73 pages • 2 hours read
August WilsonFences
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1986A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Fences by August Wilson, set in 1957, follows Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player turned garbage collector, who grapples with his unrealized dreams and the limitations imposed by systemic racism. As Troy's frustrations affect his relationships with his wife Rose, son Cory, and brother Gabriel, the play highlights themes of generational trauma, personal responsibility, and the quest for dignity.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
August Wilson's Fences garners praise for its powerful portrayal of African American life in the 1950s, enriched by complex characters and authentic dialogue. Critics laud its exploration of generational conflict and racial tensions. However, some argue the pacing can drag, and certain themes feel repetitive. Overall, it's a compelling, thought-provoking drama.
Who Should Read Fences?
Readers who would enjoy Fences by August Wilson are likely drawn to profound character studies and family dynamics, much like in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Fans of richly textured explorations of African American experiences, similar to Toni Morrison’s Beloved, will also appreciate this work.
Recommended
Reading Age
14+yearsLexile Level
NPBook Details
American Literature
Education
Drama / Tragedy
Relationships: Fathers
Life/Time: Aging
Race / Racism
Education