Literary Symbolism In Fences

838 Words4 Pages

) The name “Rose” is symbolic in showing how Rose continues to love Troy. Rose, like the flower, is continuously caring and loving. For example, when Troy broke the news to Rose about the affair and child he is having. Rose continued to stay with Troy. She even took his daughter in as her own. “Rose: Okay, Troy…you’re right. I’ll take care of your baby for you” (Wilson 1505). Also, when Troy and Rose are arguing, and he physically hurts her. “Troy: You say I take and don’t give. Rose: Troy… you’re hurting my arm! Let go!” (Wilson 1502). Through these events and more, Rose decides to continue to stand by Troy’s side.

B.) I believe the title, “Fences”, symbolizes how Troy keeps attempting to fence his family members in from their full potential. …show more content…

“Troy: All right...Mr. Death....I'm gonna take and build me a fence around this yard. See? I'm gonna build me a fence around what belongs to me. And then I want you to stay on the other side. See? You stay over there until you're ready for me" (Wilson 1485). This is ironic because his whole idea in building the fence was to keep death away from everything that was his. Yet, death comes back to haunt him in the end. For example, death took Alberta. “Rose: Alberta died while having the baby” (Wilson 1504). Also, death took Troy himself. Troy’s ironic idea of keeping death away ended up being his …show more content…

“Fences” major theme was the whole idea of the African American race being the minorities. It’s constantly mentioned throughout the play. Troy believes his color prevented him from achieving many things in his life. For example, professional baseball. Rose insists Troy was too old to continue playing baseball, but Troy says he couldn’t make it because of his color. “Troy: I just wasn’t the right color” (Wilson 1487). A plays minor theme is a message the author briefly inputs into his work. “Fences” minor theme was responsibility. Throughout the play, Troy feels he has a responsibility to work so his family can survive. He attempts to pass that on to Cory. He does this by taking away Cory’s dream and goal of playing collegiate football based on his race and that he needs to work. I think this is a minor theme because it’s briefly touched on when Troy refuses to sign the permission