent father," that crops up in so many stories. He is always there, and his family can rely on him, even if he is not the perfect father figure. He was irresponsible in his affair, but because he takes responsibility for his newborn daughter, he still sees himself as a responsible adult and parent. He will not take the responsibility to look inside himself, and discover what motivates him to destroy his relationships, however. It is this responsibility to his family that creates some of the pride he has in himself, and drives him to badger Cory for what he sees his only to benefit his son.

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