Summary:
The main theme of August Wilson's play "Fences" is restraint, as symbolized by the picket fence that Troy builds at Rose's requests to surround their house. The fence is intended to keep the family together and keep intruders out; but the fence's function eventually shifts from family protector to family divider, as Troy's lack of commitment to Rose's fence is analogous to his lack of commitment in their marriage.
Theme Analysis of Fences
The main theme of August Wilson's play Fences is restraint, conveyed through Rose's request for a fence surrounding her house, and the eventual barrier that the fence becomes. At first, it seems that Rose wants the fence to hold her family together, but ironically, as Troy begins the task of building, the family becomes more and more distanced. The fence's true purpose becomes clear as Troy drifts from Rose and their family.
Rose struggles throughout the play to maintain positive control over her family, and her request for a picket fence is a solid attempt at holding her family together. She is determined to keep her family purely her own, and to keep anyone who might interfere with it out. Rose trustfully allows Troy to come and go as he pleases,.....
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