#13: Analysis of Use of Race in Fences

Fences is a play that makes it quite clear that this has the African American perspective in mind. From the way characters talk to the opportunities presented to them, race radiates throughout the entire play. Its the way that race holds an important aspect, but not an overwhelming aspect of the play in comparison to the family dynamics that makes this play a success. You don't have to be of the same ancestry as Troy to understand his situation or the conflict between him and his son (I personally have a friend whose father greatly resembles Troy and my friend resembles Cory). Yet the race of the two characters gives the situation a distinct flavor that makes it unique to the African American culture. Race is a part of these characters but it is not their defining aspect, it merely informs them and the audience of their role in society and it is the way the characters react to the role that has been decided for them by society that makes them interesting characters.