Fences Troy Txson Analysis

In August Wilson’s play “Fences” we see the life of Troy Maxson and the hardships he endured with his family. He is a African-American struggling man trying to raise a family, while while balancing his everyday life. Even as a hard working man, Troy lived with many faults. He was far from the perfect father or role-model for his sons. His wife Rose had to endure the pains that came with marriage and even had to take care of his illegitimate child Rayell that he had with another woman. Troy was still trying to be the best father and husband he could be, but struggled to express in a loving way because of his lack of commitment to his family.

We learned about Troy’s tough upbringing when he begins to explain how he was raised and how it would

The role of father is never an easy one. Troy wanted for his sons to be different than him. He didn’t want for them to end in the same path as he did. In Frank Pittman’s web article “Fathers and sons” he explains how important the father-son relationship is and how it shapes men. “Becoming Father the Nurturer rather than just Father the Provider enables a man to fully feet and express his humanity and masculinity. Fathering is the most masculine thing a man can do.” Not having a father figure where he could look up too greatly affected how on Troy would raise his sons. Troy didn’t want to be the father his dad was, but ended doing the same harm that his father did to him. With his Lyons, he never got the chance to raise him because Troy was in prison. The only way to support Lyons and Lyon’s mom was to steal and that cost him fifteen years. “They told me I killed him and they put me in the penitentiary and locked me up for fifteen years.” Cory, his second son, ended on the same path and decided to leave home to become his own man. “Tell mama I’ll be back for my things.” (Wilson 1282) Troy’s pride and inablilty in leading the correct way for his sons would cause them to turn away from him. Not only did he hurt his sons by not showing compassion, this would eventually lead to him cheating or his wife

He didn’t want Cory to pursue sports because he felt that it wouldn’t lead him to better opportunities. He felt the same way about Lyons and his music. He felt both needed to work hard in school and get good paying jobs. With jobs already hard to find, he wanted both to quit their hobbies and do something real. “ The fact that African-Americans who are often concentrated in poor urban areas struggle to get jobs.” Even though he never expressed his emotions correctly, he wanted the best for Lyons and Cory. He gave them everything that he could give them, and instilled good values in both of them. It isn’t until Troy’s death that they both realize their dad was someone that who loved them. Their silence in the end with each other signifies the grief and love they both had for him even though he wasn’t the best father. “Cory nods. Lyons touches him on the shoulder and they share a moment of silent grief.” (Wilson