Betrayal In Fences

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August Wilson, the author of Fences, asserts that through theater, "all of human life is universal". Aspects of the human condition, such as duty and betrayal are in explored in Wilson's play, Fences. Troy, the main character, struggles with the self-imposed sense of duty he has to his family. His actions under the pressure of this duty lead to the second figment of the human condition which Wilson explores, is that of betrayal. Not only does Wilson explore each of these conditions separately, he shows how two can work with each other in a cause and effect nature. As a black author, her statement is clear, regardless of the color of your skin, one can relate to the struggles faced by her characters. Troy, the father, and main character of the book struggles with his sense of duty throughout the play. In fact, Troy's sense of duty proves to be both his greatest strength and greatest weakness. Troy believes it is the man's duty to provide for his family. His younger son, Lyons, fails to do this in his eyes as he has an unsteady income. …show more content…

The two which are most prevalent in the play are that of duty and betrayal. Wilson creates the character Troy to exemplify these conditions. Troy's sense of duty is defined by providing his family with food and a roof. However, the pressure of this sense of duty cripples Troy. Here, Wilson studies the working relationship between duty and betrayal. Troy's strict sense of duty leads him to betray Rose. Troy has an affair with another woman Alberta. Rose's reaction, that of acceptance of the baby and by extension Troy allows him to further explore the condition of betrayal. Wilson further ensures that these conditions are aspects life that any audience member could relate to. Although writing about the struggles of the black community he incorporates the struggles

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