August Wilson Mortality

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Fences, a play written by August Wilson, is an intricate and compelling story of one man’s life and his experiences with many people. Throughout the play, as the reader follows Troy and his influences, conversations of death, adultery, responsibilities, racial justice, and more are brought up. Troy routinely combats death, telling stories of how he has had physical altercations with death, and often speaking to death as though he is an old foe. Mortality, and each character's encounter with it during the play, compels the story further, pushing the words to have even more impact on the reader. In Wilson's Fences, Troy’s constant awareness of mortality demonstrates that if one is consumed by the idea of mortality, it can fuel their life choices. Troy, Rose, and Bono gather around, discussing a …show more content…
I’ve got to say no to him. One time in my life I’ve got to say no.” Wilson, 2.5 pg. 96. The 'Standard' of the 'Standard'. Troy’s mortality has caught him, but not without repercussions for others. Troy spent his whole life so deeply immersed in the concept of death that he has left relationships in disrepair. Troy’s obsessive nature towards mortality has influenced every decision he has made. Because Troy is so infatuated with the concept of death, he builds figurative fences around himself, and in the process traps and hurts those around him. Mortality consumes Troy in many forms. He was always conscious of his mortality and constantly spoke to and fought with death. Troy’s addictive attitude concerning death influenced his every move. He built figurative fences around himself, attempting to ward off the inevitable. However, while building these fences, Troy ignored the effects his obsession had on those around him, demonstrating how being consumed by the thought of mortality can influence life choices. These choices in turn hurt those surrounding Troy. Mortality can be seen in various ways throughout
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