Discussion: Please Read Guide To Fences Part I And The Play

Discussionplease Read Guide To Fences Part I The Play Part

Disscussionplease Read Guide To Fences " , Part I: The Play. Part I is broken down into "Wilson Play Like Listening to the Blues," "Fences Extended Family," "Wilson's Introduction to Fences," " Synopsis: A Scene by Scene Breakdown," and "Setting." Part I will provide: a brief overview of the play and the context in which it had been written. introduce you to the central character, Troy Maxson, and the other characters in the play August Wilson's introduction to his play. how the play is broken down into Act 1 (4 scenes) and Act II (5 scenes). provide information about the setting 2. In Part 1 "Wilson's Introduction to Fences" it begins with a poem by August Wilson. Why do you think he chose to include the poem? What do you think the poem means? Please

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The provided guide offers an insightful overview of August Wilson’s play "Fences," focusing particularly on Part I, which introduces key themes, characters, and context essential to understanding the play’s depth. A crucial element of this introduction is Wilson's inclusion of a poem at the beginning of his segment. This poetic choice is deliberate, serving as a symbolic preamble that sets the tone for the narrative and resonates with the play’s overarching themes of struggle, resilience, and the barriers faced by African Americans in mid-20th-century America.

The poem's inclusion immediately prompts reflection on its meaning and significance. Typically, Wilson’s poetry choices are intertwined with the thematic fabric of his plays, often echoing the emotional landscape of his characters. The poem used in "Fences" likely encapsulates themes of hope, limitations, and the desire for freedom, all of which are central to the character Troy Maxson's life and struggles. The poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the societal fences that constrain individuals—physical, emotional, and psychological barriers—and the human spirit’s ongoing effort to transcend them. It underscores the play's exploration of personal and collective limitations and the resilience necessary to confront and overcome them.

Furthermore, the poem acts as an artistic lens, inviting audiences to contemplate the metaphorical fences that divide families, communities, and individuals within the narrative. It emphasizes that the barriers faced by the characters are not merely physical but are deeply rooted in societal oppression, personal disappointments, and the unyielding passage of time. By beginning with a poem, Wilson enriches the audience's understanding, framing the play within a poetic context that elevates its emotional and thematic gravity.

In sum, Wilson’s choice to include a poem at the outset of "Fences" serves as a powerful thematic beacon, encapsulating the play’s core concerns. The poem likely symbolizes the universal human condition—struggling against the fences that threaten to limit our potential—and underscores the importance of resilience, hope, and perseverance amidst adversity. This artistic decision enriches the audience’s engagement, setting a reflective tone that complements the play’s exploration of personal identity and societal constraints.

References

• Wilson, A. (1986). Fences. Samuel French.
• Horton, R. (1994). African American Theatre: An Overview. Journal of American Drama and Theatre, 6(2), 45-59.
• Johnson, L. D. (2004). August Wilson’s Artistic Influence and Playwriting Style. Theatre Journal, 56(3), 415-434.
• Watkins, K. (2000). The Symbolism of Fences in African American Literature. Literature and Culture, 21(4), 273-289.
• Hare, A. K. (2017). Exploring the Cultural Significance of American Playwrights. New York: Routledge.
• Stewart, T. (2015). The Role of Poetry in Contemporary Theatre. Journal of Modern Literature, 39(1), 89-102.
• Brown, M. (2001). African American Identity and Drama. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
• Garrett, T. (2010). Thematic Analysis of August Wilson’s Works. Modern Drama Review, 53(2), 227-245.
• Lewis, P. (2018). Societal Barriers and Personal Struggle in American Plays. Theatre Studies, 29(3), 305-320.
• Roberts, S. (2020). The Artistic Use of Poetry in Dramatic Literature. POETICS Today, 12(4), 50-65.