Fences-Biographical Analysis

Let one observe the play entitled Fences. In the setting one should implant African Americans were not treated equally in the United States. “They sold the use of their bodies. They cleaned houses and washed clothes, they shined shoes, and in quite vengeful pride, they stole and lived in pursuit of their own dream.” (Fences 1687). This establishes a thought pattern to help comprehend what needed to be done for survival as a African American and the struggles or obstacles they were dealing with. For instance, when slavery existed African Americans were sought out as the workload of the labor industry. Even though slavery was abolished by the 1950’s society still only offered the jobs that were low pay and a backbreaking experience to the black community. Wilson’s approach to this play revolves around many characteristics of the African American community in the 1950’s and it reflected his verdict on all of the characters attitudes and lifestyles. When one takes a biographical analysis perspective there is a comparison with August Wilson and his upbringing.

According to Encyclopedia.com, “Wilson's work centers on the struggles and identity of African Americans and the deleterious effect of white American institutions on black American life”(Encyclopedia 1). The experiences he grew up with are included in his plays. “I ain’t got no extra money. Gabe done moved over to Miss Pearl’s paying her for rent and things done got tight around here. I can’t afford to be giving you every payday” (Fences 1697). This aspect of Troy’s life is related to Wilson because he grew up in the ghetto of Pittsburg, thus leaving him with money troubles. This is a prime example of how he includes his related personalities and the struggles of everyday adversities with conjunction of the play.

Much of the focus and hostility is relayed in the eyes of Troy Maxson. The text Wilson included captivated the time setting of actual lifestyle in the 50’s. “They gonna fire me cause I asked a question? That’s all I did. I went to Mr. Rand and asked him, “Why? Why you got the white mens driving and the colored lifting?” You think white fellows only got enough sense to drive a truck” (Fences 1689). Wilson trusts the reader to understand how meaningful and powerful these lines are. It displays the racism occurring in the middle of the twentieth century because the “white fellows” are above the workload hierarchy while the “colored” are the backbone of labor. When Troy clarifies this to Bono he is also nervous for what he had said to his supervisors. He asks the question about getting fired then immediately defends himself by presenting that he has done no more than ask a question. “The descendants of African slaves were offered no such welcome or participation” (Fences 1687). Now one may comprehend why Troy immediately defends himself and is worried that he could find himself looking for another job. Troy was more than lucky because not only did he keep his job, but he received a promotion. Why would a supervisor promote a man if he is