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“Fences” by August Wilson Literature Analysis Essay

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Introduction

Dramatic structure of the play, troy – the modern hero, metaphors and symbols – direct messages to the audience, works cited.

Reputedly, Fences is one of the most famous dramas in American literature. In 1983 August Wilson wrote a story of a man who built fences around himself. The play is full of metaphors concerning fences which reveal the major theme and idea, building fences. Depicting the life of the average African American family Wilson articulates the universal truth that if “someone builds a fence, the builder is at once fencing in and fencing out” (Bloom 139).

It is important to point out that Wilson portrays negative outcomes of such building in a very lively manner. The dramatic structure of the play, use of numerous metaphors, and, of course, depiction of such a modern hero as Troy make Wilson’s ideas obtain physical form.

Admittedly, drama “is not flexible as other forms of literature” (McMahan et al. 736). The playwright is limited in time and space, so it is essential to be precise when writing a play. Wilson manages to reveal his ideas within the necessary limits. The story is told in two major parts. The first part is revealed in the very beginning of the play, more so, in the very setting of the play: “a small dirt yard, partially fenced” (Wilson 788).

In this first part of the play Wilson portrays the process of building fences. Troy’s memories, Troy’s dialogues with the members of his family make the viewer see how Troy is building his fences, and why he is doing that. The image of the incomplete fence enhances the idea of building fences.

The second part of the play is its very ending. This part reveals the outcomes of fences building. Troy is buried. Now he is completely fenced from the rest of the world. The fence around the yard is completed. This part of the play is concerned with the outcomes of fence building. Wilson draws a conclusion in this part: a man, who is trying to build a fence around himself, manages to do it, but he fences himself in, and makes this person absolutely lonely.

This specific structure makes the play really appealing since the playwright ends his story with a strong and evocative scene when insane brother of Troy, Gabriel, opens the heavenly gates to his brother and makes him free from the fences Troy was building during his life. Of course, the viewer understands that the fences are destroyed too late.

This makes the end very strong, since the viewer starts thinking about his/her own fences. It goes without saying that such a dramatic structure serves the major aim of the play: to reveal the negative outcomes of building fences.

Admittedly, to reveal his ideas Wilson uses one more tool. He creates a lively modern character. It is necessary to point out that Wilson’s Troy is one of the brightest examples of the modern hero since he is not only bad or good, only tragic or comic (McMahan et al. 786). Troy is a living man who is characterized by myriads of good and bad features.

Sometimes he is too distant from his wife and children. For instance, in his talk with his friend Troy confesses about his love affair, but at the same time it is possible to feel that he loves his wife and sometime can express his affection (Wilson 790-791). Troy can be characterized as a stern father, but he still loves his children. Even in his disapproval of his son’s longing to enter big sport it is possible to feel care.

Troy simply does not want his son, Cory, to experience the same disappointment: “I decided seventeen years ago that boy wasn’t getting involved in no sports. Not after what they did to me in the sports” (Wilson 806).

Of course, times has changed and Cory has a real chance to become a famous and successful player, but Troy does not see the changes because the fence he built in his mind is too high to see it (Wilson 805). Thus, Wilson creates a hero who is, so to speak, multifaceted. This characteristic feature of the modern hero Troy makes it possible to understand why he built the fence around him.

It goes without saying that the image of the main character and his fences is enhanced by the use of metaphors and symbols which play essential role in revealing the playwright’s ideas. Admittedly, the major symbol of the play is physical representation of the fence, which is incomplete in the first part of the play and is finished in the second, culmination part of the play.

The viewer is exposed to the major idea of the play all the time. Troy is building a fence around his yard in the real world and around himself in his mind. He wants to defend himself from the hostile world, but instead he isolates himself. Troy’s fences do not let him see numerous opportunities which appear in a rapidly changing world.

Interestingly, Troy also uses numerous metaphors dreaming about “swinging for the fences” (Bloom 139). Wilson’s main character does not admit he has built fences (does not see new opportunities and does not always let somebody in), but he still wants to escape from the metaphorical fences. Troy wants to go beyond his own fences. These metaphors also enhance the idea of being imprisoned in one’s own fences.

One of the most evocative symbols of the play is the final performance of Gabriel who is breaking the fences for his brother and sets him free. Notably, Wilson articulates an idea that in many cases only insane can ruin fences whereas “normal” people build new ones.

This idea is articulated by the scene when Lyons is trying to stop Gabriel when he is “opening” the gates for Troy (Wilson 834). Admittedly, these are only some of the brightest metaphors used in the play. And the whole scope of these metaphors reveals the major idea of the play.

In conclusion, it is possible to note that Wilson made his idea of the negative outcomes of building fences absolutely explicit in his famous play. More so, specific structure of the play, numerous metaphors and symbols create a complete picture of fences which can exist in human life.

Moreover, Wilson’s modern hero, Troy, is a kind of illustration of a fenced individual. Wilson reveals his sorrows and his happy moments, but apart from all this Wilson claims that any fences lead to loneliness. Notable, Wilson’s expressive and emotional play makes people think of their own fences and their own ways in the world.

Bloom, Harold. August Wilson. New York, NY: Infobase Publishing, 2009.

McMahan, Elizabeth, Susan Day, Robert Funk. Literature and the Writing Process. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007.

Wilson, August. “Fences.” Ed. Elizabeth McMahan, Susan Day, Robert Funk. Literature and the Writing Process. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. 788-834.

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Bibliography

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English Studies

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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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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Fences — Themes in August Wilson’s Fences: Navigating Dreams and Struggles

Themes in August Wilson’s Fences: Navigating Dreams and Struggles

• Categories: Fences

About this sample

Words: 620 |

Published: Jan 31, 2024

Words: 620 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Dreams and aspirations, struggles and obstacles, interplay between dreams and struggles.

• Wilson, A. (1985). Fences. Penguin.
• Sandberg, L. (2006). Troy Maxson and the African American Experience in August Wilson’s[Title of Play]. University of Agder Master’s Thesis.
• Barnett, (2017). August Wilson and the Long Civil Rights Movement. Journal of African American Studies, 21(2), 253-268.

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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
• Productions
• Cast and characters
• Awards and nominations

• “Fences” a Play by August Wilson Words: 1375
• “Fences” by August Wilson: Play Analysis Words: 1405
• A Driving Conflict in Wilson’s Fences Play Words: 939
• Analysis of Play “Fences” by August Wilson Words: 1465
• Characters in the Play “Fences” by August Wilson Words: 749
• Overcoming Fences in August Wilson’s Play Words: 891
• Antagonist in “Fences” Play by August Wilson Words: 613
• Troy and Cory Conflict in “Fences” Play by Wilson Words: 1125
• Play “Fences” by August Wilson Analysis Words: 927
• Literary Analysis of Fences by August Wilson Words: 885
• Significance of the Title “Fences” by August Wilson Words: 1741
• Social Problems in Wilson’s “Fences” Play Words: 640
• Position Paper About the Play “Fences” Words: 869
• Troy Maxson and Realism in “Fences” Play by Wilson Words: 1506
• August Wilson’s Fences Analysis Words: 651
• Wilson’s “Fences” Play and the American Dream Words: 838
• August Wilson’s Play “Fences”: The Perspective of Rose Words: 663
• August Wilson “Fences”: Plot and Themes Words: 820
• Racism Against Afro-Americans in Wilson’s “Fences” Play Words: 573
• Troy vs. Family Conflict in “Fences” Short Story by August Wilson Words: 1119
• Troy Maxson’s Character in August Wilson’s Fences Words: 1458

The Play “Fences” by August Wilson

As the director.

The play “Fences” by August Wilson has a plethora of messages that the author wanted to share with the audience. The play was released in 1986, and it is possible that at the time, its presentation of racial inequality issues was appropriate. However, in 2020, the younger viewers might not even know that, for instance, there used to be separate baseball leagues for black citizens. The discrimination in the workplace problem could be familiar to more people, but it does not occur in such obvious and blunt ways in modern society. Although this was undoubtedly an important message when the play was written, it might not have such a powerful effect now, due to the way it is conveyed.

The point that does translate well into the lives of many people today is Troy’s behavior as a father and as a husband. He was a hardworking man, who genuinely wished to provide for his family, but felt like he achieved very little, and failed to give them what they needed most – love and support. He was an excellent baseball player but never got the chance to enter the Major Leagues. He worked at the sanitation department, where his most notable career advancement was winning the right to be a garbage truck driver. Most importantly, he claimed that he did not want his children to suffer the same fate as him, but became the largest source of their issues. By acting logically at all times, he disregarded the value of affection and alienated his offspring.

This timeless example spells out a call to action for every parent to consider. I want the audience to understand that even though character building is a crucial part of upbringing, it should not overshadow the essential responsibilities of a parent. Troy’s idea of making sure that people are “doing right by you” rather than worrying about them liking him might be beneficial in some environments, but it cannot be used in a family. A father must be supportive of his kids, even when they have made mistakes. Strict methods and harsh punishments could help teach responsibility and discipline, but they should not dominate all father-son interactions.

I chose “Fences” as the play to deliver this message because its plot revolves around the Maxson family dynamic. It offers a comprehensive view of both long-term and short-term consequences of improper parenting. The audience would be able to see how Troy’s aloofness pushed away his con Cory, and how their conflict affected the kid even eight years later when Troy died. The fact that Rose manages to convince Cory to forgive his father further contributes to the persuasiveness of the message. Moreover, it adds a new perspective on the issue of father-son conflicts, as Cory’s anger and spite had kept him from spending time with his parents for almost a decade. Finally, Rose’s caring and affectionate relationship with her family is a much-needed depiction of the positive influence of more lax parenting. The audience should see that it was her desire to keep her loved ones close that drove the plot of the play, and her empathy helped Cory find peace with his father.

Although some attributes of the play’s original script might not be understood by the modern viewers, changing the setting would detract from Troy’s story. The roots of the main character’s underwhelming sporting achievements and career advancement lay in the period in which he happened to be born. Had it not been for the painfully unfortunate timing, Troy would have seized his chance to become a professional baseball player. Perhaps this would not have changed his character completely, but he would undoubtedly have lost one of his primary sources of anger and frustration. For this reason, I have decided to stage the play without altering the script in any significant way.

As the Dramaturg

The story of Fences develops between 1957 and 1965 – a period in which several processes and significant historical phenomena took place. As signified by the fact that Troy could not play in the Major League because he was black, racial segregation was a major part of American society at the time. August Wilson was part of the black power movement, and many of his works paid close attention to the issues of discrimination in different periods. Fences was no exception to this, as it encapsulated a miniature version of the black rights movements of that era.

The location where the story unfolds is also far from random. The Maxson family lives in the Hill district of Pittsburg, the town where Wilson grew up, and where he set all of his plays. In the 1950s, it was a safe harbor for black people who were running from the savage and barbaric south. The City serves as a symbol for the country’s failure to protect its black citizens after the abolition of slavery. The number of black people living in poverty or turning to crime, which eventually leads them to jail, proves that they did not receive adequate support from the government. With nothing to compensate for the lack of resources and connections, they had to make every effort to survive.

At the beginning of the play, the audience learns about Troy’s past as a baseball player and his dream to play in the Major League. Consequently, the lifting of racial restrictions on who could be admitted should have been a significant positive event for the protagonist. However, since it happened when he could no longer play due to his age, the impact of this change was different. It is possible that Troy’s anger was only exacerbated by this new rule; it might have felt like destiny’s cruel joke to him.

Contrarily, Troy’s actions, along the course of the play, did have a long-lasting positive impact on the world. When he won the case against his employer and became the first black garbage truck driver in the country, he set a precedent. His promotion might not have changed his life in any significant way, but it certainly influenced the situation in the country. Even though he only defended his own rights, his actions could have inspired other black people to demand equally fair treatment. In this regard, the action of the play does influence the events that happen in the future.

As for the audience reaction to the play, it is uncertain whether it will remain the same as when it was originally written. On the one hand, the play is a relatively recent creation, as it was written in 1985. Some aspects of the story would not differ substantially if it were written in 2020. On the other hand, the historical context presented by Wilson has very little in common with the situation in the modern United States. Furthermore, the script does not contain an explicit explanation for some of the subtle details regarding the choice of the period and the location. One could say with an acceptable level of confidence that the audience should still be able to enjoy the core plot. However, the perception of the main message may be different from what it was 50 years ago. The black power movement, which was at the peak of its activity in the 1950s and 1960s, has achieved its goals, and some viewers might see a portion of the play’s ideas as “preachy.”

Nevertheless, there are other reasons why maintaining historical accuracy in the production of Fences is worth doing. Even though the political agenda is no longer required and might not be appreciated by the audience, the educational value remains high. It is vital to preserve the original context of the story, as it provides a unique opportunity to discover the way people lived at that time. The younger viewers would benefit greatly from achieving a new level of understanding of that challenging, but ultimately indispensable, period in their country’s development.

As an Actor

For this part of the paper, I have chosen Troy Maxson as the character I am going to study and play the part. He is the protagonist of the play, whose actions and decisions often define the direction of the plot. Troy is a challenging individual to understand, as he has several contradicting layers to his personality. Consequently, his relations with the other character are complicated, with many conflicts and issues.

The play does not contain comprehensive background information about the head of the Maxson family, but there are several important details in his past, all of which are united under the common theme of racism. It is known that Troy’s father was a sharecropper – a farmer that does not own land and rents it for a portion of their yearly harvest. This practice was common in the US after the abolition of slavery, as the now free black people sought financial independence, but very few of them owned land. This part of Troy’s story links him to slavery from the very beginning of his life.

As a young adult, Troy experienced another cruel manifestation of racism. In the first scene, we discover that Troy was a successful baseball player in the Negro Leagues, but the Major Leagues only began accepting black players when he was too old to join. Troy was still angry about the way his dream was crushed, and he felt that players should be judged on their skill, not the color of their skin. This is also the scene when we learn about Troy’s peculiar relationship with death, and his tendency to substitute reality with fictional stories. After being warned about the danger of drinking by his wife, he began telling a fable of his fight with a personification of death in July of 1943. Even after Rose revealed that Troy was recovering from Pneumonia in Mercy Hospital, he continued narrating his version of the events. Later in the play, Troy made rebellious remarks addressed at death, whenever his life took a turn for the worse.

Troy’s life philosophy was formed by the times he was mistreated in the past. He was concerned with being treated right by others but did not seem to believe that they deserved the same. He was furious about his sports career being destroyed by a racist policy, but when his son was recruited into the college football team, he told him to find a job instead. He said that Cory needed a practical occupation that could earn him an income, even though he would not have made the same choice for himself. There was a similar situation with Lyons’s aspirations of becoming a musician as well.

Furthermore, while Troy demanded that his family lead a responsible lifestyle, this rule did not seem to apply to him. On the surface, he was a rational man, working a stable, if not very exciting, job to provide for his family. In spite of this, he had no problem cheating on Rose with Alberta for no reason except personal pleasure. Perhaps Troy saw his family as another burden and did not genuinely care for these people.

Troy’s fight for black rights is another area of controversy for this character. He was outraged by the fact that his life was shaped by discriminatory practices and felt that he could have achieved his goals, had it not been for these arbitrary limitations. He had a progressive view on the relations between different races and actively worked to achieve equality. His sons seemed to share these ideas, but their visions were different. While Lyons and Cory were hopeful, believing that they would be able to enjoy the benefits of true equality, Troy was quite pessimistic. He demanded fair treatment, but his past experiences have instilled in him a certain set of expectations regarding the opportunities he could and could not capture. This might be the reason why he told his son to abandon football, saying that black players are never given a chance to succeed. Troy still defended his rights, but he dud not have faith in any global changes.

There is no doubt that Troy’s reality was depressing: he was not allowed to realize his dream, which led to him working a dead-end job and taking his frustration out on his family. His stories seem to be another way for Troy to numb the pain. He was a man of action, who was willing to stand up for himself, but he could not change the past. He was unable to eliminate the things that made him unhappy, nor could he ignore them. The only way he saw to protect his feelings was by imagining fantastical versions of some of the most challenging episodes from his life. This resolution to his inner conflict would never solve the core issue, but it did give Troy a momentary sense of relief.

In conclusion, Troy’s character could both be seen as a victim and a villain in Fences. He was put a disadvantage by the unjust society from the moment he was born. At the same time, he shows his own hypocrisy when he did not give his children the freedom he was deprived of. One could assume that Troy was flawed by nature, and that might have been true in other circumstances. However, in Wilson’s play, all major aspects of Troy’s life depend on factors he cannot control. Thus, he is a product of the society he lives in and not an inherently evil man.

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StudyCorgi. (2022, March 19). The Play “Fences” by August Wilson. https://studycorgi.com/the-play-fences-by-august-wilson/

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Character analysis: rose maxson in “fences”.

949 words | 4 page(s)

The play “Fences” written by August Wilson, premiering in 1983, is a two act play which is set in the 1950s. The play tells the story of an African American former baseball star in the Negro Leagues who later becomes a garbage man, Troy Maxson, and his interaction with his family and those around him. Troy’s character believes that he should have had more in life due to his baseball talent; Troy was unable to play Major League baseball because of his race. Therefore, he was unable to make sufficient money to last him from playing baseball, regardless of his level of talent.

This has lead Troy to harbor resentment toward the fact that he is relegated to the life of a garbage truck driver. Troy is married to Rose Maxson, a very dutiful wife. Rose’s character is depicted as a loving housewife who seems to always cooking, cleaning, and supporting her husband. Rose, however, does seem to have gumption and does not let Troy mistreat her if she can help it. As the story progresses, the actions of Troy affect Rose’s character and how she is presented. Throughout this paper, I will do a character analysis of the character Rose Maxson from the play “Fences.”

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At the start of the play, Rose Maxson is ten years younger than her husband Troy. The play gives some background about Rose’ character before she enters the first act. Rose is devoted to her husband Troy because of what she believes her life would be like without him. Rose has been exposed to a string of abusive men and the rough streets of the urban area. Rose makes her debut in the paly by walking outside and asking him what he and his friend are out their getting into. From Troy’s response to Rose, the viewers and readers immediately get a sense of Rose’s place in her household. Troy responds to the questioning of his wife Rose, “What you worried about what we getting onto for. This is men talk, woman.” (Act I, Scene I). Rose tries to dismiss the response of her husband by suggesting that she didn’t really care what they were talking about. This response suggests that Rose has a quick response to her husband’s treatment of her with less than the respect that she deserves but that she also endures the treatment. This becomes even more evident a few lines later when Troy makes suggestive comments to her with his friend still present outside. Rose tells him not to start that kind of talk, however, the readers and viewers get a sense that this is not the first time that Troy has said things like this to Rose in front of others. In addition, Rose is cooking for the men and seems to believe that her place as a woman is cooking for a man and taking care of a man the same as her husband does. The initial debut of the Rose character sets the tone for much of the play.

In the next scene, Rose is singing while hanging up the laundry. It is obvious from the song that she sings that she is a spiritual woman. Rose also believes a great deal in luck as she likes to play the lottery. In this scene Rose does assert herself when Troy’s brother Gabriel comes over for a visit. In addition, as Rose instructs Troy to finish building the fence she asked him to build, the viewers and readers gain an understanding of where the name of the play comes from. In fact, Rose was insistent on having the fence built. It is interesting that Wilson has Rose ask her husband Troy to build a fence when it is the proverbial fences that Troy constructs that as the play progresses that causes his relationship with Rose and others to deteriorate.

In the next scene, we are introduced to Rose’s son Cory as Rose informs him of his father’s dissatisfaction with him for not completing his chores. From this conversation the readers and viewers gain a sense that Troy has more control over their son than Rose does. This becomes even more apparent when Rose asks her husband why he will not let their son pursue college football. This suggests that Rose takes a secondary role in the parenting of their son as a caregiver but not a decision maker. In the conversation that ensures concerning this, Rose suggests that she does not believe her husband’s excuse that racism prevented him from playing in the Major Leagues and that it was in fact his age as a result of doing time in prison.

Rose stands up for herself by refusing to speak to her husband for six months after her informs her that he has gotten another woman pregnant. By this time Rose has already seen her husband try to deny their son his dream and put his brother in a mental facility against Roses’ wishes. By the end of the play, Rose proves that she can be a loving woman as well as stands up for herself to her husband. When he ask her to talk care of his baby by another woman, she states “I’ll take care of your baby for you…cause…she innocent…and you can’t visit the sins of the father upon the child. A motherless child had got a hard time….From right now this child got a mother. But you a womanless man” (Act II, Scene III). In later scenes in the play, it is evident that Rose kept her word and is raising the child as her own.

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How to Write Great Essay Hooks (Tips + Examples)

Table of contents

Yona Schnitzer

Blank screen. Cursor blinks. Clock ticks. Brain freezes.

You stressfully wonder, “How will I ever finish this essay?”

I’ve been there. 

Every time you write an essay, you want to catch your readers’ undivided attention from the very first word. The opening hook has to be *perfect* — no compromises. 

But, instead of reeling under pressure to come up with this elusively perfect essay hook at the eleventh hour, I’ve found a better way to write great essay hooks. 

In this guide, I’ll tell you what it takes to write the most compelling and attention-grabbing hooks. I’ll also break down six awesome types of essay hooks you can experiment with and share examples to inspire your next opening statement.

What is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook is the opening statement of an essay, written to capture readers' attention and nudge them to learn more about the topic. Also known as a lede or lead, this hook introduces readers to the topic/theme of the essay and piques their curiosity to continue reading. 

The hook creates the entire narrative for your essay. It tells readers what to expect from the rest of the essay and creates context around your main argument or thesis statement. 

6 Types of Essay Hooks You Can Experiment With

I’ve created this handy list of six different types of essay hooks. You can choose the one that best fits your essay’s context and create a stellar opening statement within minutes. 

1. Compelling fact or statistic

Lead with evidence and use a powerful fact or statistic as your essay hook. It’s one of the best ways to capture readers’ attention from the start and keep them intrigued throughout your essay. 

For example, if you’re writing about the importance of time management for freelancers, you have two options to create your opening sentence:

Generic : “Managing time as a freelancer is no easy feat.”

Impactful : “Nearly 70% of freelancers struggle to effectively divide and manage their time between multiple clients.” 

This data point, linked to the original research, sets a strong tone for your essay and draws people in to read more. It communicates  

Find a shocking statistic with AI

Finding relevant statistics for any topic is one of the hardest parts of the job. 

But you don't have to spend hours looking for these data points anymore. Wordtune can do this heavy lifting for you in three easy steps.

• Open the Wordtune editor and add your essay title. 
• Type in any content you've written, click on 'Add spice,' and select the 'Expand on' option.
• Write 'statistics,' and Wordtune will add relevant data points to your content.

2. Bold claim hook

When working on an argumentative essay , I always write with the mindset that nobody has the time to read my thoughts from start to finish. So, I have to get to the point quickly and make a solid argument worth people’s time. 

That's when opening with a bold claim works best. Condense all your views on the topic into a few thought-provoking lines that would make readers go, hmmm…

But remember, you can't open with a claim that people already know and accept as fact. It has to be something original and unique to make your readers tick, nudging them to dive deeper into your essay. 

For example, if you’re writing about water crisis, you have two options to open your essay: 

‍ "In some regions, there is not enough clean water for people to use."

‍ "Imagine a world where every drop of water is a battle, a precious commodity fought over by scores of people and animals alike. This can become a reality as early as 2050."

This bold claim presents a convincing argument about the global water crisis. It also emphasizes the urgency of this argument with a research-backed statistic.

Create a bold claim suggestion using AI

Can’t think of a strong opening sentence for your essay? Wordtune can translate your thoughts into a bold claim and create a compelling essay hook. 

Open your Wordtune editor and write a few lines related to your topic. These sentences should have a consensus among your audience. Then, choose the 'Counterargument' option from the list of suggestions. 

And you’ll have a bold claim for your essay with no effort at all!

3. Story/Anecdote hook

In all my years of writing, I’ve noticed how stories have a unique effect on people. A good story can resonate with a bigger audience, pique their curiosity, and deliver a more personal message. 

That's why you can cite a personal anecdote or talk about a publicly known story as a good hook for your essay. This hook allows you to play with words and work in more storytelling . 

One of my favorite writing tips applies here: enter the scene as late as possible and leave as early as possible. You have to keep it crisp instead of rambling on and on. 

Consider these two examples:

Either of these hooks could work fine if we were just writing a personal essay about a move to a new place. But if we’re specifically writing about the sky, the second example is better. It sticks to the point — the sky and the color of the sky — and doesn’t stray into irrelevant details. 

Create a compelling story with AI

I get it—not all of us are natural storytellers. But you can use AI to your advantage to create a concise and exciting story for your essay.  

Wordtune can help you write a short story from scratch or trim down your writing into a quick anecdote. Click on the expand or shorten button to edit your story any way you like. 

4. Question Hook

Humans have a tendency to immediately look for answers every time they come across fascinating questions. Using questions as essay hooks can reel people into your essay and feed their curiosity.

But questions are also fairly overused in essays. You don't want to use a generic question that makes people say, " Not another question ." 

Instead, think of questions that approach your topic from a fresh angle. This means honing in on what was especially interesting or surprising from your research—and maybe even brainstorming different questions to find the most fascinating one.

For example, if you’re writing about the psychology behind why we buy, you have two options to open your essay:

‍ “Do you know what factors compel us to buy certain things?”

Plugged in :

“Before buying anything, have you ever taken a moment to pause and think about possible reasons driving you to this purchase?”

The latter is more descriptive and creates a realistic scenario for readers to truly think about the topic of the essay.

5. Description hook

A descriptive hook works best when writing an explanatory or opinion-led essay. Descriptive hooks, as the name suggests, illustrate a topic in detail to create context for the essay. It's a good way to build awareness for and educate readers on lesser-known themes.

But a descriptive hook can easily become too plain or unexciting to read. To make it work, you have to write an engaging description using imagery, analogies, and other figures of speech. 

Remember to make your hook reader-friendly by avoiding passive voice, mainstream cliches, and lengthy sentences.

Consider this example:

Describing a sunset is too cliche, so cross that one off the list. Describing the sky as it is on a normal day wouldn't be shocking or unexpected, so scratch that one, too.

This example creates something unique by using analogies to describe the color of the sky and painting a beautiful picture. 

Write a gripping description with AI

Writing an exciting hook for a boring topic is more challenging than it looks. But Wordtune makes it a breeze with just two steps:

• Open the Wordtune editor and write your essay topic.
• Click on Explain or Emphasize and let it work its magic.

You can also change the tone of voice to make the text more in tune with your theme. 

6. Metaphor hook

One of my favorite essay hooks is to open with a persuasive metaphor to contextualize the topic. Metaphors can help you approach the topic from a completely different lens and wow your readers with interesting insight. 

Metaphors are also super versatile to make your writing more impactful. You can write a one-line metaphor or create a scenario comparing one thing to another and linking it to your topic. 

For example, if you’re writing about the experience of working at a startup, you can open your essay with these two options:

Short & sweet: "Joining a startup is like strapping into a rollercoaster: be ready to witness thrilling highs and sinking drops."

Long & descriptive : “Picture a small sailboat navigating the unpredictable winds and tides in a vast ocean. That’s a startup operating in a massive market. And with the right vision, this journey is filled with risks and rewards.” 

Create a convincing metaphor with AI

Writing good metaphors takes up a lot of creative brain power. You can always use Wordtune to find some extra inspiration if you're out of creative ideas. 

Type your opening line in the Wordtune editor and click on the 'Give an analogy' option. You can ask for as many suggestions as you want till you find the best one! 

What to Know About Your Essay (and Topic) Before You Write the Hook

Whether you’re writing a research paper on economics, an argumentative essay for your college composition class, or a personal essay sharing your thoughts on a topic, you need to nail down a few things before you settle on the first line for your essay.

‍ Let me break them down for you. 

1. Gain in-depth knowledge of your topic

Before you start writing your essay, you need to know your topic — not just in name, but in-depth. You don't have to become a subject matter expert overnight. But you do need to research the topic inside out 

Your research will help you:

• Narrow your focus
• Build an argument
• Shape the narrative

Your research insights determine your essay’s structure and guide your choice of hook. 

After organizing your research in a neat outline, think to yourself: ‍Did you uncover a shocking fact? A compelling anecdote? An interesting quote? Any of those things could be your hook.

⚡ ‍ Take action:  After finishing your research, review your notes and think through your essay. Mark or make a list of anything compelling enough to be a good lead.

2. Type of essay

In academic settings, there are generally three kinds of essays:

• Argumentative: Making the case for a certain stance or route of action.
• Expository: Explaining the who, what, when, where, why, and how of some phenomenon.
• Narrative: Telling a true story as a way to explore different ideas.

‍ The type of essay you’re writing is key to choosing the best hook for your piece. 

A serious argumentative essay can start with a shocking statistic or a bold claim. And an expository essay can open with a descriptive hook while a metaphor hook would work best for a narrative essay.

⚡ ‍ Take action: Go through your list of potential hooks and cross out anything that doesn't fit the type of essay you're writing, whether it's persuasive , argumentative, or any other type.

3. Audience and tone

A best practice I often share with writers is to think of one reader and keep yourself in their shoes . This exercise can tell you so much about your audience — what kind of tone they like, what matters the most to them, what topics interest them, and so on. 

You can use these insights to create a compelling essay hook. Here’s how:

• For an argumentative essay, you’re trying to convince someone who doesn’t agree with you that what you’re claiming is right or, at least, reasonable. You don’t want to turn them off with snarky or offensive language — but you do want to be authoritative. Your hook should match that tone and support your effort.
• A narrative essay is likely to welcome more lyrical language, so starting with a colorful description or an anecdote might make more sense than, say, a bold claim or surprising fact. Whatever tone you choose for your narrative essay — comical or gentle or bold — should be used for your hook.
• ‍ Expository essays can use all sorts of tones and be written to a variety of audiences, so think carefully about the tone that best fits your subject matter. An essay explaining how the human body shuts down when overdosed will likely require a different tone than one on the lives of circus masters in the late 1800s. 

⚡ ‍ Take action: Look at your list. Can you write these potential hooks in a tone that suits your subject and audience?

4. Length of essay

Are you writing a 10-page paper or a three-page reflection? Or is this your senior thesis, pushing over 100 pages?

‍ If you’re writing a shorter paper, you’ll want to keep your hook quick and snappy.  

Readers are expecting a quick read, and they don’t want to spend five minutes only going through the introduction. 

In contrast, you can approach a longer essay — like a senior thesis or a term paper — with a longer hook. Just make sure your hook relates to and supports the core point of your essay. You don’t want to waste space describing a scene that ultimately has nothing to do with the rest of your piece.

⚡ ‍ Take action: If you write out the items on your list, how long will they be? A sentence or paragraph? Perfect. Two to five paragraphs? Unless your essay is on the longer side, you may want to save that information for later in the piece.

‍ Now that you know the basic facts about what you’re writing, let’s look at some approaches you could use to catch those readers — and reel them in.

3 Approaches to Avoid When Writing Hooks 

I’ve read hundreds of essays — enough to recognize lazy writing from the first few words. It’s equally easy for readers to discard your essays as ‘poorly written’ just by reading the first line. 

So, I made a list of three types of essay hooks you want to avoid at all costs because these hooks can only disappoint your readers. 

1. Quotations

Quotes are probably the most overused type of hook in any form of writing. What's even worse is rinsing and repeating the same old quotes from Abraham Lincoln or Nelson Mandela in your essays. 

No matter how powerful a quote sounds, you shouldn’t slap it at the opening of your essay. It doesn’t give readers the excitement of reading something original and looks lazy.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on productivity, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work” – Stephen King

Did you know that consuming 100 gms of sugar can slash your productivity levels by over 50% in a day?  

2. Definitions

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines a hook as "a thing designed to catch people's attention." 

If I opened my article with this dictionary definition of a hook, you’d have either dozed off or left this page long back to find something more interesting. 

Here's the thing: definitions put people to sleep. Readers don't want to see a formal, jargon-heavy definition of a topic as the very first line of an essay. Your opening statement should have some personality in it to show readers they're in for an exciting read. 

For example, if you’re writing about happy hormones, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

Happy hormones are known to boost the happiness levels in your body by creating positive feelings.

Ever wondered why cat videos make you instantly happy, and ice creams give you an extra dose of energy? It's all about how happy hormones control our brain chemistry.

3. “Imagine this”

Opening your essay with "Imagine this" used to be an interesting way to put your readers in a scenario and set the context for your essay. But now, it's far too cliched and just another lazy attempt to write an essay hook. 

You can create a relatable scenario for users without asking them to imagine or picture it. Use the descriptive hook format with an interesting choice of words to convey the same ideas more creatively.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on preparing for higher studies abroad, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

Imagine this: You’ve been applying to multiple universities, writing SOPs, and preparing for exams without guidance. Everything can go south any minute. 

College application season is officially here. But with each passing day, you’re under more and more stress to apply to your chosen colleges and tick all the items off your list.

‍Our Go-To Trick for Writing Catchy Hooks

This opening statement can make or break your entire essay. While I’ve broken down my best tips to create the best essay hooks, here’s a surefire way to write compelling openings :

Go through your notes and either outline your essay or write the whole thing. This way, you’ll know the central thread (or throughline) that runs throughout your piece. 

Once your essay or outline is complete, go back through and identify a particularly compelling fact, claim, or example that relates to that central thread.

‍Write up that fact, claim, or example as the hook for your essay using any of the methods we’ve covered. Then revise or write your essay so the hook leads smoothly into the rest of the piece and you don’t repeat that information elsewhere.

Does your hook spark curiosity in you? 

Did that fact surprise you in the research stage? 

Chances are, your readers will have the same reaction.

And that’s exactly what you want.

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Home / Guides / Citation Guides / Book Citations / Learn how to cite “Fences” by August Wilson

Learn how to cite “Fences” by August Wilson

Learn how to create in-text citations and a full citation/reference/note for Fences by August Wilson using the examples below. Fences  is cited in 14 different citation styles, including MLA, APA, Chicago, Harvard, APA, ACS, and many others.

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