Fences

Definition

In the context of theatre, 'fences' can refer to physical barriers that symbolize emotional or social boundaries within a narrative. These barriers often reflect characters' struggles, conflicts, and their attempts to navigate personal and societal constraints, providing a visual and thematic representation of their inner lives. This concept plays a significant role in American realism, where the authentic portrayal of characters often includes such metaphorical and literal boundaries, highlighting their realities and limitations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Fences' as a concept can illustrate the barriers that characters face, both internally and externally, showcasing the struggle for identity and freedom.
2. In American realism, these fences can represent social issues such as race, class, and gender, illustrating the constraints placed on individuals by society.
3. The notion of fences can also extend to relationships, indicating emotional distances or misunderstandings between characters.
4. These barriers can take various forms on stage—from literal props like fences to more abstract representations through dialogue and staging choices.
5. Understanding fences is crucial for analyzing character motivations and the societal commentary embedded within the narrative structure.

Review Questions

• How do fences serve as a metaphor for character struggles in American realism?
  • Fences in American realism symbolize the emotional and societal boundaries that characters confront throughout their journeys. These barriers not only highlight individual struggles but also reflect broader social issues such as race, class, and identity. By examining how characters navigate these fences, audiences gain insight into their motivations and the complexities of their experiences in a realistic setting.
• In what ways do fences contribute to character development and conflict in a narrative?
  • Fences play a critical role in character development by serving as physical and emotional obstacles that characters must confront. These barriers often create conflict, pushing characters to make choices that reveal their true selves. As they interact with these fences—whether by attempting to overcome them or accepting them—they undergo significant transformation, allowing audiences to witness their growth or decline within the story.
• Analyze how the concept of fences reflects both cultural specificity and universality in theatre.
  • The concept of fences embodies cultural specificity by illustrating unique societal challenges faced by specific communities, such as racial segregation or economic hardship. However, it also resonates universally as audiences can relate to the theme of personal barriers that everyone encounters in life. By balancing these specific cultural elements with broader human experiences, playwrights create compelling narratives that invite reflection on individual struggles while engaging diverse audiences across different contexts.

Related terms

Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, often enhancing the meaning of themes within a narrative.

Conflict:

A struggle between opposing forces, which drives the plot and reveals character motivations in a story.

Character Development: The process of creating a believable character through their actions, thoughts, and interactions within the narrative.