Book title : fences

Author: Author Wilson 

Page size approximately:96-101

Price value:
 

• 📘 Paperback (new) — around $8 – $15 USD at major retailers (e.g., Target, Walmart) for the standard edition.  
• 📗 Paperback (used) — around $4 – $13 USD on resale sites like ThriftBooks.  
• 📕 Hardcover (new) — often around $17 – $30 USD depending on edition and store.  
• 📲 eBook (digital) — sometimes available for about $6 – $7 US

Fences by August Wilson is a play about family, responsibility, and the effects of racism on personal dreams, set 1950s American The story centers on Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who was denied success because of racial discrimination. Now working as a garbage collector, Troy struggles with anger, pride, and disappointment, which affect his relationships.
Father and son conflict: Troy stops his son Cory from pursuing football because he believes racism will crush Cory’s dreams, just like it did his.
Marriage and betrayal: Troy’s actions test his marriage to Rose, showing the consequences of broken trust.
Dreams vs reality: The play explores how missed opportunities can shape a person’s life’s 
The “fence” symbol: The fence represents protection, separation, and emotional barriers between people.It shows the impact of racism across generations It highlights Black family life in the 1950sIt’s part of August Wilson’s famous Pittsburgh Cycles

Critical evaluation August Wilson’s Fences is a powerful and realistic play that explores the struggles of African American families in 1950s America. Through strong characters and meaningful dialogue, Wilson examines themes of racism, responsibility, masculinity, and the lasting effects of broken dreams.

One of the play’s greatest strengths is its complex protagonist, Troy Maxson. Troy is neither purely good nor evil; instead, he is deeply human. His bitterness comes from racial discrimination that prevented him from succeeding in professional baseball. While his experiences make him understandable, they do not justify his harsh treatment of his family. This complexity allows readers to critically examine how personal pain can turn into emotional oppression.
Wilson effectively presents generational conflict, especially between Troy and his son Cory. Troy’s refusal to support Cory’s football dreams reflects his fear that the world has not changed. This conflict highlights how past trauma can limit future possibilities, making the play both personal and political.
The character of Rose represents emotional strength and moral clarity. Her loyalty, patience, and eventual resistance to Troy’s betrayal reveal the silent sacrifices made by women in patriarchal households. Rose’s transformation marks one of the play’s most powerful moments and challenges traditional ideas of obedience and forgiveness

Symbolism plays an important role in the play. The fence itself represents emotional barriers, protection, and separation. For Troy, it becomes a way to keep people at a distance, while for Rose, it symbolizes keeping loved ones close. This contrast deepens the meaning of the title and reinforces the central conflict 

In conclusion, Fences is a deeply moving and thought-provoking work that confronts uncomfortable truths about race, family, and identity. August Wilson succeeds in creating a timeless story that encourages readers to reflect on how history, pride, and fear can shape human relationships. The play remains relevant today and stands as one of Wilson’s most important contributions to American literature.

The novels address  themes such asRacism andDiscrimination,Racism limits Troy Maxson’s opportunities, especially in professional baseball. His experiences show how systemic racism affects not only individuals but also families and future generations.”

Dreams and DisappointmentTroy’s unfulfilled dream of becoming a successful baseball player shapes his bitterness. This theme shows how broken dreams can turn into resentment and affect relationships.

Father–Son ConflictThe strained relationship between Troy and Cory highlights generational conflict. Troy believes he is protecting Cory, but his strict control damages their bond.

The central characters in the book fence

Troy Maxson is the main character and the driving force of the play. He is a former baseball player whose dreams were destroyed by racism. Bitter and proud, Troy struggles with responsibility, authority, and emotional connection. His actions create most of the conflicts in the play

Rose Maxson Rose is Troy’s wife and the emotional backbone of the family. She is loving, patient, and morally strong. Rose believes in unity and family values but is deeply hurt by Troy’s betrayal. Her character represents sacrifice and inner strength.

Cory Maxson Cory is Troy and Rose’s teenage son. He is hopeful and determined, with dreams of becoming a football player. His conflict with Troy represents generational struggle and the desire for change.

Lyons MaxsonLyons is Troy’s son from a previous relationship. He is a musician who values passion over financial stability. Lyons’ relationship with Troy highlights differences in values and definitions of success.

Gabriel MaxsonGabriel is Troy’s brother, a World War II veteran with a mental disability. He believes he is the Archangel Gabriel. His character adds a spiritual and symbolic dimension to the play.
In addition
 

• Fences is a play, so the story is told through dialogue and stage directions rather than traditional prose narration.
• The audience learns about events mostly through Troy’s perspective, his interactions, and the memories he shares.