Responsibility In Fences By August Wilson

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Living in an African American household, responsibility is key. One has to do the most with what they have, especially when racism interferes with their job. Responsibility puts food on the table and pays bills. One must learn to take care of not only themselves, but others too. In the play Fences by August Wilson, the theme of responsibility is shown because of Troy and Rose taking care of their family physically, financially and morally.

Physically, Troy feels the need to take care of his family, home and belongings. For example, he says to Cory, “While you thinking about a tv, I got to be thinking about the roof” (32). This means Troy thinks Cory is putting his wants over needs, and just caring about himself and not the whole family. This offends Troy because he puts his needs over his wants- his family over everything else. Troy’s responsibility is taking care of his home.

Troy feels obligated to take care of his family physically and financially. For example, he says, “It’s my job. It’s my responsibility! You understand that? A man got to take care of his family” when Cory asks Troy why he never liked him (38). To Troy, this hits a rough spot in him because he sacrifices everything for his family. He stood up for himself to receive a promotion from trash collector to garbage truck driver, he pays all …show more content…

Wilson writes, “I’m gonna do her [Raynell] just like your daddy did you… I’m gonna give her the best of what’s in me” Rose says to Cory at Troy’s funeral (98). Even though Rose is not the mother of Troy’s daughter, she feels it is her responsibility to take care of her anyways. She believes the children should not be neglected because of what their parents have done( Troy having an affair with Alberta, but Rose still takes care of their daughter). This quote also suggests Rose thinks Troy was a good father- even though Troy was tough on his kids, they still turned out

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