Nature Vs. Nurture In Fences By August Wilson

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Challenging the Status Quo of Nature vs. Nurture (4) Nurturing children doesn’t necessarily show love; it shows discipline and responsibility that all of us have learned and know. Nature is always a controversial subject because it’s based off our DNA, but our personalities are developed by how we are raised. We are unique and form our own identities later on in life after being nurtured. Society’s views can limit our horizons because of race and having strict right and wrongs. In the play Fences by August Wilson, although Troy Maxon can be seen as controlling, this attribute came from his past, he shows growth and overcomes many obstacles because of the way he is. The conflicts created with his wife and children could be viewed as a disconnection …show more content…

Troy’s father made Troy respect him and others, and learn that when there are duties to be done they should be completed to the best of his ability. However, if these two standards plus others weren’t followed, Troy didn’t have limitations just needed to eventually learn the lessons. Without limitations Troy had the ability to keep making the same mistakes. Troy decided at a young age, that when he was disrespected there wasn’t any more lessons to learn from his father. The disrespect pushed Troy to passed his limits because it was against his girlfriend. Troy respects woman and when his father tried to rape his girlfriend, he was …show more content…

Even though it took Troy forever to finish the fence it, “becomes a gauge for his life, during which he experiences both literal and figurative incarceration. He is fenced off from society during a lengthy prison term; he is fenced out of the Major Leagues because of racial segregation; and after he initiates the breakup of his family, he is fenced out of his own home as well as out of the hearts of Rose and Cory” (Shannon 203-04). A fence usually means protection, but Troy got the negative connotation related to being shut out. He was so set in his ways, that his family didn’t see eye to eye and by society not accepting him, and proving he is worthy wasn’t enough he just stops fighting eventually but leaves with a legacy. He never gave up and spread his word of wisdom, even though people didn’t want to listen. He gave in to death, giving his power to turn his property into the visible recognition of his human properties, such that his responsibilities to his family, his athletic prowess, and his physical presence confirm his ability to confront Death- and hence construct his life- on his own terms. (210) Troy never had anyone tell him what to do after his father’s strict ways. He shaped his life based off how he was treated. He didn’t want to be walked on anymore; by setting standards for yourself keeps you centered. Troy isnt perfect, no one is but we show

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