Question

Difficulty: MediumTextual Analysis of Prescribed Non-African Drama

In August Wilson's prescribed Non-African drama, *Fences*, Troy Maxson strongly opposes his son Cory's pursuit of a college football scholarship. What primary motivation drives Troy's persistent refusal to sign the recruitment papers?

  1. His bitter past experience with racial discrimination in professional baseball, which leads him to believe sports offer no real security for Black men.Answer
  2. B
    His secret desire to hoard family finances so he can purchase his own residential property in Pittsburgh.
  3. C
    His total rejection of parental responsibility and fatherly duty toward his immediate family.
  4. D
    His belief that Cory lacks the physical talent and discipline required to succeed at the collegiate level.

Answer

His bitter past experience with racial discrimination in professional baseball, which leads him to believe sports offer no real security for Black men.
Troy Maxson's stubborn refusal to support Cory's football scholarship stems directly from his own history in the Negro Baseball Leagues. Having experienced severe racial discrimination that prevented him from playing in the Major Leagues, Troy projects his bitterness onto Cory. He believes that white-dominated sports institutions will ultimately exploit and reject his son, prompting him to demand that Cory pursue a conventional trade instead.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Troy Maxson's personal history in *Fences*.
Troy was an exceptionally talented player in the Negro Leagues but was barred from Major League Baseball due to segregation laws and racial prejudice.
Understanding Troy's backstory is essential to deciphering his conflict with his son.
2
Evaluate Troy's reasoning regarding Cory's athletic career.
Troy insists that Cory learn a practical trade like construction or mechanics rather than relying on sports, fearing Cory will suffer the same disillusionment and heartbreak that Troy experienced.
Troy's protectionism is rooted in his own past trauma, creating the primary generational conflict of the play.

Key Concept

Character Motivation and Generational Conflict in August Wilson's Fences
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