The fence is a powerful allegory that has been used in literature to represent various themes and ideas. In some cases, it can represent division, while in others, it symbolizes protection or confinement. The fence can also be seen as a metaphor for the boundaries that exist between people and the world around them.
In August Wilson’s play “Fences,” the fence is a central symbol that represents the division between the characters and the world they inhabit. The protagonist, Troy Maxson, is a former baseball player who has been denied the opportunity to play professionally due to racial discrimination. As a result, he has become bitter and resentful, and he builds a fence around his home as a way of keeping the world out. The fence also serves as a metaphor for the emotional barriers that exist between Troy and his family, particularly his son Cory.
Understanding the symbolism of the fence is essential to fully appreciating the themes and ideas that the author is trying to convey. By exploring the various interpretations of this allegory, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. Ultimately, the fence serves as a powerful reminder of the ways in which people can be both confined and protected by the barriers they create.
Origins of the Fence Allegory
Historical Context
The fence allegory in August Wilson’s play “Fences” is rooted in the historical context of the 1950s and 1960s in America. During this time, racial segregation was prevalent, particularly in the South. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, and African Americans were fighting for their rights. The fence in the play can be seen as a metaphor for the racial divide that existed in America during this period.
Authorship and Attribution
August Wilson, the author of “Fences,” was known for his use of symbolism and allegory in his plays. He believed that the African American experience was unique and needed to be represented in American literature. The fence in “Fences” is a powerful allegory that represents the struggles of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. Wilson’s use of the fence as a symbol not only represents the physical barriers that existed but also the emotional and psychological barriers that African Americans faced during this time.
Wilson’s use of the fence symbol in “Fences” has been widely recognized as a powerful and effective literary device. The fence not only represents the racial divide in America but also represents the divide between the characters in the play. The fence is a physical manifestation of the emotional and psychological barriers that exist between the characters, particularly between Troy and his family.
In conclusion, the fence allegory in “Fences” is a powerful representation of the historical context of the Civil Rights Movement and the emotional and psychological barriers that African Americans faced during this time. August Wilson’s use of the fence as a symbol is a testament to his skill as a playwright and his ability to capture the essence of the African American experience.
Symbolism in the Fence
The fence in August Wilson’s play “Fences” serves as a powerful allegory, representing various themes and ideas. This section will explore the symbolism of the fence, breaking it down into three key elements: the fence as a boundary, material and composition, and the act of building.
The Fence as a Boundary
The fence in “Fences” serves as a physical and metaphorical boundary that separates Troy’s family from the outside world. The fence represents the struggles and hardships that African Americans faced in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in Pittsburgh, where the play is set. It symbolizes the racial barriers that existed at the time and the ways in which people were forced to protect themselves from discrimination and prejudice.
Material and Composition
The fence in “Fences” is made of wood, which represents the strength and resilience of Troy’s family. The wood is also a symbol of nature and the natural world, which is often associated with freedom and openness. The fact that the fence is made of wood suggests that Troy’s family is connected to the earth and the natural world, despite the many challenges they face.
The Act of Building
The act of building the fence in “Fences” is a symbol of the struggle for freedom and independence. Troy’s desire to build the fence represents his desire to protect his family and create a sense of security in a world that is often hostile and dangerous. The fence is also a symbol of the human desire to create and build, to shape the world around us and make it our own.
Overall, the fence in “Fences” is a powerful symbol that represents the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the mid-20th century. It is a reminder of the barriers that existed at the time and the ways in which people were forced to protect themselves and their families. At the same time, the fence is also a symbol of strength, resilience, and the human desire to create and build.
Themes and Messages
Community vs. Isolation
The fence in “Fences” serves as a metaphor for the division between the African American community and the rest of society. Troy’s desire to keep his family within the confines of the fence represents his belief that the only way to protect his loved ones is by isolating them from the dangers of the outside world. However, this isolation also leads to a sense of loneliness and alienation, as the characters struggle to connect with others outside of their immediate family. The fence thus serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the dangers of isolation.
Security and Freedom
The fence also represents the tension between security and freedom. While the fence provides a sense of security, it also restricts the characters’ freedom and limits their opportunities. Troy’s desire to build the fence stems from his own experiences with racism and discrimination, and his belief that the only way to protect his family is by keeping them within the confines of the fence. However, this desire for security ultimately comes at a cost, as it limits the characters’ ability to grow and pursue their dreams.
Responsibility and Cooperation
The fence also highlights the themes of responsibility and cooperation. Troy’s responsibility to his family is reflected in his desire to build the fence, which he sees as a way of protecting his loved ones from harm. However, this responsibility also requires cooperation and compromise, as the characters must work together to maintain the fence and keep it in good condition. The fence thus serves as a reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and working together to achieve common goals.
Interpretations of the Fence
Political Interpretations
The fence in “Fences” may be interpreted as a symbol of political barriers. The play is set in a time when African Americans were fighting for their civil rights. The fence represents the racial segregation that existed in America during that time. Troy, the protagonist, is a victim of racism and he builds the fence to protect himself and his family from the outside world. The fence can be seen as a metaphor for the political and social barriers that African Americans faced in their struggle for equality.
Social Interpretations
The fence in “Fences” can also be interpreted as a symbol of social barriers. The play deals with themes of family, love, and relationships. The fence represents the emotional barriers that exist between Troy and his family. Troy builds the fence to keep his family at a distance and to protect himself from emotional pain. The fence can be seen as a metaphor for the social barriers that exist between people and the emotional walls that they build to protect themselves.
Personal Interpretations
The fence in “Fences” can also be interpreted as a symbol of personal barriers. The play deals with themes of personal responsibility, regret, and redemption. The fence represents the personal barriers that Troy has built around himself. Troy is a flawed character who has made mistakes in his life. He builds the fence to protect himself from the consequences of his actions and to keep his past mistakes from catching up with him. The fence can be seen as a metaphor for the personal barriers that people build around themselves to protect themselves from their own mistakes.
In conclusion, the fence in “Fences” can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context. It can be seen as a symbol of political, social, and personal barriers. The fence represents the barriers that people build around themselves to protect themselves from the outside world.
The Fence in Literature and Art
The fence is a common symbol used in literature and art to represent various themes and concepts. It can represent physical barriers, emotional barriers, and societal barriers. In literature, the fence is often used to explore the theme of confinement and freedom. It can also represent the idea of protection and safety.
One of the most famous examples of the fence as a symbol is in August Wilson’s play “Fences”. The fence in the play represents the physical and emotional barriers that the characters face. For Troy, the fence represents his attempt to keep death and misfortune away from his family. For Rose, the fence represents her desire for a safe and secure home.
In art, the fence is often used to represent the idea of division and separation. It can be used to explore the theme of isolation and loneliness. The fence can also represent the idea of boundaries and limitations.
Overall, the fence is a powerful symbol that can convey a wide range of themes and concepts in literature and art. Its versatility allows it to be used in a variety of contexts, making it a valuable tool for writers and artists alike.
Comparative Analysis
Similar Allegories in Other Works
The use of fences as an allegory is not unique to August Wilson’s Fences. The idea of fences as a metaphor for the human condition can be found in other works of literature as well. In Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall,” the speaker and his neighbor repair a fence that separates their properties. The fence, however, is not just a physical barrier but also a symbol of the emotional distance that separates the two men. Similarly, in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Birthmark,” a scientist becomes obsessed with removing a small birthmark on his wife’s face. The birthmark represents the imperfection of human nature, and the scientist’s attempts to remove it ultimately lead to tragedy.
The Fence and Modern Narratives
The use of fences as a symbol of emotional barriers and societal divisions continues to be prevalent in modern narratives. In the television series “The Walking Dead,” the survivors of a zombie apocalypse often seek refuge behind fences and walls to protect themselves from the dangers outside. The fences represent the survivors’ isolation from the rest of the world and the fear that they may never be able to return to a normal life. In the film “Moonlight,” the protagonist, Chiron, grows up in a poor neighborhood surrounded by drug dealers and violence. The fence around his house represents the barriers that prevent him from escaping his circumstances and achieving his dreams.
In conclusion, the use of fences as an allegory is a powerful tool that has been used by many writers to explore complex themes and ideas. Whether it is used to symbolize emotional barriers or societal divisions, the fence remains a potent symbol that continues to resonate with modern audiences.
Impact and Legacy
Influence on Culture and Thought
The allegory of the fence has had a significant impact on culture and thought. It has been used as a metaphor for various barriers that people encounter in their lives. The fence symbolizes the struggles that people face and the obstacles that they must overcome to achieve their goals. This allegory has influenced the way people view their lives and the world around them. It has inspired people to think about the barriers that they face and to find ways to overcome them.
Relevance in Contemporary Society
The allegory of the fence is still relevant in contemporary society. People continue to face barriers and obstacles in their lives, and the fence serves as a reminder that they can overcome these challenges. The fence also reminds people of the importance of perseverance and determination. It encourages people to keep pushing forward, even when they encounter setbacks.
In conclusion, the allegory of the fence has had a significant impact on culture and thought. It has influenced the way people view their lives and the world around them. The fence remains relevant in contemporary society and serves as a reminder that people can overcome the barriers and obstacles that they encounter in their lives.