bbsui engl 126 fence assignment part 1

• MUST carefully read the attached play – Scenes I, II, & III (see attachment)
• This assignment ONLY focus onScenes I, II, & III
• Then, Answer (any) 4 of the 6 questions below separately.
  • MUST support each response with specific evidence from the play from Scenes I, II, III.
  • You are not required to do research to answer these questions, but if you do, be sure to cite it!

Question:

1. Write a character sketch (or description) of any character (Troy, Rose, Cory, etc.).  Consider not only physical features but values, motivations, and beliefs as well.
2. Describe the setting, both theMaxson’s home and yard as well as the larger context (city/year). Why is the setting significant?
3. Describe Troy’s relationship with Rose, citing evidence from the play.
4. In response to Cory’s statement that Troy never liked him, Troy responds: “It’s my job, it’s my responsibility! You understand that? A man got to take care of his family. You live in my house, sleep on my bedclothes, fill your belly up on my food… cause you my son. You my flesh and blood.  Not cause I like you! Cause it’s my duty to take care of you.  I owe a responsibility to you. Let’s get this straight here, before it go along any further… I ain’t got to like you. Mr. Rand don’t give me my money come payday ‘cause he likes me. He gives me ‘cause he owes me. I done given you everything I had to give you. I gave you your life! Me and your mama worked that out between us. And liking your black ass wasn’t part of the bargain. Don’t you try and go through life worrying about if somebody like you or not. You best be making sure they doing right by you. You understand what I’m saying boy?” (1053)

   How do you feel about this response?

5. Describe the diction in Fences, including Wilson’s frequent use of the “n” word. Diction is defined as “ways of speaking and what they reveal about a character” (1304).  Why do the characters speak the way they do?  Consider both Wilson’s comments regarding diction and dialogue in August Wilson: The American Dream, in Black and Whiteas well as Gloria Naylor’s article, “The Meanings of Words” (posted in Canvas).
6. Theme is defined as, “an abstract concept…brought to life and made real through the plot, characters, and so on” (1281). What is one theme you see emerging in Scenes I, II, and III? Cite specific evidence from the play.