Blues In Wilson's Fences

Blues often invoke worry or depression, and Wilson’s Fences is filled with worrisome connections, and scenarios. The whole book is somewhat structured like a blues song. Each and every character goes by their own rhythm much like that in a blues ensemble. The blues in Fences connects generations together and keeps a family's roots and history alive beyond the grave. In Act Two, scene four, “Hear it Ring! Hear it Ring!” was passed down by Troy’s father, and Troy passed it down to Raynell and Cory, whom sing it right before Troy’s funeral. Troy sings the song, "Please Mr. Engineer, let a man ride the line," which imitates the pleas of a man begging a train conductor to let him ride. In the Harlem Renaissance, a train was a symbol for change.