Comparing Father And Son Relationships In Fences And The Namesake

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As George Eliot said, “It’s a father’s duty to give his sons a fine chance.” Father and son relationships are seen all over the world, and are apart of many families. Some relationships are picture perfect, while others are a complete train reck. Father and sons can get along like two peas in a pod, or like fire and water. Father and son relationships are explored in both “Fences,” by August Wilson, and The Namesake, by Jhumpa Lahiri. The relationship between father and son change dramatically throughout these literary works. The father and son relationship in both of these writing are both similar and different in several ways. Both fathers live in their past and stop their sons from getting a chance to live a life they want to live. Father …show more content…

Troy is very stern with his sons. He doesn’t always support them, especially with the actions they want to take in their lives. Not being a supportive father causes his sons to turn against Troy, and they lose the connection with him. Lyons, Troys eldest son from his previous marriage, is a talented Jazz musician. Troy wasn't apart of Lyons life the entire time, he was in jail. When released from jail he met Rose while pursuing a baseball career. Lyons often comes over to ask his father for money because he isn't making much money while being a musician. Cory, a teenage boy, is the son of Troy, and his wife Rose. Cory is a high school boy, who is a talented football player. Troy doesn't support his son in football, he continues to push Corey away until he enters the Marines. While away in the service Troy dies, Cory comes home to attend his fathers funeral. Throughout “Fences,” we about the relationship Troy didn’t have with his father. The relationship that he had with his father is very similar to the relationship with his …show more content…

Lyons only comes around so often, and Cory gets pushed to the point where he leaves for the Marines. While away doing his service, Troy dies. Cory comes home to see his family for his father funeral, he says he wont be attending the funeral. His mother Rose reminds him, “Your daddy wanted you to be everything he wasn't...and at the same time he tried to make you into everything he was. I don't know if he was right or wrong...but I do know he meant to do more good than he meant to do harm.” Rose wants Cory to attend his father funeral even though Cory really doesn't want to. Cory gets this guilt once he talks to his mother, and makes the decision to attend his fathers funeral. Throughout the play Troys actions towards his son affiliates back to his past. His past stops him from letting his sons take chances in life that they want

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