Back to 'fences'
Beryl Clarke, Contributor

Welcome back, students. I hope that this new year will be a prosperous one for you. We are returning today to the play from which we had taken a break for some weeks. I do hope that you spent some time answering these two questions below to your satisfaction:

Why did the dead doe constitute a danger to motorists?

Was the speaker right in refusing to swerve?

Have you been considering the relationships in Fences? Now that you have had time to explore the play, you must have drawn some conclusions. The head of the Maxon family, Troy, has been deeply affected by the racial divide which had prevented him from playing baseball in the major league. This causes his family relationships to be impaired or damaged. Let us see what happens, particularly with Cory.

We have already discussed their differences in regard to Cory's future. Troy's mind is made up against any attempt on his son's part to get seriously involved in any sport, and this, without discussing the matter with the young man. Troy's attitude colours his thinking and feeling to such an extent that he would allow no argument that does not agree with own rigid position.

You, I am sure, must have been wondering how he could have gone to coach Zellman without his son's knowledge and inform him that Cory could no longer play football. Not only does he interfere with Cory's future, but he, perhaps, without even meaning to do so, is disrespectful and must have caused his son some embarrassment. Do remember that from their previous inter-action we have seen, it is clear that their relationship is an uneasy one.

Do you believe that if father and son had discussed the situation it would have made a difference? After all, if they had talked about his son's desire to play ball and his (the father's) reason for wanting to prevent him in a calm and amicable manner, they may not have agreed on a solution, but they would have begun to understand each other. Furthermore, Cory would not have felt disrespected and therefore, resentful.

Troy makes it abundantly clear that he is the head of the family and that his word is law. Could it be because in the world outside of his home where he works on a garbage truck, first picking up the trash and later as a driver, he is not given any respect? Historical records show that a grown black man in that society was called a 'boy' and treated like one!

Troy sees discrimination everywhere in his town and, having suffered from this disease, is fearful of its effect on Cory. His fear fences him in and makes it difficult for him to see beyond his past to possibilities of the future. He does not even recognise that a change has been made - in him becoming a driver. The gap between Cory and himself widens until they become openly hostile to each other.

Take a look at Act 2 Scene 4 when Cory is swinging the baseball bat. Just before he does this, we learn from Lyons that Troy is now a high school graduate who is seeking a job. Imagine his frustration, his disappointment and anger. One wonders if he would not, at this time, have been in college if his father had allowed. Ironically, his brother is pointing him to the very job that he, himself, has rejected. Cory is embittered and leaves the yard as soon as his father enters. They exchange a look, but no words, but that look must have revealed the emotions they were feeling.

The conflict comes to a climax in the following scene when Cory's utter contempt for Troy comes bubbling out. As you know, there is now an addition to the family. Troy's other woman has died giving birth to a baby girl who lives with them. His extra-marital affair has not only soured his relationship with his wife, but has increased Cory's negative attitude towards his father. Cory wants to enter their house, but does not wish to ask his father, who is sitting on the step, to allow him room to pass. The argument that develops leads to the breaking apart of the family.

How important do you consider the extract below and the fact that they almost come to blows in the development of the play?

Cory: You in my way. I got to get by.

Troy: You just gonna walk over top of me?

Cory: If you wanna put it like that,I ain't got to say excuse me to you. You don't count around here no more.

Please dramatise this entire scene as it will assist in your understanding of the work. Consider carefully how these two characters would dress, their facial features, size and height, the expression on their faces, the way their movements and posture reflect their emotions. Think, too, of the effect you want to create. How does this scene make you feel? Yes, that is how you must strive to make others feel!

We will continue our study next week. Please recognise that you, like all human beings, are complex, so be kind to yourselves. God bless!