AN INTRODUCTION The life and times of Fences and its author, August Wilson by August Wilson

August Wilson’s Upbringing Lived from Raised in impoverished Hill District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Lived in a two-room apartment without hot water or a telephone Raised by his African American mother after his German father abandoned the family Street image of Hill District

August Wilson’s Adolescent Life Moved to a mostly white suburb of Pittsburgh after his mother remarried Stopped attending school at 15 when he was falsely accused of plagiarizing a paper Spent his time at the local library, learning to love books and jazz music Considered his education “informal”

August Wilson’s Adult Life Kicked out of the house by his mother for “lacking direction” Enlisted in the army for one year Wrote poetry and then turned his poetic eye towards plays Won many awards for his plays, including two Pulitzer prizes

1950s America and The Influence of Television I Love LucyThe Honeymooners

Baseball in Fences All eyes were on the 1957 World Series Lew Burdette throws a pitch for the Milwaukee Braves

Characters in August Wilson’s Fences

Troy Maxson Maxson is a combination of Mason-Dixon line Troy’s first name suggests the legendary city of Troy He served time in prison for homicide Troy became an excellent baseball player but could never become a “pro” He tends to exaggerate his accomplishments. He grew up with an abusive father

Rose Maxson Rose is committed to family and the church She attempts to intervene between Troy and their son Cory She also attempts to have her husband see his life more realistically since Troy exaggerates his accomplishments

Other Significant Characters Jim Bono— Troy’s best friend, they met in jail, looks up to Troy Lyons— Troy’s first son before he was married to Rose, talented musician Gabriel— Troy’s brother, war veteran with a permanent head injury Cory— teenage son of Troy and Rose, plays football Raynell— Troy’s illegitimate daughter from Alberta