Generational Trauma In Fences

August Wilson portrays generational trauma in the play Fences by highlighting how past generations can leave an impact on future generations. This can be shown when Troy’s character looks back in hindsight to his upbringing. Throughout Troy’s monologue regarding his father, the audience learns about the man that raised him. According to Troy, this man was an individual was trapped in his endeavors, as he likely had many ambitions but was burdened by the fact that he had to look after eleven kids. He prioritized work above all else, and he put himself above all his children. Despite this however, Troy affirms that there was only one reason he never left, “He felt a responsibility towards us. Maybe he ain’t treated us the way I felt he should

His methods of parenting are very authoritative, and Troy is often shown demanding his sons for respect. While it is true that Troy cares for his children, he is not at all vocal about it. In the eyes of his children, Troy is only holding them back from achieving greater things. One example of this is the way that Troy does not emotionally support Lyons in his attempts to become a musician. Rather than uplifting him, reassuring him, or motivating him, Troy is extremely critical of his son’s decisions, belittling him for the way he chooses to live (Wilson 18). He is stubborn in his stances, and this ultimately hurts the way that Lyons perceives his father. Troy upholds this mentality throughout the play, and this is evident in the way he treats Cory as well. For instance, when the recruiter comes to Pittsburgh to see if Cory is eligible to join a college football team, Troy falsely informs him that his son is unable to play football anymore due to the fact that his chores were not getting done (Wilson 58). Although he has the right to be mad at his son, his actions ultimately result in Cory being unable to pursue his lifelong dreams. He dwells on the fact that his father’s reactions to his own prospects of success are likely because he is envious of the opportunities that Cory has. On top of this, he believes that the reason that Troy excessively criticizes him is because he does not like him. Cory is expected to obediently abide by his father’s rules because as long as he provides him with basic needs, he should be grateful: "It’s my responsibility…A man got to take care of his family. You live in my house...sleep you behind on my bedclothes...fill you belly up with my food...cause you my son. You my flesh and blood. Not ’cause I like you! Cause it's my duty to take care of you. I owe a responsibility to you!" (Wilson 38).