The Evolution Of African American Generations In August Wilson's Fences

Evolution – the gradual development of something – has been around since the beginning of time. August Wilson epitomizes the evolution of the African American generations during the 1950s in his play, Fences, through the characters of Troy, Cory, and Rose. Wilson uses Troy’s character to represent the past generations, Cory to represent the future generations, and Rose is a bridge between the two generations.
In the play, Wilson introduces Troy Maxson as a middle-aged garbage man, former baseball player, mediocre father, and an unfaithful husband. Every one of those details about him shows that he is a representation of the past and by the end of the play, he is just a shadow. Cory calls a shadow after he passes away, saying, “Papa was like a shadow that followed you everywhere” (Wilson, 1015). A shadow is always dark and behind you, just like the past.

While Rose likes the A&P better because of its cheaper prices, Troy prefers Bella’s. Not only does “she got fresh food,” but she also treats Troy the way he wants to be treated (Wilson, 968). Troy says, “I go down to Bella, say, ‘I need a loaf of bread, I’ll pay you Friday.’ She give to me.” (Wilson, 968). It can be said that the reason he prefers to shop at Bella’s is because Troy is not used to being treated fairly. Fences takes place in the late 1950s, just when the Civil Right’s Movement is coming to a head and that means that Troy grew up during segregation. Growing up during those times, Troy was used to being treated horribly and getting good service from Bella’s was a welcomed