Troy Maxon Personification

The play Fences, written by August Wilson, first opened in Connecticut in 1985. It was the second major play of his career and encompassed the struggles of a black family trying to set up their life in the 1950s. Death is a recurring topic throughout the play, as it affects all the characters in the end. At the beginning of the play, the main character, Troy Maxon, reveals his perspective on death through a long story about his experiences. In Act 1 Scene 1, Wilson develops Troy Maxon’s character and his perspective on death through the use of metaphor, personification, and imagery. In this selection, Wilson’s use of metaphor shows how Troy is ultimately not afraid of death. Troy begins by claiming to not be afraid of death, stating that “death ain’t nothing but a fastball on the outside corner...” This is one of many baseball references throughout the play, as baseball was a big part of Troy’s life. He goes on into great deal of detail about what the fastball on the outside corner means to him, and how easy it is to “kiss

At the end of Troy’s story when he finishes his battle with death, he says that “Death stood up, throwed on his robe...had him a white robe with a hood on it...” This quote shows the significance of color in his life. It makes readers aware that to Troy, white is the color of danger where it is typically seen as the color of purity. He also mentions that death has an army and followers, implying that death is not alone. These details put together a very terrifying picture for Troy. Death for Troy, presumably, is viewed as white people, specifically the KKK. White folk are a threat to Troy in every aspect of his life and struggles with segregation and discrimination issues throughout the play. The use of white for imagery when describing death helps readers understand the real dangers and concerns for Troy and his family during this