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Fences by August Wilson Critical Essay

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Introduction

Works cited.

August Wilson was born in Pittsburgh’s Hill district in 1945 to a white father and a black mother which was certainly not a promising start in his life. His racial identity caused him quite a number of misfortunes inherent within the trans-racial culture of slavery and discrimination.

In historical sense, the play eluminates the inherent inequality of power between black communities and the white supremacies and ways in which racism has become internalised by invading the social fabric of our communities. In the play, “Fences” by August Wilson, the character of Troy Maxson portrays a man that has a lot of hard times in his past, especially when it came to his father. Because of it, it has turned him into a man incapable of showing love to his own children and in the end a tragic figure.

The book’s title “Fences”, offers a central metaphor for the play in exploring lives and relationships of black families back in 1950s as slaves to the white men. Troy, a major character in the book, is fiercely proud of his ability to provide for his family, a responsibility he effortlessly tries to instil into his son’s life who is otherwise determined to find a place in the college league.

Racism and discrimination becomes the centre stone of our analysis by providing the metaphoric activity of the play which however illustrates the distinct relationships that existed between the black and white cultures in 1950s.

For nearly two decades, Troy worked as garbage man alongside Bono. Together they hauled junk on the alleys and neighbourhoods, and later applied for a promotion which was not an easy task due to the white supremacy but got it anyway as a garbage truck driver, a career that symbolically separated him from American community (Wade 1).

To answer the question of fractured relationship between Troy and his son, Troy’s inability to secure a chance in Negro Baseball Team due to racism crippled his future of ever having money or fame associated with it. Since he now works as a garbage man, he sees no hope for his son’s promised college scholarship in a league he considered dominated by the white culture. He asks Cory to instead consider getting a job or help out in the household chores than bartering up in the league.

Troy and Bono narrates the story of their childhood in the South and their difficult relationships with their fathers and how Negro League scaled down his life time dream to fit a rich man’s society into a run-down yard, an experience he never wishes his son Cory to encounter.

He’s been seriously scarred by the 1950s racism that loomed black communities. Brutality can also be portrayed when Troy’s father severely beat him when he found him with a girl and even raped the girl, reflecting conflict and abuse within the play (Fisherman 15).

Due to slavery, Troy and his son, Cory, interpret life differently because of their histories. For instance, Troy discourages his son from participating in the college’s football team arguing that his past racism experience discriminated him against the league for being of the minority culture.

And Cory should not experience the same hardship, disappointment and rejection he encountered. Corry, however, dismisses his claim by arguing that life has changed since he played. He therefore goes ahead and provides examples of successful African American athletes Wilson mentions as “The Braves got Hank Aaron and Wes Covington. Hank Aaron hit two home runs today. That makes fourty-three” (Act One scene three).

And Cory responds by saying that “Hank Aaron aint nobody” (Act One, scene three). It’s evident that if Troy would accept this change in the world would mean accepting his own misfortune. Their different perceptions of history provide a conflict that drifts away the father and son relationship.

Troy looks back at his past experience in the Negro League baseball with repulsive resentment that locked him out of the major league’s money and fame; an experience Zirin considers “turned his scars into wips” (1).

Due to is past experiences that never achieved him higher status in the social society, he insist on Troy returning to work and earn his way up in academic career because he sees employment to be fair and honest rather than risking his chance in the college league that is dominated by the powerful majority group. He is sure, sooner or laiter, that they will want him out of the league. And it was this discrimination that made him defiance.

In historical perspective, Cory sees life the way it is; a changing world that is gradually accepting a place for talented black players like him, but Troy’s irrational hypocrisy illustrates conflicting interpretation of history.

His hardened perception of the past makes him refuse to see the college recruiter coming to seek his permission for Cory to join the college football. He considers his selfish decision as protection, a strategy that clearly holds back a promising future for the son he believes to be protecting (Wilson Act One scene five).

Dr. Shannon argues that Wilson book “Fences” has contributed greatly to the historical legacy of African American tradition in relation to slavery and racism. She continues that the play provide themes that cut cross the contemporary social issues inherent within the slavery period.

She adds that the book lets the readers talk openly about unemployment, discrimination, pain, resignation and dislocation and exposes the long held stereotypical myths and views white people have against blacks. She also uses the book to lecture in seminars on social relevance of the books themes in today’s society (Shannon 3).

Fences by August Wilson re-writes the history of African American in the United States that was otherwise ignored by a vast majority of historical writers. By confronting horrors of slavery, the play uncoils the stories that were forgotten and misrepresented by writers who only read about them but did not have the experience Wilson had. The play brings the past to the present and it is without doubt the most remarkable healing therapy for African American would need to burry the past and move forward.

Which brings us to the question why Troy Maxon’s past made him so harsh towards his son? To answer this question, we consider his painful past experiences he never wishes to pass on to his son, however, it should be noted that his experience only relates to history and should not come in the way of his next generation’s success. By refusing Cory to join the college football league only kills his son’s good future he considers protecting either than bettering it.

Fisherman, Joan. “Developing His Song: August Wilson’s Fences.” August Wilson: A Case Study. Ed. Marilyn Elkins. New York: Garland, 1994.

Shannon, Sandra G. The Dramatic Vision of August Wilson. Washington, D.C: Howard UP, 1995.

Wade, Bradford. “August Wilson’s Fences”. Character and Setting Analysis. 2003: 1 Wilson, August. Fences: A play. New York: Plume Books, 1986.

Zirin, David. 2005. “Tribute to August Wilson: Breaking Down Fences”. Web.

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Fences by August Wilsons: Critical Analysis

The central theme in Fences by August Wilsonsrevolves around the construction of boundaries, both physical and metaphorical, to delineate familial and personal spaces.

Titles and Themes in Fences by August Wilsons

Table of Contents

The central theme in Fences by August Wilsons revolves around the construction of boundaries, both physical and metaphorical, to delineate familial and personal spaces. As Robert Frost aptly noted, “Good fences make good neighbors,” a sentiment echoed by the character Bono when Troy, the protagonist, fails to grasp the rationale behind Rose’s request for a fence to be built. Bono’s pragmatic understanding of this adage stems from his outsider perspective, enabling him to perceive the significance of such boundaries more acutely than Troy and Cory, who are entrenched in their familial roles. Moreover, Bono’s astuteness extends to his awareness of Troy’s extramarital affair with Alberta, a revelation that underscores Rose’s subconscious apprehensions about her husband’s fidelity.

Characters in Fences by August Wilsons

Indeed, Troy faces considerable challenges in providing for his family, given the limited opportunities available to him in his position. As a result, he seeks solace and escape in various outlets, including love, alcohol, and music. His relationship with Alberta, which Bono is aware of, serves as one manifestation of this quest for refuge. When Rose insists on building a fence in front of their home, Troy and Cory are initially perplexed by her request. However, Bono astutely recognizes the symbolic significance behind Rose’s desire for a fence, articulating that “Some people build fences to keep people out and other people build fences to keep people in.” This insight suggests that Rose’s intention may be twofold: to preserve her relationship with Troy and to create a barrier that prevents external influences from disrupting their familial bonds. The title of the play, “Fences,” thus assumes a profound thematic significance, encapsulating the themes of boundaries, containment, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships explored throughout the narrative.

Racism in Fences by August Wilsons

Racism, particularly discriminatory racialism, serves as a pervasive and poignant element that shapes the experiences of the Maxson family in “Fences.” As an African American family, the Maxsons navigate a society where racial prejudice and inequality are deeply ingrained. Troy’s occupation as a garbage collector reflects the limited opportunities available to black individuals in a society where they are systematically marginalized and discriminated against. His thwarted dreams of becoming a professional baseball player further highlight the systemic barriers faced by African Americans, as despite possessing the talent and potential, racial segregation prohibited him from achieving his aspirations.

The metaphorical significance of Troy’s past aspirations underscores the broader theme of racial injustice and the insidious ways in which it restricts the opportunities and aspirations of black individuals. Despite his capabilities and ambitions, Troy’s race serves as a formidable barrier to his advancement, relegating him to a subordinate position in society. His application to become a truck driver exemplifies his awareness of the racial prejudices that permeate the societal landscape, as he confronts the pervasive belief that only white individuals are deemed fit for certain professions. Troy’s refusal to allow Cory to pursue soccer further illustrates the internalization of racism within his psyche, as he perpetuates the cycle of racial discrimination by imposing limitations on his son’s aspirations. Through Troy’s experiences and actions, August Wilson adeptly portrays the enduring impact of racism on individuals and families, shedding light on the pervasive and systemic nature of racial injustice in American society.

Fence in Fences by August Wilsons

Indeed, in “Fences” by August Wilson, each character experiences both gains and losses throughout the narrative. Troy Maxson, for instance, loses his wife Rose when he engages in an extramarital affair with Alberta. However, he also gains a renewed appreciation for Rose’s importance in his life, as evidenced by his return with their daughter Raynell after Alberta’s death. Similarly, Cory experiences frustration and resentment towards his father for preventing him from pursuing his dream of joining the football team. Nevertheless, he ultimately achieves academic success by graduating from high school and later finds fulfillment in his decision to enlist in the Marines.

Rose emerges as a winner in her own right, despite Troy’s initial neglect of her, as she gains Raynell as a daughter through Troy’s affair. Gabriel, despite his mental disability, contributes to the family by helping to pay the mortgage, highlighting his resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Bono, Troy’s friend, serves as a catalyst for positive change in Troy’s life, as he helps to salvage their marriage by revealing Troy’s secret affair to Rose. In this manner, each major character in “Fences” experiences a blend of triumphs and setbacks, reflecting the complexity of human experiences and relationships portrayed in the play.

Works Cited: Fences by August Wilsons

• Wessling, Joseph H . “Wilson’s Fences.” The Explicator 57.2 (1999): 123-127.
• Baharvand, Peyman Amanolahi. “The Failure of the American Dream in August Wilson’s Fences.” International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies 5.4 (2017): 69-75.

Relevant Questions about Fences by August Wilsons

• How does the symbolism of the fence in “Fences” by August Wilson contribute to the thematic exploration of barriers, both physical and metaphorical, within the African American experience?
• In what ways does the protagonist, Troy Maxson, embody the struggles and aspirations of African American men in 1950s America, and how does his character arc reflect broader societal issues?
• How does August Wilson use the familial dynamics and relationships within the Maxson family to explore themes of responsibility, duty, and the impact of past traumas on present-day relationships in “Fences”?

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by August Wilson

Fences essay questions.

Why does Gabriel carry a trumpet around his neck?

Because of a head injury, Gabriel believes that he is the angel Gabriel and that he is able to open the gates of heaven with his trumpet. While the audience knows that this is not literally true, the final scene shows that Gabe becomes the play's figure of redemption. He unsuccessfully tries to blow his trumpet and when that does not work, dances his brother into heaven. Troy does not have the play's last word; instead, it is the fool, the representation of innocence, that finally offers Troy deliverance.

Why is the setting of the play important?

The setting of the play is important because the 1950's represents a time of great upheaval in race relations in the United States. Troy Maxson represents a previous generation that now watches the world move on around them. They have been maligned by white transgression in the past and yet have been able to procure a small portion of the country's booming wealth for themselves. Troy dies, however, in 1965, the year of the greatest legislative triumph of the Civil Rights era. He is not able to enjoy the victory that he helped bring about.

Why is Troy Maxson considered an "everyman" character?

Troy Maxson is a character of universal type. Though his life is dictated by the particulars of the African American experience of the early twentieth century, his failings as a man as well as his small measures of redemption are applicable to all people. Wilson deftly creates a character who is a flawed and identifiable hero, through his responsibilities to family and his inabilities to live up to his own high expectations. His battles with his sons resonate across racial and cultural lines as universal human experiences.

Explain the play's principal metaphor of the fence.

Jim Bono best sums up the play's overarching metaphor by explaining to Troy, "Some people build fences to keep people out…and other people build fences to keep people in.” Both Troy and Rose Maxson attempt to build emotional fences throughout the play. Rose attempts to keep her family within her fence by being a good and faithful wife. Troy is more concerned with an emotional fence that never permits his sons to understand his love for them.

Is Rose's character an example of feminism or an example of the repressed role of women in society?

Scholars have been divided on Rose's role in the play. Some have seen Rose as the prototypical 1950s housewife, disappearing into her husband and leaving no room for her own self to flourish. Others, however, have seen Rose as occupying a feminist position; she does remain a housewife and mother but only because she makes the choice for herself. No one forces motherhood on her. She admits that when Troy takes pieces of her, it is because she gives those pieces out of her own choice. But then, what other choice does she have?

Discuss the role of the blues in Fences .

Troy's blues song for his dog, Old Blue, is an example of Wilson's use of blues music in the play. Troy takes on the role of an archetypal blues character who has seen his world taken away from him for his transgressions. The blues also acts as a form of aural tradition. Cory and Raynell sing Troy's blues song as they bury him, representing pieces of Troy that pass down through generations.

Discuss the meaning of baseball in the play.

Troy uses baseball as a metaphor for his own life, yet the audience comes to understand that the game Troy plays is not necessarily the one in which he sees himself. Troy remembers himself as a star in the Negro Leagues, but he was never given a chance to prove himself. His relationship with Alberta, and the selfishness that it inculcates in him, is his chance to please himself in a way that he never could while playing baseball. Troy, however, fails at his own game. His failures in his relationships with his wife and son represent two strikes in his life. The inevitability of his death is his third and final strike.

What traits make Troy Maxson an unlikable protagonist?

Troy is seen as an unsympathetic character for much of the play because of the emotional fence he builds to keep his sons and wife from seeing and accepting his underlying love for them. This is best observed when Cory asks Troy why Troy does not like him. Instead of offering a reassuring remark, Troy shames his son by telling him that there is no law that says he must like him. The fence that Troy puts up to keep his sons from accepting him also acts as a fence to keep the audience from sympathizing with Troy.

What traits make Troy Maxson a redeemed protagonist?

For all of his faults, Troy Maxson is ultimately redeemed. This is accomplished through the small glimpses of care and affection that his children remember in the play's final scene. Raynell tells Cory that Troy always called her room "Cory's room" and that he never threw out Cory's football equipment. They close the play by singing Troy's old blues song about his dog. It is inevitable that fathers pass on pieces of themselves to their children. Through this process, Troy becomes a redeemed character and a flawed hero, but a hero nevertheless.

Discuss the cycle of father-son relationships in the play.

In the play, sons become outraged at the actions of their fathers. This outrage turns into hate, and yet the sons cannot help but bear a resemblance to their fathers. For Troy, this happens when he assaults Cory and kicks him out of the house. Troy believes that he is protecting Cory from a life of failure in football, yet Troy has become the same man that his father had been. The final scene sees Cory struggling with this same dynamic. He seeks to reject his father, but he cannot completely leave Troy - he carries his memory, influence, and song with him.

Fences Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Fences is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Troy seems to limit Rose to the domestic. Rose is the only character that is a woman that plays a role. Troy seems to marginalize her and seems to view women as ultimately disposable in some way.

Why does Troy refuse to accept Lyon's repayment of the loan?

Troy naturally assumes that Lyons will soon be back for another "loan", it's a bit of a habit for Lyons to come to his father for money. Thus, to prove his point, Troy tells Lyons to put the money in the bank, so he can just go and take it out...

Discuss your thoughts on Cory intial decision not to attend Troys funeral. Why did he feel this way ? Do you agree?

I was actually surprised that Cory traveled home for the funeral, and yet, he decided not to attend. On one hand, we can consider the fact that Cory's last fight with his father and the fact they never came to terms weighed heavily on Cory... it's...

Study Guide for Fences

Fences study guide contains a biography of August Wilson, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Fences
• Fences Summary
• Character List

Essays for Fences

Fences essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Fences by August Wilson.

• The Importance of Dreams
• The Significance of Songs in August Wilson's Fences
• Death and Baseball: August Wilson's Fences
• Rebuilding Relationships in Fences
• The Apple and the Tree: Family Ties in The Namesake and Fences

Lesson Plan for Fences

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Fences
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Fences Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Fences

• Introduction

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Fences — An Analysis of the Father and Son Relationship in Fences, a Play by August Wilson

Analysis of Troy and Cory's Relationship in "Fences"

• Categories: Character Fences

About this sample

Words: 1703 |

Published: Sep 4, 2018

Words: 1703 | Pages: 3 | 9 min read

In August Wilson's powerful play "Fences," the theme of father-son relationships takes center stage, offering a complex and thought-provoking exploration of the ties that bind these characters. Within the narrative, we witness three distinct father-son relationships, each marked by its own complexities and challenges, showcasing the intricate web of emotions and consequences that arise from these bonds.

The play introduces us to Troy Maxson, the central character and father to Cory and Lyons, with Rose Maxson as his wife. Bono, Troy's loyal and long-time friend, and Gabriel, Troy's brother, are also significant characters. Troy's relationship with his father serves as a crucial backdrop, shaping his behavior and attitudes towards his own sons. This complex connection foreshadows similar consequences in Troy's relationships with his sons.

In the end, these father-son relationships in "Fences" demonstrate the inescapable nature of familial ties and the profound impact of parental influence. While the sons endeavor to break free from their fathers' shadows, they find themselves navigating a complex terrain of emotions, expectations, and disappointments. The play poignantly illustrates the intricate interplay of fate, upbringing, and individual choices, shaping the destinies of each character, often leading them to fates similar to their fathers'.

Table of contents

Father-son relationship in fences, troy and his father’s relationship, troy and cory’s relationship in fences, lyons and his father (troy), works cited.

• Bloom, H. (Ed.). (2009). August Wilson's Fences. Infobase Publishing.
• Elam, H. (1997). The past in August Wilson's Fences. Journal of American Studies, 31(3), 387-398.
• Gantt, K. E. (1999). Playing in the dark: August Wilson's Fences and the African American experience. African American Review, 33(1), 35-47.
• Koprince, S. (2003). Baseball as history and myth in August Wilson's Fences. African American Review, 37(1), 67-82.
• Nelson, E. C. (1994). Representations of fathers in August Wilson's plays. MELUS, 19(1), 61-76.
• Petti, S. (2010). Breaking the fences: The African American father-son relationship in August Wilson's Fences. Textus: English Studies in Italy, 23(2), 373-392.
• Shannon, S. L. (2001). Strategies for teaching August Wilson's Fences. National Council of Teachers of English.
• Shannon, S. L. (2013). August Wilson's Fences: A Reference Guide. Greenwood.
• Shannon, S. L. (2018). August Wilson and the African American Odyssey. University Press of Mississippi.
• Wilson, A. (1986). Fences: A Play. Plume.

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Fences opens in 1957 in Pittsburgh, and the last scene takes place in 1965. Research the civil rights movement in the United States. How does the historical background affect the characters and setting of the play? Since each play of the Century Cycle is meant to reflect Black lives in a different decade of the 20th century, how does Wilson achieve such a representation in Fences ?

Consider the character of Gabriel and his actions and dialogue in the play. Do you think that Gabriel is really an angel, or is he simply a man with a brain injury? Remember, the world of the play is fiction and does not have to be entirely realistic. Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

In the last scene of the play, Rose tells Cory that he is just like his father. Why do you think she says that? Do you agree? Why or why not?

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August Wilson

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Divided into two acts, Fences begins on a Friday night—payday for Bono and Troy —when the two friends engage in a weekly ritual of drink and conversation. As they talk, we learn that Troy has confronted their boss, Mr. Rand , about the fact that only whites are assigned to drive the trucks at their garbage collection company, while black employees are hired exclusively to carry the garbage. Bono then suggests that he’s suspicious of Troy’s relationship with another woman ( Alberta ) besides his wife. Further, Cory , Troy’s son, has the opportunity to play college football, but Troy is wary about his son playing sports because of his own past with racial discrimination in major league baseball. Troy also succumbs to his tendency to spin tall tales about his life, and starts talking about his encounter with “ Mr. Death ”—when he wrestled with the Grim Reaper. Rose , Troy’s wife, enters and reveals that he’s really talking about his battle with pneumonia.

Later, Troy and Cory work on constructing a fence which Rose has asked them to build, and the two clash over Cory’s desire to play football. Troy thinks that, as a young black man, Cory has no future in football, but says he will allow Cory to pursue football on one condition: he must work his job at the A&P store and juggle football practice at the same time. Even though Cory is scheduled to meet with a recruiter, who would present Troy papers which, if he’d sign, would secure his son a position at a college, Troy is difficult, and says he won’t sign anything unless Cory works.

Eventually, we learn that Cory never gets his job at the A&P back, and Troy—having found this out too—tells his coach to take him off the team. This enrages Cory, as the future he’d envisioned for himself has crumbled before his eyes. Troy tells him that his disobedience—in not getting his job back at the A&P—counts as a strike against him, like a strike in baseball.

When working on building Rose’s fence, Bono tells Troy that he thinks he should realize just how good and loving of a woman Rose is to him. Irritated by the fact that Bono feels the need to tell him this, Troy asks why Bono feels motivated to say such a thing. Troy eventually admits to having an affair with Alberta, and Bono tells him that he needs to find a way to make things right. He also says that he’s always looked up to Troy, precisely because of his wise decision to choose Rose over all the other women who were interested in him.

Soon after, Troy confesses to Rose that he’s had the affair with Alberta and that he’s going to be a father to her baby. Shocked, Rose can’t believe Troy would do such a thing at his age, and stands up for herself, blaming Troy for not sacrificing himself enough for the preservation of the relationship. Walking in on Troy and Rose fighting, Cory is angered at the sight of Troy roughly holding Rose by the arm, and fights his dad, earning yet another supposed “strike.”

Later, we learn that Alberta died when she gave birth to Troy’s baby, Raynell . Rose agrees to raise Raynell. Then, on another one of Troy’s Fridays, Troy and Cory end their relationship, in an argument over Troy’s infidelity to Rose.

The play then drops off for eight years—the last act begins at the advent of Troy’s death. The family—Cory, Lyons (Troy’s son from a wife before Rose), Rose, Raynell, and Gabriel (Troy’s brother, who suffers from a brain injury and thinks he’s an angel)—are gathered at the Maxson household, with Bono, preparing to attend Troy’s funeral. Cory, however, says that he does not want to attend—and Rose reprimands him, saying that Cory is obligated to go because Troy was his father, and that refraining from mourning his dad doesn’t make him into a man. Gabriel enters the scene and tries to play the music of spiritual exaltation with his “trumpet of judgment,” but no sound comes out. In response, Gabriel dances hysterically, and August Wilson writes, in a note in the script, that the gates to Heaven are opened.

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A comparative analysis of "fences" and "death of a salesman".

August Wilson's "Fences" and Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" are two iconic plays that delve into the complexities of human relationships, aspirations, and the pursuit of the American Dream. This essay offers a comparative analysis of these two works, highlighting the similarities and differences...

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Fences Directed by Denzel Washington

The movie fences is a movie that was produced and directed by Denzel Washington and carries many themes with it. “Fences” takes place in the 1950s in Pittsburgh. The movie portrays various themes such as family dynamics, personal truths, the power of forgiveness. Troy Maxson,...

• Movie Summary

Fences: Fight for the Rights of African Americans in Racist Society

Throughout many century racism is tremendously an issue to African American. African American have struggled a lot in America as they went from slavery to segregation and still till these days they do not look like others even after all people fighting for American American...

• African American

Troy Maxson Character Analysis in August Wilson's Novel Fences

In 1983, one of the most influential American Theater writers, August Wilson introduced his literature masterpiece Fences. Based in the nineteen fifties it brings the viewer through a realistic and depressing story of African Americans in that time period. The Troy Maxson character analysis essay...

• Character Analysis

The Use of Symbolism and Imagery for Characterisation in "Fences"

August Wilson chose to write a play known as “Fences” in 1985. “Fences” is a story about a former baseball player that got into some trouble as a teenager and was sent to jail for fifteen years and became a waste management professional (garbage man)....

• Imagery in Literature

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Fences by August Wilson: Insight into an Ordinary Man's Life

One of the hallmarks of good plays is their timelessness. Well-scripted plays tend to endure for very long periods and to remain relevant in their portrayal of the issues that affect people in their everyday lives, as well as to address themes that remain pertinent...

• Civil Rights Movement

Generational Struggles of African-Americans in Fences

Fences successfully depicts the strenuous life of one African-American family during the 1950s and 1960s. This moving play is impactful because the playwright August Wilson uses tragedy to facilitate his message and example of how one family, after generations of failure, achieve success despite racial...

Historical Background Behind August Willson's Fences

Life changing historical events like the Civil War, the Great Depression, both world wars, and the Civil Rights movement have helped to influence major literary movements. And these literary movements take a lot from then current world events that later influence and become major themes...

• Great Depression

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Mending fences : the evolution of Moscow's China policy from Brezhnev to Yeltsin

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