Exploring the Tone and Mood of “Fences” by August Wilson

“Fences” by August Wilson is a profound and moving play that delves into the complexities of life, relationships, and the American Dream. As you embark on this journey through the play, you’ll find that the tone and mood are meticulously crafted to evoke a wide range of emotions and reactions. Let’s delve into the various dimensions of the tone and mood in “Fences” to better understand its impact on the audience.

Setting the Scene

The play is set in the 1950s, a time of significant social and political change in the United States. The setting, a small, rundown backyard in Pittsburgh, serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama. The dilapidated fence that gives the play its title is a metaphor for the barriers and obstacles that the characters face in their lives.

The Tone: A Mix of Sadness, Hope, and Resilience

The tone of “Fences” is a complex blend of sadness, hope, and resilience. The play opens with the death of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who never got his chance to play in the major leagues. His death serves as a catalyst for the unfolding of the story, revealing the deep-seated conflicts and regrets within his family.

The sadness in the play is palpable, as the characters grapple with loss, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life. However, amidst the sadness, there is a glimmer of hope. The characters, despite their flaws and mistakes, continue to strive for a better life, holding onto the American Dream that has been passed down through generations.

The resilience of the characters is evident throughout the play. They face adversity head-on, often with a sense of humor and grace. This resilience is a testament to the human spirit, as the characters navigate the challenges of their lives with determination and courage.

The Mood: Intimate and Raw

The mood of “Fences” is intimate and raw, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a deeply personal level. The play is written in a naturalistic style, with dialogue that feels authentic and real. This rawness is further enhanced by the use of stage directions that describe the characters’ actions and emotions in great detail.

The mood is often somber, with moments of intense emotion and conflict. However, there are also lighter moments, such as the scenes where the characters engage in playful banter or share intimate conversations. These moments provide a much-needed respite from the heavier themes of the play.

The Characters: A Microcosm of American Life

The characters in “Fences” are a microcosm of American life, representing the diverse tapestry of the nation. Troy Maxson, the protagonist, is a complex character who embodies the struggles and triumphs of the African American experience. His relationships with his family members, particularly his son Cory, are central to the play’s narrative.

Cory, Troy’s son, is a young man who dreams of playing professional football but is hindered by his father’s overprotectiveness and his own self-doubt. Rose, Troy’s wife, is a resilient and compassionate woman who tries to maintain a sense of normalcy in the face of adversity. The other characters, including Bono, Lyons, and Raynell, each bring their own unique perspectives and contribute to the rich tapestry of the play.

The Themes: Loss, Redemption, and the American Dream

The themes of loss, redemption, and the American Dream are central to “Fences.” The characters face the loss of loved ones, the loss of opportunities, and the loss of their sense of identity. Through their struggles, they seek redemption, both for themselves and for their family members.

The American Dream is a recurring theme in the play, as the characters grapple with the question of whether it is attainable for them. The fence, as a symbol of barriers, represents the challenges they must overcome to achieve their dreams.

The Impact of Tone and Mood

The tone and mood of “Fences” are instrumental in shaping the play’s impact on the audience. The intimate and raw nature of the play allows the audience to connect with the characters on a deeply personal level, making the themes and messages resonate long after the play has ended.

The blend of sadness, hope, and resilience in the tone of the play serves to remind us that life is a complex tapestry of emotions and experiences. The mood, with its raw