Fences (play) by August Wilson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Fences (play) by August Wilson - Essay Example he name of the play comes from the request made by Rose that Tory and Cory build a fence around their backyard which seems to represent her wish to keep the family together. It also shows her desire to keep those whom she loves close to her within the same house even if they are not really willing or able to stay with her. Despite these wishes of a perfect family oriented life, Rose is not someone who lives in the dream world since she is quite a realist in her expectations. The backdrop of the drama is taking place against race issues and the development of the idea of being African American while living with all the prejudice and hatred one has to suffer as an African American. In this sense, Rose does not have a longing for better days to come or a nostalgic approach which is displayed by other characters. She accepts what she has been given in life and the role she has to play in the world is very clear to her since she is a mother and wife to the best of her abilities. She is certainly trying to improve her condition through practical and available means such as asking her son and husband to build a fence for her but she does not seek out things which might be too much to ask for from the world. In fact, the only thing she does seek quite strongly is a bright future for her own son. She supports his decision to play football and supports him fully in his struggle to be a player that can overcome the barriers placed before him due to his race. As further proof of her compassion, she accepts the illegitimate child of her husband with open arms even though she does not forgive her husband for cheating on her. This reflects the nurturing and sensitive side of her nature and it does certainly add to her character as a mother figure. As a mother figure, Rose certainly goes through her trials and tribulations the least of which is coming to terms with seeing the proof of her husband’s faithlessness in front of her. However, it is her mother instinct which takes