Fences

This page is dedicated to the Themes of Fences.

Race

Most of Fences is set in the 1950s. There had been some progress made on race relations by this time, such as the integration of pro sports teams. However, on a whole, America had a really long way

Men and Masculinity

Fences is often thought of as a father-son play. The main conflict centers around the tension between Troy Maxson and his son Cory

Mortality

Though there are only two actual deaths in Fences, mortality is a constant theme. Troy Maxson kicks it off by telling a story where he literally wrestled with Death and won.

Betrayal

Fences explores many different types of betrayal. Troy Maxson manages to betray just about everyone in his life: his son, his wife, his brother, and his best friend

Father and Son

Perhaps we’ll never understand each other.
Loving doesn’t mean that we agree.
If that were so, then I would say, why bother?
But there are things I know I’ll never see.
I’m sure your heart knows what I don’t yet know:
The pain of loving a reluctant son;
The anger, coming fast and building slow,
Of being helpless to control someone.
You want only that I grow up right,
But you know what right is, and I still don’t.
I have to learn to wield my inner light,
And if I follow yours, well, then I won’t.
I’m sorry for the anger in the air;
Though we fight, my love is always there.

Cat Stevens - Father and Son.mp3