Our past experiences have a profound influence on the individuals we become. In August Wilson's play "Fences," the characters' pasts shape their present selves. By examining the events and characters in the play, we can gain insight into how the past influences personal development. Troy Maxson, the central character in "Fences," is deeply impacted by his past experiences. Growing up during a time of racial discrimination and facing numerous hardships, Troy carries the weight of these experiences into his adult life. His dream of becoming a professional baseball player is shattered by racial barriers, and this disappointment, along with the discrimination he faced, shapes his worldview. Troy's past experiences of racism and missed opportunities influence his decisions and interactions with loved ones throughout the play. For instance, he discourages his son, Cory, from going after his dreams of playing football, driven by his own bitterness and a desire to protect him from the same disappointments. Furthermore, Troy's past abandonment by his own father influences his perspective on responsibility and fatherhood. His father's absence left a lasting impact, leading Troy to be overly strict and demanding …show more content…
Despite the challenges she faces as Troy's wife and the strains in their relationship, Rose draws strength from her own past experiences. Reflecting on her difficult upbringing, Rose reveals her resilience and the wisdom she gained from her past. She states, "I planted myself inside you and waited to bloom. And it didn’t take me no eighteen years to find out the soil was hard and rocky and it wasn’t never gonna bloom". Rose's past struggles inform her decision to find strength within herself and create a better life for herself and her family. Her ability to forgive and persevere is rooted in the lessons learned from her past, making her a strong and compassionate character in the