August Wilsonâ??s Fences :: essays research papers

August Wilsons Fences     August Wilsons 1985 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "Fences" thoughtfully examines the escalating racial tensions in America during the 1950s. The playwright deftly handles such complex hearty issues as racism and adultery with disclose smug commentary. The subtle discussion of black America offers more insight than lecture, which heightens the dramatic impact upon the audience. Wilson recognizes that the family lies the foundation for American cabaret as a whole, and shrewdly chooses family as the emphasis for "Fences."      The plays central focus is the Maxsons, the instrument Wilson uses to introduce African-American culture to those who are unfamiliar. In the mid-1950s, America was salve experiencing a post-World War II economic boon, and could at last allow foreign affairs to take a back seat to domestic issues. The affectionate climate was becoming increasingly heated with the 1954 Supreme Cour t decision Brown v. The Board of Education of Topeka, which ruled school segregation was unconstitutional. This landmark reigning ignited racial tensions across America, which had been slowly simmering for years.     The protagonist of "Fences" is former baseball player-turned Pittsburgh garbage man troy weight Maxson, and the antagonist is clearly racism. It is racism which has defied troy Maxson at every turn and his skin color stood in the way of his quest to grab a piece of the American dream for himself and his family. Racism creates the conflict, which causes Troy to feel that he has been "fenced" in by a discriminatory society. It has heated tensions within the Maxson home between Troy and his wife, Rose, and Troy and his son Cory.     August Wilson establishes an scene of the 53-year-old Troy Maxson early in Act I, writing that he is "a large man with thick, heavy hands it is this largeness that he strives to fil l out and make an accommodation with.