Fences Review: "Fenced In by a Lifetime of Resentments"
 |
In this image, Cory watches his father carefully measuring his expensive hard wood. (Remember that Bono comments on the fact that he should just use cheap wood -- that fence doesn’t have to last forever.) Troy is doing the best he can for his family. At the time, Cory was figuring out his path. Ultimately, the fence is finished and Cory will return to be back inside it; to be back with his family.
Read Allan Wallach's review of the Broadway opening of Fences. This review appeared in NY Newsday on March 27, 1987.
Assignment: After reading, answer these questions:
-
How does Wallach describe Troy’s his main conflict? Do you agree?
Use two quotations from the article in your answer. Be sure to embed the quotations.
NPR INTERVIEW"Troy Maxson: Heart, Heartbreak as Big as the World"
Listen to actor James Earl Jones help explain the nature of the tragic hero in Fences. Link to interview website here.
Then, answer these questions:
-
According to the interview, in what ways is Troy tormented?
-
James Earl Jones also reflects that the characters are: “demanding their due in a world that can’t be counted on to give it to you.” Reflect on how this idea was developed in the play. What does the world owe them? How do we know they don’t get it?
- How does Jones explain Troy’s infidelity? How is this attitude the same or different from your view?
NEXT: Lesson 4 Writing-- Final Thoughts on Fences
 |
 |