Introduction
August Wilson considered conflict an important part of character development. A reader can see how Wilson’s characters experience and handle conflicts in Fences, one of his most famous plays. In particular, Troy Maxson, the play’s tragic protagonist, becomes a bitter, stubborn man who believes in self-created illusions and does not tolerate other opinions. As Troy says to his son Cory: “I’m the boss around here. I do the only saying what counts” (Wilson 36). In contrast, a conflict with his father arguably changes Cory for the better, as he finds the courage to resist the oppressive ways of Troy’s parenting. Cory “used to tremble every time” Troy called his name (Wilson 86). However, the conflict gave Cory the resolve to confront Troy and live his own life. While Cory’s anger has lived for years, the conflict’s outcome gave Cory a chance to become an independent man, free from his father’s shadow.
Discussion
Troy Maxson, a 53 years-old Black man working for the sanitation department in a low-paid job, has a severe conflict with reality. Troy challenges anything that contradicts his life experience, failing to recognize that times are changing. He constantly projects events from his youth to the present. For instance, Troy refuses to let his son Cory play for the college football team, claiming that “white man ain’t gonna let him get nowhere with that football” (Wilson 8). The racial segregation that destroyed Troy’s baseball career still haunts him, and he argues with anyone who hints that Black athletes do not face discrimination anymore. When Cory mentions successful Black baseball players such as Hank Aaron and Wes Covington, Troy resorts to self-aggrandizing. He claims that “Hank Aaron ain’t nobody” and he could “hit forty-three home runs right now” because the pitching was better in the league for Blacks (Wilson 34). In the end, Troy goes as far as telling his son’s coach that Cory will not be playing football anymore. Without any doubt, Troy’s conflict with reality changed him for the worse, making him unable to see and recognize others’ perspectives and wishes.
Troy’s stubborn behavior served as the reason for a painful inner conflict in Cory. Initially, Cory respects Troy and wants to emulate his father. As Rose, Troy’s wife, says, “he’s just trying to be like you with the sports” (Wilson 39). However, Troy, frustrated with his baseball career, does everything possible to keep Cory away from sports and ruin his son’s dreams. Slowly but surely, Cory grows to dislike his father and finally claims that Troy did nothing except for holding him back (Wilson 86). Cory leaves home behind and comes back only seven years later. The scars of conflict still hurt him, as Cory initially refuses to attend Troy’s funeral, saying, “I’ve got to say no to him” (Wilson 96). However, Rose helps him find confidence and understand his late father’s behavior, making it easier for Cory to find inner peace and live his own life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, one can claim that Troy’s and Cory’s responses to their conflicts are intertwined. Troy failed to resolve his conflict with reality, which crippled his relations with Cory. In turn, Cory’s anger forced him to confront Troy without attempting to understand his father’s perspective. Luckily for Cory, Rose helped him put an end to his inner conflict. Overall, August Wilson used conflicts in Fences to underscore the value of patience, listening, and respect in human relationships. As one can see in the examples of Troy and Cory, the lack of these qualities may lead to severe harm. This harm is only reversible if a wise figure like Rose has the chance to give advice and offer moral support.
Work Cited
Wilson, August. Fences. Plume, 1986.