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The Consistent Cycle Of Discrimination In August Wilson's Fences

1619 Words7 Pages

Name:. H Class: Wegner English Period: 2 Date: 4/10/24. In the world of fences, there is a strong dichotomy between those who have and those who have not, those who drive the truck and the ones putting in the garbage. August Wilson wrote Fences in 1985, the period of the “war on drugs”, rising poverty, and rising hate for social welfare. The period this was written in reflects the time of the story, with similar issues pervading both periods. The persistent cycle of discrimination and systemic racism taking on new forms The characters in Fences are used to show these cycles and the different scenarios and circumstances that come from them. In August Wilson's Fences, the experiences of the characters are examples of this perverse influence …show more content…

Their experiences are part of the story and build on the dynamics between the characters. Troy Maxson is a great example of a character who we understand through background information without context, his actions are hard to sympathize with. Troy's life is filled with struggles from his upbringing, work, racial discrimination, and limited opportunities. Troy's current relationship with his family in the book isn't removed from his past. Before his marriage to Rose, he was married and had a child, during this time he was at a point where he had no resources. He ran away from his abusive father, without support, and being a young father this led Troy to have to break the law to survive. He opens up to his oldest son, Lyons, after he ran away, he had limited opportunities. “right down there under the Brady Street bridge”. Living in shacks made of sticks and tar paper. Messed around there and went from bad to worse. Started stealing food first. Then I figured, hell, if I steal money, I can buy myself some food. Buy me some shoes too! One thing led to another. Meet your mama. I was young and anxious to become a man. Met your mama and had you. What do I do that for? Now I have to worry about feeling you and her. Got to steal three times as much” (Wilson 1.4.54). Troy opened up about his past to his son. Troy's past is a domino effect “one thing led to another”. His relationship …show more content…

It doesn't remove his autonomy or determination for his aspirations, however we have to recognize the reality of his situation such as his upbringing, socio-economic status, and discrimination. His decision to diverge from past generations is still a decision influenced by past situations, his current financial situation is not devoid of circumstance, for many artists finances are a

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