In August Wilson’s play Fences, the main character, Lyons, is the patriarch of the Maxson family. Lyons had a tragic childhood and a poor father figure, nonetheless, he worked hard and started a family in his own house. He believed his roles in life, such as a husband, father, and brother, were all responsibilities rather than privileges. Because Lyons is too inconsiderate to love like a husband, and parent like a father, he makes others suffer and all of those relationships eventually decay because of him. The lack of love in the relationship between Lyons and Rose eventually leads to their downfall. Lyons treats his wife Rose like a business partner, sharing responsibilities together and showing little affection. They are constantly arguing about what is best for Gabriel and Cory, and not about what is best for …show more content…
Troy sees his relationship with Cory as tough love, but Cory does not feel any of the love. Troy’s relationship with his father was incredibly toxic, he ended up running away at 14 after hitting him to protect another young girl. His relationship with his father deeply affected his own take on parenting. Because he had a poor experience with his father, he does not see having a father figure as something to take for granted, instead it is a privilege. His relationship with his only son is defined by yessirs and nosirs, where Troy asks the questions and expects the answers. Cory does not feel any love from his father and even asks “why don't you love me?”. Troy is incredibly rattled by this question and talks about how it’s not his responsibility to love him, it’s his responsibility to put food on the table and a roof over his head. While Troy is trying to not be like his father by providing for his child, he still is missing the love and compassion that he did not receive as a