Stuck in the Past

When confronted by a hurdle that is new to you, what are your first thoughts? Naturally, the first thing we do is try to search for precedents. It is in human nature to fear change and to be comforted by those experiences of the past that we know and love. In August Wilson's play Fences, the protagonist, Troy, oftentimes finds himself in situations where he can think of one thing and one thing only--the past. He is caught in this time warp that causes him to be lost in thoughts of his unfulfilled baseball career, his victorious battle with Death, and his long-gone dog, Blue. However, Troy's obsession with the past becomes more of a hindrance than a blessing. Because he refuses to admit that times are changing, Troy causes conflict with the people he loves most.

Though Troy is clearly too old to be playing ball, he continues to use baseball metaphors in his everyday life. He speaks to Rose, his wife, about death being "but a fastball" (2002) and that he "kiss[ed] it goodbye" (2003). However, the baseball metaphors are not the problem--it is the mindset these metaphors put him in. His past baseball career reminds him of how difficult things were for African Americans. For that very reason, he is unable to let his son, Cory, pursue a career in athletics. When Rose tries to convince Troy that "times have changed," (2002), he quickly switches to the defensive.

Slowly, Cory begins to feel that his father is worried that Cory may surpass him in skill. Cory's ultimate rebellion is caused by Troy's controlling nature. Though Troy may not have been a great father, he held the family together and provided for them for eighteen years. Though Cory can't see it, Troy is merely trying to protect him from the harsh realities that he will face once he leaves the comfort of a sheltered life. When Cory quits his job at the A & P, Troy is simply concerned that his son will not have any stability in his life. Similarly, the final brawl between Troy and Cory is caused by Troy's desire to look out for his son.

Cory ultimately cannot strike the bat at his father. After he swings twice, he is far too afraid to swing for the third time because either way, he strikes out. If he hits his father, his life is over. If he misses, he is just bad at batting. When Cory is told to pick up his belongings on the "other side of the fence" (2041), he is being disowned from his family. The fence represents safety and togetherness. Cory finally redeems himself once he re enters his father's life by attending his funeral (450).