Troy Maxson, the central character in August Wilson’s play Fences, personifies death as a means of grappling with the realities of his life and the inevitable mortality that looms over him and his loved ones. In the play, Troy’s relationship with death reflects his struggles, fears, and the way he tries to maintain control over his life.
Throughout the narrative, death is represented as a familiar, almost conversational figure in Troy’s life. By personifying death, Troy attempts to confront the deeper themes of loss and survival that plague him. He often speaks of death as a man he must contend with, suggesting both a familiarity and an awareness of his own eventual demise. This portrayal is significant because it illustrates Troy’s refusal to shy away from the difficult topics of life and race, framing his conversations about death as a way to assert his strength against the vulnerabilities that come with living.
Moreover, Troy’s personification of death serves to highlight his internal conflicts and the burdens he carries. He has experienced substantial loss in his life, including the death of many friends and family members, which shapes his worldview. By embodying death in his dialogue, Troy externalizes his fears and acknowledges the societal pressures that threaten to limit his existence as a Black man in America.
In conclusion, Troy Maxson’s personification of death in Fences is a complex mechanism that reveals his struggles with identity, mortality, and the oppressive realities of his life. It underscores the weight he carries, as well as his defiant attitude towards a world that continuously challenges him.