Fences: Act I Scene 4
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Reading: Read Act I Scene 4 Link to text here.
Stage Directions: it's Friday again, pay day, two weeks later. After Cory leaves for his game, Troy and Bono return from work. Troy wears different clothing -- signifying his visit to the Commissioner’s office and a change in his career. His new driving job will give him new opportunities - and is significant because he is the first African American man to become a driver.
Once again, Troy takes something Rose says -- about calling her like a dog -- and spins a story about it. His reference to Blue, the dog, and then to the blues themselves.
An important part of this scene are the stories about Bono’s and Troy’s fathers. These stories include descriptions about abandonment and aggression. Bono also mentions the “walking blues” which refers to men just taking off from their families.
Ironically, after we hear fathers who disappointed Troy and Bono, we see Troy reject Lyons’ musical interest and we learn from Cory that Troy has blocked his football aspirations. In Lyons’ case, Troy believes that he ought to have a dependable job - and hears the music as “noise.” He also views Cory’s football goals leading to an uncertain future.
Is Troy's main flaw his inability to accept the choices, beliefs of others?
NOTES ON THE TEXT: |
page 42 "Brownie" Bono and Troy discuss a coworker who waited until he knew the outcome of Troy’s petition to the union and then wants his promotion due to his seniority(more years on the job). page 50 "I ain't never had the chance." Fathers and fatherhood: Bono's father was never around and Troy's "forced" to flee his father when he's only fourteen. Bono explains that his father was why he didn’t have children. Troy then says his father “ain’t cared nothing about no kids.”
Forgiveness: In concluding his story on page 53, Troy does say something close to touching on forgiveness: "I hope he found some peace." Consider the admirable traits of fathers and how Troy might measure up, in spite of other flaws. page 57 "That was the one chance I had." Does Cory feel "trapped" as well? Does he feel the need to make Troy proud by excelling in athletics only to have Troy interfere in his attempt? Is this "chance" referring to escaping the oppressive socio-economic factors with success in professional sports? page 58 "Don't you strike out!" Troy uses the baseball TROPE or metaphor, comparing a chance at-bat in a baseball game to Cory's status in the Maxson household. Troy seems more concerned with his own experiences, bitterness, than with Cory's interests. Why couldn't Cory fulfill all his responsibilities and participate in sports? Neither Troy nor Cory effectively communicates his point - or convinces the other to consider it. |
NEXT: Lesson 1 Reading Fences
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