Fences

Definition

In the context of African and African Diaspora Theatre, 'fences' symbolize the boundaries, both physical and metaphorical, that individuals or communities create to protect themselves from external threats and to assert their identity. These barriers often represent personal struggles, cultural conflicts, and social injustices, reflecting the deeper issues of race, class, and family dynamics within the African diaspora.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Fences' is a metaphor for both literal and figurative barriers faced by characters in plays, illustrating the struggles against societal constraints.
2. The concept of fences highlights themes of isolation and protection within families and communities impacted by systemic oppression.
3. In many African Diaspora narratives, fences symbolize the cultural heritage and identity that individuals strive to maintain despite external pressures.
4. Fences can also represent the internal conflicts characters face as they navigate their identities in a society that often marginalizes them.
5. The exploration of fences in theatre often prompts discussions about reconciliation, healing, and the importance of community in overcoming adversity.

Review Questions

• How do fences serve as a metaphor in African and African Diaspora Theatre to illustrate the struggles of identity and belonging?
  • Fences serve as a powerful metaphor in African and African Diaspora Theatre by representing the personal and cultural boundaries that characters establish in response to societal challenges. These barriers often symbolize the quest for identity as characters grapple with their heritage while facing external pressures. The depiction of fences highlights their struggles for belonging and self-acceptance within a world that frequently marginalizes them.
• Analyze how the theme of fences reflects broader societal issues within the context of African Diaspora narratives.
  • The theme of fences reflects broader societal issues by showcasing the systemic barriers that marginalized communities encounter. These fences can represent not only physical separation but also cultural isolation resulting from racism, economic disparities, and social injustice. By examining these themes through various narratives, audiences gain insight into how such boundaries affect relationships, community dynamics, and individual identity.
• Evaluate the impact of fences on character development in African and African Diaspora Theatre, particularly in terms of conflict resolution.
  • Fences significantly impact character development by shaping their interactions and conflicts throughout the narrative. Characters often evolve as they confront or navigate these boundaries, leading to moments of self-discovery or confrontation with their pasts. The resolution of conflicts related to these fences can provide powerful insights into themes of healing, reconciliation, and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity within the larger framework of social justice.

Related terms

Identity:

The sense of self that is shaped by culture, ethnicity, and personal experiences, often explored in narratives that address the challenges faced by marginalized groups.

Cultural Conflict: The clash between differing cultural values or beliefs, which can lead to tension and misunderstanding within communities or between individuals.

Social Justice: The pursuit of equality and fairness in society, particularly regarding issues related to race, class, and access to resources.