Examining the idea that one's past experiences greatly shapes one's present choices in August Wilson's text Fences, my essay will argue that Troy's actions towards his own family come from his own generational trauma from his childhood. In Fences, Troy having a difficult relationship with his father growing up causes him to not be the best father to his own children, who all of which have different mothers. He has lots of resentment towards Cory who wants to pursue a career with football because of his own failed career with baseball. His time spent in jail for accidentally killing someone when he was young influenced his overall attitude for working hard for what he has. Yet, many times doesn't realize what he has right in front of him, causing him to be unfaithful to his wife. In my essay I will begin to reflect upon Troy's past experiences to uncover why Troy acts the ways he does towards his own family members. Andrew Davis in his article “Wrestling Jacob In The Book of Genesis and August Wilson’s Fences” addresses this idea of “the culmination of past struggles and estrangement.” Troy’s relationship with his own father is yet again talked about as one of the leading factors for what shapes his current life choices. By diving deeper into Troy's past traumas, I hope to uncover the deeper meaning into what causes people to continue projecting past issues that can seem to be generational to their own children and family members.
Faculty Sponsor:
Paul Thifault
Location:
Campus Union (Dodge A&B Rooms)
Oral Presentation Type:
Conference Paper
Presentation Type:
Oral Presentation
Presenters:
Kiana Ouellette
Session:
Oral Presentations - Session 3
Year:
Third Year
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