Fences: Act i Scene i

Fences by August Wilson: Act 1 Scene 1 Overview

Introduction to Characters and Setting

• The scene is set in 1957, introducing Troy Maxson, a large man of 53 years old, who grapples with his identity as a Black man in America.

• Bono, Troy's friend and follower for over 30 years, admires Troy's honesty and hard work, highlighting the dynamics of their friendship.

Friday Night Ritual

• The two men engage in a ritual of conversation and drinking on payday Fridays, showcasing their camaraderie despite the challenges they face as garbage collectors.

• Troy recounts an incident involving Mr. Rand and a watermelon, illustrating racial tensions and stereotypes that affect their lives.

Workplace Discrimination

• Troy expresses frustration about racial inequality at work; he questions why only white workers drive trucks while Black workers lift.

• He emphasizes the need for equal opportunities within the workforce, advocating for changes in job descriptions to allow everyone a chance to drive.

Personal Relationships and Aspirations

• The conversation shifts to personal matters; Troy discusses his relationship with women and hints at infidelity while asserting his loyalty to Rose.

• Bono teases Troy about his interest in Alberta but acknowledges that he has not pursued other women since marrying Rose.

Rose's Role in Their Lives

• Rose enters the scene; she is ten years younger than Troy and represents stability amidst chaos. Her past experiences shape her devotion to him.

Men Talk and Relationships

Troy's Relationship with Rose

• Troy expresses a desire to continue his conversation with Bono, indicating that he has important matters to discuss regarding relationships.

• He recounts how he met Rose, emphasizing that he initially did not want marriage but rather companionship, stating, "I told her baby I don't want to marry; I just want to be your man."

• Rose responds by asserting her needs, telling Troy if he isn't the marrying kind, he should step aside for someone who is.

Reflections on Living Conditions

• Troy reflects on their early marriage and living conditions in a two-room house with an outhouse, expressing regret about staying there for six years.

• He discusses societal perceptions of living standards, noting that many people do not realize they can aspire for better living conditions.

Economic Choices and Community Support

• Troy critiques local shopping habits, particularly at Bella's store versus A&P. He emphasizes loyalty to those who treat him well despite higher prices.

• He argues against overcharging practices while defending his choice to shop where he's treated right.

Family Dynamics and Aspirations

• The conversation shifts towards family responsibilities as Troy mentions Cory getting a job to help with school expenses after Gabe moved out.

• He expresses skepticism about Cory's football aspirations, suggesting practical skills like fixing cars are more reliable than sports.

Racial Inequality in Sports

• The discussion transitions into racial dynamics in sports as Troy reminisces about his own baseball career compared to current players like Jackie Robinson.

• He asserts that many players were better than Robinson but didn't get opportunities due to their race.

Legacy of Baseball Players

• Troy highlights the disparity between his achievements and those of white players during his time in baseball.

Discussion on Death and Life Choices

The Nature of Death

• The speaker reflects on death, likening it to a fastball that one must confront. They emphasize that discussing death is a natural part of life, as everyone will eventually die.

• Acknowledges the inevitability of death for all individuals, including themselves and those around them. However, they express discomfort with the topic being brought up in conversation.

Personal Experiences with Death

• The speaker recounts a personal encounter with death during July 1941, describing it as an overwhelming presence that felt cold and intimidating.

• They vividly describe a moment where they confronted death directly, feeling unafraid and ready to fight against it.

Wrestling with Mortality

• The speaker shares an intense metaphorical struggle with death while hospitalized due to pneumonia. They depict this battle as lasting three days and nights.

• After exhausting each other in their struggle, the speaker claims victory over death temporarily by throwing away its sickle.

Vigilance Against Death

• Emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant against death's approach. They assert that maintaining strength allows them to resist succumbing easily.

• Recognizes the inevitability of joining "death's army" but insists on fighting back as long as they can maintain their strength.

Family Dynamics and Financial Struggles

Family Interactions

• Introduction of Lyons, Troy's son from a previous marriage. He appears well-groomed but struggles between his aspirations in music and reality.

• Lyons greets family members warmly but is aware that his lifestyle choices may be scrutinized by his father.

Financial Requests

• Lyons attempts to borrow money from Troy under the pretense of just visiting; however, it's clear he seeks financial assistance.

• Troy expresses frustration at Lyons' motives for visiting, indicating he knows when Lyons comes around for money rather than genuine connection.

Conversations about Work and Credit

• Discussion shifts towards financial hardships; Troy mentions working hard yet struggling to obtain credit for furniture despite having a job.

Furniture and the Devil: A Conversation on Credit

The Arrival of the Salesman

• A man knocks on the door, introducing himself as a salesman offering furniture credit. The narrator is surprised, having just moved in.

• The salesman claims he can provide all the credit needed but emphasizes that interest must be paid. This shocks the narrator.

• The narrator agrees to take three rooms worth of furniture, understanding that he will need to send $10 monthly payments.

The Cost of Convenience

• After 15 years of consistent payments, the narrator reflects on how much he has already paid for the furniture—ten times over.

• Despite paying significantly more than initially agreed, he expresses fear about stopping payments due to potential consequences from "the devil."

Moral Implications of Debt

• The conversation shifts to whether it matters if the credit was offered by "the devil." The narrator insists someone must provide credit regardless of morality.

• Another character warns that ultimately, one must answer to God at judgment for their actions regarding financial dealings.

Family Dynamics and Responsibility

• Tensions rise as family members discuss work ethics; one character feels entitled to money without working for it.

• There’s a clash between values: one believes in hard work while another seeks easy solutions through borrowing.

Struggles with Identity and Purpose

• One character expresses disdain for manual labor jobs, feeling they are beneath him despite needing money.

• Discussions reveal differing life philosophies; one prioritizes music as a means of living while dismissing traditional job structures.

Generational Conflict and Expectations

• A generational divide is evident as older characters criticize younger ones for not adhering to conventional paths or responsibilities.

• One character argues that life doesn’t owe anyone anything; instead, individuals owe it to themselves to make something out of their lives.

Conclusion: Seeking Support Amidst Struggles

• As tensions escalate over financial support requests, underlying themes of familial obligation versus personal freedom emerge.

Love and Commitment in Relationships

Expressions of Love

• Troy expresses deep affection for Rose, stating, "I love this woman so much it hurts," indicating the intensity of his feelings.

• He emphasizes the importance of caring for Rose, suggesting that despite challenges, their bond is strong and significant.

Challenges in Communication

• Troy mentions running out of ways to express his love, implying a struggle to maintain emotional connection over time.

• The conversation shifts towards practical matters as he invites Rose to discuss work-related issues, showing a blend of personal and professional life.

Emotional Dynamics