August Wilsons Play Fences: The Perspective of Rose

Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
Work Cited

Introduction

The lead female figure in August Wilsons well-known play Fences is named Rose Maxon. The author contrasts the macho physical strength of Troy, who lacks psychic and emotional stability, with the feminine spiritual strength of Rose, who is physically frail. Due to her capacity to resist her husband, willingness to accept tragic occurrences and overcome them, and spiritual power manifested in wisdom and unconditional love for her closest loved ones, Rose is portrayed as a strong woman. Despite being married to a man with patriarchal ideas and a tendency to dominate the household, Rose is strong enough to disagree with him and voice her concerns.

Discussion

Troy is first and foremost opposed by Rose when he is misbehaving. She expresses her frank disapproval of Troys decision to prevent their son Cory from receiving a football scholarship to college. She also chastises him for refusing to give money to Lyons, his older son, and successfully gets him to reconsider by stating, Let the youngster have ten bucks, Troy (Wilson 11; act I, scene I). This incident demonstrates the significant influence Rose has on Troys behavior. Troy also adopts stereotypically patriarchal male behavior, demanding complete submission and obedience from his wife. Troy frequently converses with other guys, and Rose disagrees with his viewpoints.

Despite Roses portrayal as a housewife and her awareness of Troys parental leadership, she is not shown to be a helpless woman incapable of standing up to her husband. However, the author presents the readers with a lady who openly expresses her wishes and thoughts and dramatically influences her spouse. Rose exhibits the capacity to move past difficult circumstances, in contrast to Troy, who is mired in his regrets and failings from the past. After learning of her husbands disloyalty, Roses actions vividly demonstrate this trait.

Additionally, she is free to criticize Troy, point out his flaws, and say things that can damage his ego. For example, she might say, Troy, why dont you admit you were too old to play in the major league? For once& Why dont you admit that? (Wilson 20; act I, scene III). Despite being horrified by Troys relationship with Alberta and their childs information, she musters the courage to try to salvage her family and find a solution. Troy is unwilling to end their relationship, but Rose insists: I am your wife. Dont push me away (Wilson 37; act II; scene II). Only a strong lady can act this way after going through intense stress associated with disclosing her husbands lack of loyalty. Roses capacity for forgiveness shows how she has managed to move on from the past and carry on while grieving.

Roses feminine spiritual strength is the best example of how strong a woman she is. Her most remarkable talent is her capacity to love those closest to her and make wise judgments about peoples sentiments and life circumstances. Her choice to raise her husbands and his mistresss daughter is another example of wisdom: And you cant visit the sins of the father upon the child (Wilson 38; Act II, scene I). Rose, a typical housewife, stuns the reader throughout the narrative with several examples of her enormous insight. Roses awareness of the primary womans function in family life is another example of her wisdom. Her choice to raise the child of her husband and his mistress is another example of her knowledge. Along with her understanding, Rose exemplifies the power of female warmth and love. She pledges to raise Raynell and expresses her love to every family member.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Roses compassionate, caring heart, which enables her to go through any difficulty, is the fundamental source of her strength. Roses spiritual power opposes Troys egoism, which causes him to see himself as a victim and become mired in sorrow. Wilson portrays Rose Maxon as a strong woman who can stand up to her husband and handle challenging circumstances with the feminine strength bestowed upon her by her warm and caring heart.