13.4 Analysis of "Fences" and "The Piano Lesson"
4 min read•july 30, 2024
's plays "" and "" explore in the 20th century. These works delve into , , and the lasting impact of racism and on individuals and communities.
Wilson's characters grapple with complex issues like lost opportunities, family legacies, and the weight of history. Through rich and authentic dialogue, these plays offer a nuanced portrayal of the African American experience, highlighting both struggles and resilience.
Plot and Conflict in "Fences" and "The Piano Lesson"
"Fences": Troy Maxson's Struggles
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Top images from around the web for "Fences": Troy Maxson's Struggles
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- "Fences" centers around , a former Negro League baseball player now working as a garbage collector in 1950s Pittsburgh
- Troy's relationships with his wife and son are central to the plot
- The main conflicts revolve around Troy's bitterness over lost opportunities, his affair with Alberta, and his opposition to Cory's football ambitions
- Troy's experiences highlight the impact of and oppression on individuals and their relationships
"The Piano Lesson": Family Heirloom and Generational Conflict
- In "The Lesson", set in 1930s Pittsburgh, seeks to sell a piano to buy land his ancestors worked as slaves
- His sister opposes this, wanting to keep the piano and its carved history in the family
- The central conflict is between honoring the past and moving forward
- The play explores the importance of and the difficulties of reconciling the past with the present
Complex Characters and Family Dynamics
- Both plays feature strong, complex African American characters grappling with family dynamics, generational differences, and the weight of historical and personal legacies
- Wilson delves into the dynamics of African American families, showing the tensions between generations and the ways in which the past influences the present
- The characters grapple with the legacies of slavery, discrimination, and personal choices
- Through these plays, Wilson gives voice to the African American experience, highlighting both the struggles and the resilience of his characters
Symbolism in Wilson's Plays
The Fence in "Fences"
- In "Fences", the fence Troy is building serves as a metaphor for the barriers he creates in his relationships
- The fence symbolizes the ways Troy tries to protect his loved ones while also shutting them out
- Baseball also symbolizes Troy's past dreams and the discrimination he faced
- These symbols help to explore complex themes and make the characters' struggles tangible and resonant
The Piano in "The Piano Lesson"
- The piano in "The Piano Lesson" is a powerful symbol of the Charles family's history, with carvings depicting their enslaved ancestors
- It represents the weight of the past and the difficulty of moving forward while still honoring heritage
- The piano serves as a focal point for the play's central conflict between Boy Willie and Berniece
- The symbolism of the piano underscores the themes of family legacy and the African American experience
Themes of Family and Legacy
Generational Tensions and the Weight of the Past
- In both plays, Wilson explores the tensions between generations and the ways in which the past influences the present
- The characters grapple with the legacies of slavery, discrimination, and personal choices
- Troy's conflicts with his sons in "Fences" highlight the impact of his own experiences and the generational divide
- The debate over the piano in "The Piano Lesson" represents the struggle to reconcile the past with the present and the importance of family heritage
The African American Experience
- Through these plays, Wilson gives voice to the African American experience, highlighting both the struggles and the resilience of his characters
- "Fences" portrays the ways in which systemic racism and oppression can impact individuals and their relationships, as seen through Troy's experiences
- "The Piano Lesson" explores the significance of African American history and the ongoing effects of slavery and oppression
- Wilson's plays provide a powerful and nuanced representation of African American life and the complex issues faced by his characters
Dramatic Techniques in Wilson's Plays
Realistic Dialogue and Rich Characterization
- Wilson employs realistic dialogue and richly drawn characters to create vivid, relatable portraits of African American life
- His use of vernacular and dialect adds authenticity and depth to the characters
- The complex relationships and conflicts between characters serve to explore larger themes and issues
Setting as Microcosm
- The plays' settings, such as the Maxson's backyard in "Fences" and the Charles' household in "The Piano Lesson", serve as microcosms for exploring larger societal issues and themes
- The confined settings allow for a focused examination of the characters' relationships and the impact of their environment
Symbolic Elements
- Wilson uses symbolism, such as the fence and the piano, to make abstract concepts more concrete and to underscore the plays' central conflicts and themes
- These symbols serve as powerful visual and metaphorical representations of the characters' struggles and the larger issues at play
Non-linear Storytelling and Historical Context
- The non-linear storytelling in both plays, with characters recounting past events, allows Wilson to explore the ways in which history shapes the present and the characters' lives
- By incorporating historical context and the characters' backstories, Wilson provides a rich and layered exploration of the African American experience over time
- Through his masterful use of language, characterization, setting, and structure, Wilson creates powerful, thought-provoking works that illuminate the African American experience and resonate with universal human struggles
Key Terms to Review (23)
African American Folklore: African American folklore encompasses the rich tradition of oral stories, songs, proverbs, and cultural expressions rooted in the experiences of African Americans. This body of work reflects the history, struggles, and resilience of African Americans, often conveying moral lessons and cultural identity through various forms of storytelling and performance.
African American life: African American life refers to the unique cultural, social, and historical experiences of African Americans from their origins in Africa through slavery, segregation, and into contemporary society. This term encompasses the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in various domains such as arts, education, politics, and family dynamics, all of which are vital in understanding their portrayal and representation in literature and theatre.
August Wilson: August Wilson was an influential American playwright known for his powerful and evocative works that center on the African American experience in the 20th century. He is best recognized for his ten-play cycle called The Pittsburgh Cycle, which chronicles the struggles and triumphs of African Americans through different decades. His plays address themes of identity, culture, and the social challenges faced by black Americans, making him a pivotal figure in multicultural theatre.
Berniece: Berniece is a pivotal character in August Wilson's play 'The Piano Lesson,' representing the struggle for identity and the importance of family legacy. Her journey reflects the broader themes of African American history and cultural heritage, particularly the connection to ancestral roots and the impact of the past on present choices.
Blues music: Blues music is a genre that originated in the African American communities of the Deep South in the United States around the end of the 19th century. Characterized by its soulful melodies and expressive lyrics, blues music often reflects themes of struggle, heartache, and resilience, serving as a powerful means of storytelling and emotional expression. It connects deeply to the experiences of African Americans and plays a crucial role in the cultural context of works that highlight these narratives.
Boy Willie Charles: Boy Willie Charles is a central character from August Wilson's play 'The Piano Lesson.' He represents the struggle for identity and ownership within the African American experience, particularly regarding the legacy of ancestral heritage. His desire to sell a family heirloom, a piano, illustrates the conflict between preserving cultural heritage and the pursuit of personal ambition.
Cory: Cory is a central character in August Wilson's play 'Fences' and represents the struggles of African American youth in the context of familial and societal expectations. His character embodies the tension between aspirations and the reality of systemic barriers, especially as he navigates his relationship with his father, Troy Maxson. Cory's journey reflects broader themes of identity, opportunity, and generational conflict within the African American experience.
Economic struggle: Economic struggle refers to the challenges individuals and communities face in achieving financial stability and success, often characterized by poverty, limited access to resources, and systemic barriers. It is a significant theme in various narratives that explore how economic hardships affect relationships, aspirations, and personal identity.
Family dynamics: Family dynamics refer to the patterns of interaction and relationships among family members, including their roles, communication styles, and behaviors that influence the overall functioning of the family unit. This term is crucial in understanding how family relationships can impact individual identities, social development, and emotional well-being. In various narratives, shifts in these dynamics can reveal deep-seated conflicts, cultural values, and the struggle for identity within familial contexts.
Family heirloom: A family heirloom is a valuable object that has been passed down through generations, often holding sentimental value and representing family history. These objects can take various forms, including jewelry, furniture, or artwork, and they often carry stories and memories that connect family members to their past. In the context of cultural narratives, family heirlooms serve as symbols of heritage, tradition, and identity.
Fences: In the context of August Wilson's plays, particularly 'Fences,' fences symbolize the barriers and limitations that characters face in their lives, often representing both physical and emotional boundaries. These barriers reflect the struggles of African Americans in the mid-20th century, dealing with systemic racism, personal aspirations, and familial relationships. Fences serve as a metaphor for the challenges in overcoming societal obstacles while also emphasizing the importance of protection and belonging within a community.
Generational conflicts: Generational conflicts refer to the tensions and disagreements that arise between different age groups, often due to differing values, beliefs, and cultural experiences. These conflicts can highlight the disparities in perspectives, leading to misunderstandings and challenges in communication between generations. In many narratives, they serve to underscore the struggle for identity and belonging as individuals navigate their roles within family and society.
Heritage: Heritage refers to the legacy, traditions, and cultural identities that are passed down through generations, encompassing both tangible and intangible elements. This concept is crucial in understanding how personal and communal histories shape individual identities, particularly within the context of family, community, and societal structures.
Non-linear narrative: A non-linear narrative is a storytelling technique in which events are presented out of chronological order, allowing for a more complex and layered understanding of the plot and characters. This approach contrasts with traditional linear narratives, enabling deeper exploration of themes and emotional experiences by shifting perspectives and timelines.
Oppression: Oppression refers to the systemic and pervasive mistreatment, control, and discrimination of a particular group by those in power. This term captures the social, economic, and political forces that maintain inequality and marginalization. It often manifests in various forms such as racism, sexism, and classism, shaping the experiences and identities of those affected, particularly in the context of marginalized communities.
Piano: In the context of drama, a piano is not just a musical instrument but symbolizes themes of heritage, memory, and family legacy. It serves as a powerful metaphor in narratives, representing the emotional connections characters have with their past and the cultural significance tied to their identities.
Pulitzer Prize: The Pulitzer Prize is an esteemed award in American journalism, literature, and musical composition, established in 1917 by provisions in the will of Joseph Pulitzer, a Hungarian-American newspaper publisher. It recognizes outstanding achievements in various categories, emphasizing excellence in storytelling and impactful work that often reflects societal issues and human experiences.
Rose: In the context of modern drama, particularly in the works of August Wilson like 'Fences' and 'The Piano Lesson', 'rose' serves as a powerful symbol representing hope, beauty, and the complexities of African American identity. It often reflects the characters’ struggles, aspirations, and relationships, embodying both the fragility and resilience inherent in their experiences.
Symbolism: Symbolism is a movement in art and literature that emphasizes the use of symbols to express ideas, emotions, and states of being. In theatre, it manifests through the representation of abstract concepts using specific images, gestures, and settings, which evokes deeper meanings beyond the literal. Symbolism encourages audiences to interpret layers of meaning, often aligning with themes of subjectivity and the exploration of the human condition.
Systemic racism: Systemic racism refers to the complex ways in which racial discrimination is embedded within the policies, practices, and institutions of a society, leading to unequal treatment and outcomes for different racial groups. This form of racism operates on multiple levels, including societal, institutional, and interpersonal, creating barriers that hinder access to resources and opportunities for marginalized communities. The effects of systemic racism can be observed in various areas such as education, housing, employment, and the justice system.
The Piano Lesson: The Piano Lesson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson, part of his Pittsburgh Cycle, which explores themes of heritage, identity, and the African American experience through the lens of a family's struggle over a cherished family heirloom, a piano. The play highlights the conflicting perspectives of its characters about their past and the significance of their cultural history.
Theater revival: A theater revival refers to the re-staging or reinterpreting of a previously produced play, often with fresh perspectives or updated contexts. This practice can breathe new life into classic works, making them relevant to contemporary audiences while highlighting their timeless themes and issues. Revivals often showcase the evolving interpretations of characters, plots, and societal reflections within a modern framework.
Troy Maxson: Troy Maxson is the central character in August Wilson's play 'Fences,' representing the struggles of African American men in the 1950s. He is a former baseball player who faces racial discrimination and personal demons, making him a symbol of the broader African American experience during this era. His complex personality showcases the conflict between aspirations and the harsh realities of life, as well as the generational challenges within African American families.