Index Examples of Essay Prompts "Fences" Example Essay "Fences" Works Cited Examples of Essay Prompts "Fences" Exploring Troy Maxon's Values: Discussing and Analyzing the core values ​​held by Troy Maxon in August Wilson's "Fences," considering how these values ​​shape his character and decisions throughout the play. Fatherhood and Responsibility: Examines Troy's sense of fatherhood and responsibility and how his values ​​in this regard influence his relationships with his sons, Cory and Lyons, as well as his wife, Rose. Racial and Social Values: Analyze Troy's values ​​in the context of race and society, considering how his experiences as an African American in the 1950s influence his beliefs and actions. Conflict and Values: Discuss conflicts that arise in the play due to differences in values, such as those between Troy and Cory, and explore how these conflicts drive the narrative and character development. Change and Adaptation: Analyze how Troy's values ​​evolve or remain constant throughout the play, and discuss the consequences of these changes or lack thereof. “Fences” Essay Example In Fences by August Wilson, Troy Maxson is a man with many flaws. He is human, and like every other human being, his experiences throughout life have influenced his decisions and outlook on life. If we were to have no context about Troy's life, we would see him as a father who prevented his son from pursuing a career in sports, a greedy brother who takes advantage of Gabriel's disability benefits, and a lying, cheating husband. Although Troy Maxson's actions have negatively impacted the lives of his family and those he cares about, he continues to shine as a tragic hero. When we think of the tragic hero, we do not mean to compare him to the Superman, but rather to describe him as a character who intends to perform good deeds, but allows his own flaws, conflicts, and internal struggles to prevent him from achieving his goals. . This is not an excuse, but a clarification that even though Troy Maxson is not a perfect person, he tries to better himself for his loved ones. We, the readers, watch as Troy tries his best to protect his family the only way he knows how, but ultimately gives in to his own internal struggles and causes his own death. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay A major conflict in Fences is how Troy shoots down Cory's potential career in sports. Based on what we see in the show, it is evident that Troy prevented Cory from pursuing the opportunity to play football primarily to protect him from the racism and discrimination he believed was still prevalent. Other characters, like Bono and Rose, are quick to remind Troy how there are “a lot of black kids playing ball now. Baseball and football” (14) because they are convinced that Troy is bitter about losing his chance to play in the big leagues years ago. Cory also becomes convinced that Troy drove him away from the sport as an act done out of spite and jealousy. However, there is something Troy says that gets overlooked: "I had enough sense to not let my son get hurt without playing sports" (41). Some might argue that Troy eavesdropped out of envy, based on his absurd reluctance to acknowledge the newfound diversity in sports. However, it is important to know that Troy grew up with a father who was more of a selfish and reluctant provider than a loving guardian, leaving Troy to fend for himself and navigate the world blindly while facing racism, poverty, andcrime. Troy does his best to protect his family the way he knows how, and that is by keeping Cory grounded in reality with stable jobs and professions, instead of allowing him to float in the clouds with uncertain and temporary dreams. Good parents are described as parents who support their child in pursuing their dream, no matter how ridiculous, but don't protect their child's biggest priority? Troy may not express remorse for what he did during Cory's interview, but he was aware that his actions would benefit Cory's life in the long term. As a result of such actions, however, misunderstandings and tensions arise between Troy and Cory. Troy thinks Cory is too sensitive and teaches him the importance of family and hard work over trivial luxuries, like a television to watch the game. This seems to push Cory to develop a sense of hatred towards his father, which leads Cory to lose his fear of Troy's authority, resulting in some physical altercations. There is evidence that Troy refrains from hurting Cory, even if the chance arises. In both circumstances, Troy could have slapped Cory or physically disciplined him, but he knows he has enough control and respect not to do so. We see this when “Rose pulls Troy to hold him back. Troy stops” (72) and when “Cory and Troy fight for the bat. The fight is fierce and fully engaged. Troy is the strongest in the end and takes the bat from Cory and stands on top of him ready to hit. It stops” (88). They say that the abused will eventually become abusers, but Troy knows how much he wants to end the powerful cycle of family violence he experienced with his father. You could argue that even thinking about hurting your child is bad enough, but stopping following that impulse is powerful. Unfortunately, what ruins his role as guardian is the temptation he pursues. However, although Troy cheated on Rose with Alberta, he knew it was wrong, admitted it, and was willing to accept the consequences rather than run from his mistakes or become a victim of them. Troy immediately admits this to Rose, saying, “It's not about anyone being a better woman or anything. Rose, you're not to blame. A man could not ask any woman to be a better wife than you have been. I am responsible for it” (71). Admitting his flaws and accepting the punishment inflicted on him shows more character in Troy than it would if he instead rejected Rose's generosity and compassion. Yes, Troy's act of cheating ultimately caused his chance at redemption from his harsh past to end, but instead of running from his mistakes or ignoring them completely, he faces them and does what he can to better himself, which is what makes him a tragic hero. It's no excuse for infidelity, but for Troy, admitting his tragic flaw and accepting his fate is what redeems him. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay on the main character of August Wilson is a flawed man. He is certainly not a loving father, but his love shines through his actions and his decisions to carry out those actions. Troy saw that Cory was afraid of the people who hated him and took it upon himself to help Cory face reality, away from sports and television, to help him survive in the harsh and prejudiced world they live in as African Americans. Despite Cory's reluctance to obey his father, Troy refused to lay a violent hand on his son, or anyone else, and did what he could to protect his family without becoming the spitting image of his father. Overwhelmed by the impulse and the.