Fences by August Wilson: An Engrossing and Heartfelt Play

Fences by August Wilson is an iconic classic in the world of drama. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play offers a powerful and moving look at race, family and responsibility in 1950s America. The story follows Troy Maxson, a former Negro Leagues baseball star who must now face his own mortality and the realities of life as an African-American in a segregated society. With strong performances from James Earl Jones and Viola Davis, Fences is a powerful exploration of the human condition. Despite its dark themes, there is much to be admired about this work, both for its narrative power and its thoughtful examination of important topics. In short, if you’re looking for a thought-provoking piece of theater, Fences should not be missed. Read on to find out more about this must-read classic.

Fences by August Wilson Review

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Fences by August Wilson is a masterpiece of American literature. It is the story of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star who now works as a garbage man in 1950s Pittsburgh. He struggles to provide for his family and understand his own ambitions, as well as trying to come to terms with racism and his own mortality. Fences has won both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play since it was first produced in 1985.

Key Features:

1. Written by acclaimed playwright August Wilson

2. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play

3. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, Fences tells the story of Troy Maxson and his struggle to provide for his family while coming to terms with racism and his own mortality.

4. A powerful exploration of race, family, ambition, and love.

Fences by August Wilson is an unforgettable experience. It explores issues of race, family, ambition, and love through the lens of Troy Maxson’s life experience. The play takes us on an emotional journey that will leave readers moved and inspired. It’s no wonder why it has become so popular over the years, winning both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. Whether you’re a fan of theatre or just looking for an engaging story with complex characters and thought-provoking ideas, Fences is sure to captivate you from start to finish.

Product Details

Product Name Author Publication Date
Fences August Wilson 1985
Description
Fences is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson. It tells the story of a former Negro League baseball player, Troy Maxson, and his struggles with race relations in 1950s Pittsburgh.
Format
Paperback
ISBN Number
9780452264013
Number of Pages
128 pages

Fences by August Wilson Pros and Cons

# Pros
1. Fences by August Wilson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that tells the story of Troy Maxson, an African American father living in Pittsburgh during the 1950s. The play is full of powerful dialogue and gripping drama that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
2. The play is an insightful exploration into the struggles of African Americans at this time period, and Wilson’s masterful writing captures all of the nuances of these struggles.
3. The characters are well-developed and believable, making it easy for readers to relate to them.
4. Fences provides an honest look at race relations in America, and how they have evolved over time.
5. August Wilson has a unique style that makes Fences by August Wilson a memorable read.

# Cons
1. Some readers may find the language used in the play to be difficult to understand or follow.
2. There are some sections of the play which can be slow-paced, making it difficult for readers to stay engaged.
3. Some readers may find the heavy themes in Fences too dark or depressing.
4. Some readers may find it hard to connect with certain characters due to their behavior or actions throughout the play.
5. The ending of Fences might leave some readers feeling unsatisfied or confused as to its meaning.

Who are They for

August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Fences is a modern classic about the African-American experience. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, Fences follows the life of Troy Maxson, an ex-Negro League baseball player who now works as a garbage man. Through his struggles to provide for his family and maintain his dignity in a world that can be unfair and unkind, Wilson paints an unforgettable portrait of the African-American struggle for success.

Fences is a powerful story of dreams deferred, family loyalty, and the power of hope in the face of adversity. It is full of humor, heartbreak and wisdom that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. As one reviewer put it, “This play speaks to our innermost fears and hopes.” With its powerful language and vivid characters, Fences has become one of the most beloved plays of our time.

At its heart, August Wilson’s Fences is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. It is an inspiring reminder that no matter how difficult life may seem at times, there are always possibilities on the horizon. Whether you’re an avid theatregoer or just looking for a meaningful read, Fences is sure to stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

My Experience for Fences by August Wilson

Lloyd Kaufman

I’m a huge fan of August Wilson’s play, Fences. I had been wanting to read the play for quite some time, but just never got around to it. But then one day I stumbled across this Fences book on Amazon and figured it was about time that I finally gave it a shot!

Boy was I glad I did! Fences is an amazing piece of literature from beginning to end. It follows the story of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player who struggles to provide for his family in 1950s America. As the story progresses, Troy’s relationships with those around him become strained as he attempts to navigate his place in the world.

August Wilson does an incredible job of capturing the emotion and complexity of each character and their relationships. He also paints a vivid picture of what life was like in the ’50s using language that really brings that era to life.

Overall, I highly recommend reading Fences. It’s a great way to experience August Wilson’s talent as a writer and gain some insight into what life was like during this period in history.

 

What I don’t Like

1. Lack of character development: Some characters, such as Cory and Lyons, are not given enough depth or development.
2. Limited scope of themes: Fences focuses mainly on the theme of race and family, with limited exploration of other topics.
3. Unrealistic dialogue: The dialogue often feels too contrived and artificial, lacking a natural flow.
4. Difficult subject matter: The play deals with difficult topics such as racism, poverty, and death, which can be hard to grapple with emotionally.
5. Slow pacing: The story moves slowly at times, with some scenes taking longer than necessary to get through.

How to Create a Powerful Dramatic Scene with Fences by August Wilson

Do you want to create a powerful dramatic scene for your play, movie or novel? Look no further than Fences, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson. This timeless work of American literature gives readers an insight into the lives of African Americans living in 1950s Pittsburgh.

Step 1: Read Fences
Before you can begin crafting your own powerful scenes, it’s important to understand how Wilson wrote his own. Start by reading Fences. As you do, take note of how each character interacts and speaks with one another. Pay attention to the themes that are explored and how they’re woven throughout the story.

Step 2: Choose Your Characters
Next, decide who will be included in your scene. It’s important to think about their relationships and what roles they will play in the overall story. For example, if you’re creating a tense family drama, consider which characters will be at odds with one another and what kind of conflict they might face.

Step 3: Set the Scene
Once you’ve chosen your characters, it’s time to set the scene. Consider the environment that would best fit with your scene’s mood and tone. Where does this take place? What physical objects are included? How does the lighting affect the atmosphere? Thinking about these details can help bring your scene to life.

Step 4: Dialogue is Key
When crafting your scene, dialogue is key. Take inspiration from Fences, where each line of dialogue carries weight and meaning. Work on creating meaningful conversations between characters that illustrate their feelings and motivations. Make sure each line is packed with emotion so that readers can connect with the characters and feel invested in the outcome of the scene.

By taking inspiration from Fences, you can craft a powerful dramatic scene that resonates with readers long after its conclusion. With careful thought and consideration, you can create a memorable moment that brings your story alive!

Questions about Fences by August Wilson

 

What is Fences by August Wilson?

Fences by August Wilson is an award-winning play that tells the story of a troubled African American family living in 1950s Pittsburgh. The play focuses on Troy Maxson, a former star athlete struggling to provide for his family in the face of racial oppression and personal grief. It covers themes of fatherhood, race, and responsibility.

What awards has Fences by August Wilson won?

Fences by August Wilson won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play in 1987. In addition, it was nominated for a Drama Desk Award and received numerous other accolades.

How can I read Fences by August Wilson?

You can purchase Fences by August Wilson from Amazon. You can also read it online through various websites such as Google Books and Project Gutenberg or check it out from your local library!

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

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