one of nine in the play fences

2 min read 04-12-2024

August Wilson's "Fences" is a powerful exploration of family, race, and the American Dream. Central to the play's emotional core is Cory, one of nine children born to Troy and Rose Maxson. While not the titular character, Cory's journey is crucial to understanding the play's themes and the devastating consequences of Troy's flawed choices. This article delves into Cory's complexities, analyzing his struggles, aspirations, and ultimately, his poignant relationship with his father.

Cory's Dreams and Aspirations: A Future Denied

Cory, unlike his father, yearns for a future beyond the confines of his working-class reality. He's a talented athlete, harboring dreams of a college football scholarship. This ambition represents a path to a different life, one unburdened by the racial prejudice and limited opportunities that have defined Troy's existence. His desire for a football scholarship symbolizes a potential escape, a chance to transcend the cycle of hardship. It represents hope for a better future, a stark contrast to Troy's pessimism.

The Father-Son Conflict: A Clash of Generations

The central conflict of the play stems from the deeply fractured relationship between Troy and Cory. Troy, scarred by his own past experiences, sees Cory's aspirations as unrealistic, even foolish. His skepticism is rooted in his own experiences with systemic racism, and he projects his cynicism onto his son, refusing to sign the necessary permission forms for his football scholarship. This clash isn't merely a disagreement; it's a generational battle, a fight between two men with vastly different perspectives on life, opportunity, and the American Dream.

The Weight of Expectations: Cory's Struggle for Identity

Troy's refusal to support Cory's dreams stems from a desire to protect him from potential disappointment, but it ultimately suffocates him. Troy's own experiences have shaped his worldview, leading him to believe that success is unattainable for a Black man in America. He inadvertently imposes his own limitations and bitterness onto Cory, hindering his son's growth and self-discovery. Cory's struggle becomes one of establishing his own identity, separate from his father's shadow and his confining expectations.

Cory's Rebellion: A Search for Self-Determination

Cory's rebellion against his father is not simply a teenage defiance; it's a desperate attempt to carve out his own path. He joins the Marines, seeking a sense of purpose and independence outside of his father's influence. This action is not simply a rejection of his father; it's an affirmation of his own self-worth and the pursuit of a life he chooses, not one dictated by his father's bitterness and resentment.

The Unresolved Legacy: Cory's Departure and its Significance

Cory's departure from the family is a pivotal moment in the play. It highlights the irreparable damage caused by Troy's actions and his inability to understand and support his son's aspirations. Cory's silence during Troy's funeral, though subtle, underscores the enduring impact of their fractured relationship. His final silence speaks volumes about the unspoken pain and the lasting effects of a father's failure to nurture his son's dreams.

Conclusion: Cory's Importance in "Fences"

Cory's character in "Fences" serves as a vital counterpoint to Troy's cynicism and despair. His dreams, his struggles, and his ultimate rebellion highlight the importance of hope and the destructive nature of unrealized potential. He represents the next generation, the future that Troy is unwilling or unable to embrace. Cory's story, therefore, is not just a personal tragedy; it's a commentary on the enduring impact of societal limitations and the crucial need for intergenerational understanding and support. His presence is essential in completing the play's devastating yet resonant portrait of a family grappling with the complexities of race, family, and the relentless pursuit of the American Dream.