Fences, by August Wilson, is a story enmeshed with conflict surrounding an African American family who lives in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in the year 1957.
The center of the conflict seems to be the main character and head of household, Troy Maxson. Troy’s conflicts arise with his closest friend Bono, his son Lyons (from a previous relationship), his wife Rose and their son Cory. Each conflict that arises in the story lends a hand to the structure of the Maxson family and the inner/external conflicts that each character plays out.
This essay surveys the plot and centers on the character of Troy, his relationship to others, while exploring reasins for his actions that are seen to be rooted in the character's own childhood and family background.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the Conflict in Fences
2. Analyzing the Relationship between Troy and Lyons
3. Dynamics of the Relationship between Troy and Rose
4. Identifying the Conflict between Troy and Cory
5. The Secondary Conflict: Troy and Bono
6. Personal Reflections and Familial Similarities
7. Proposed Therapeutic Approach: Narrative Therapy
8. Clinical Application and Conclusion
Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the interpersonal conflicts within the Maxson family in August Wilson's "Fences," utilizing a clinical perspective to understand how historical trauma, parenting styles, and communication barriers shape the family's dynamics and exploring the potential application of Narrative Therapy to address these systemic issues.
- Multigenerational impact of trauma and systemic inequality on family structures.
- The role of "tough love" and responsibility in paternal communication styles.
- Emotional cutoff and defensive responses within strained parent-child relationships.
- Application of Narrative Therapy techniques, specifically externalization and re-authoring.
- The intersection of personal history and professional practice in social work.
Excerpt from the Book
The conflict in the story that I mostly identify with is the conflict between Troy and Cory.
Cory is about 17 or 18 during the beginning of the story and has a passion for football. From the first encounter that is shown between Cory and Troy you get a glimpse of the relationship between the two. Troy’s parenting style is harsh and Cory is very passive. From early on in the story Troy is shown trying to teach Cory the importance of responsibility but his style of parenting and way of communication comes across so harsh that the message is lost onto Cory. Conflict arises when Cory wants to play football in hopes of earning a scholarship but is shut down by Troy who believes Cory should work and play football as just a hobby or not at all. Once again Troy’s past experiences (not making it in baseball) stunts his belief that Cory could be successful in the sport of football. I am not sure if Troy is hurt from the fact that he was not successful in baseball or if he is jealous of Cory’s talent and possible success, but I do believe that, just like with Lyons, Troy is trying to protect Cory from being hurt the way he had been. Although this seems as a good action, the way Troy goes about this is very damaging and further pushes Cory away.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to the Conflict in Fences: Provides an overview of the Maxson family in 1957, establishing Troy Maxson as the central figure around whom the family's internal and external conflicts revolve.
2. Analyzing the Relationship between Troy and Lyons: Examines the strained connection between father and son, attributed to generational differences and Troy's long absence during Lyons' early life.
3. Dynamics of the Relationship between Troy and Rose: Explores the emotional impact of Troy's infidelity and the birth of his daughter Raynell on the stability of his marriage to Rose.
4. Identifying the Conflict between Troy and Cory: Discusses the destructive nature of Troy's interference in Cory's football aspirations and the resulting emotional distance between them.
5. The Secondary Conflict: Troy and Bono: Analyzes the disintegration of the friendship between Troy and Bono due to Troy's moral choices and lack of loyalty.
6. Personal Reflections and Familial Similarities: Connects the author's personal experiences with parental communication styles to the dynamics observed in the Maxson family.
7. Proposed Therapeutic Approach: Narrative Therapy: Outlines the justification for using Narrative Therapy to help the Maxson family reconstruct meaning and separate individuals from their problems.
8. Clinical Application and Conclusion: Describes specific clinical techniques, such as externalizing and re-authoring, intended to mend the dysfunctional relationships within the family.
Keywords
Fences, August Wilson, Narrative Therapy, Family Dynamics, Conflict, Externalization, Re-authoring, Parenting Styles, Intergenerational Trauma, African American Family, Communication, Counseling, Emotional Cutoff, Responsibility, Social Work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this paper?
The paper analyzes the interpersonal conflicts in August Wilson’s play "Fences," focusing on the head of the household, Troy Maxson, and his relationships with his family members.
What are the central themes examined?
Key themes include the impact of past trauma, rigid parenting, the struggle for identity, communication failure, and the search for familial responsibility.
What is the core research or clinical goal of the author?
The goal is to apply clinical frameworks, specifically Narrative Therapy, to provide a therapeutic path toward resolving deep-seated conflicts within the Maxson family.
Which methodology is applied to the literary work?
The author uses a clinical social work perspective, integrating narrative, systemic, and constructivist family therapy theories to interpret character behavior.
What does the main body of the paper cover?
It covers individual character conflicts (Troy vs. Lyons, Rose, Cory, and Bono), personal reflection on these dynamics, and a detailed therapeutic intervention plan.
How are the keywords defined for this study?
The keywords highlight the intersection of literary analysis, clinical psychology, and the specific socio-cultural context of the play.
Why does the author consider Narrative Therapy suitable for the Maxsons?
Because the family is trapped in negative "stories" or narratives about themselves; this model helps them deconstruct those meanings and separate the problem from the person.
What role does the concept of "externalization" play in the proposed therapy?
Externalization allows family members to stop viewing each other as "the problem" and instead view problems as external products of culture and history, which reduces defensiveness.
- Quote paper
- LMSW Otivia Headley (Author), 2014, "Fences" by August Wilson. A reflective essay on conflict, family, and family therapy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/345089
