Conflict in August Wilsons Fences and How it Affects the...

Fences, by August Wilson, is a drama that focuses on the characteristics of black life in the mid to late twentieth century and the strains of society on African Americans. Set in a small neighborhood of a big city, this play holds much conflict between a father, Troy Maxson, and his two sons, Lyons and Cory. By analyzing the sources of this conflict, one can better appreciate and understand the way the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work. The first conflict in this play develops between Troy and his 34-year old son Lyons. This conflict is introduced when Lyons appears at the house on Troy?s payday to borrow 10 dollars, an occurrence that is common at the Maxson household. Although Troy knows that he will†¦show more content†¦I done spent too many years without.? Lyans, on the other hand, is part of a new ambitious generation of blacks who believe that they can make something of themselves in an opportunistic world. It is evident that Lyans believes that there is a hope for success for blacks in the world?s society. Lyans deals with the world and its struggles through his music and feels that his music gives him a sense of belonging and a reason for existence. Lyans, in contrast with his father, believes that they are ?...two different people...? and that they just have different methods of handling the world. Troy believes that Lyans is blind to the harshness of society on blacks and reacts in scrutiny to his son?s wanting 10 dollars. This conflict between Troy and Lyans emphasizes Troy?s flaw in his relationships. Troy is so worried that he is going to be taken advantage of and is so bitter because of his past experiences with whites, that he creates a ?fence? or barrier between his relationship with his family. It is evident that Lyans, who quickly pays back the 10 dollars, wants a closer relationship with his father but does not succeed due to his father?s bitter words and naive attitude. 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