Baseball As History And Myth In August Wilson's Fences
Baseball is one of the most popular and beloved sports in America. It has been an integral part of American culture and history for over a century. It is therefore not surprising that it has found its way into American literature, including August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fences.
The Symbolism of Baseball in Fences
In Fences, Baseball is used as a powerful symbol to explore themes of race, identity, and the American Dream. The protagonist, Troy Maxson, is a former Negro League baseball player who was denied the opportunity to play in the Major Leagues due to racial discrimination. Baseball, therefore, represents both the pain and the possibilities of the African American experience.
For Troy, baseball is also a way to assert his masculinity and dominance in a society that has otherwise marginalized him. He tells his son, Cory, that he can't play football because "the white man ain't gonna let him get nowhere with that football." However, he encourages him to pursue baseball, which he sees as a more viable option for a black man.
Baseball also serves as a way for Troy to connect with his estranged son, Lyons. Although Troy is initially disdainful of Lyons' dream of becoming a musician, he eventually comes to understand the parallels between their respective pursuits. In a poignant scene, Troy and Lyons play catch while discussing their shared desire to succeed in their chosen fields.
The Historical Context of Baseball in Fences
Baseball has a rich and complicated history in America, particularly when it comes to issues of race and segregation. The Negro Leagues were formed in the early 20th century as a response to the exclusion of black players from Major League Baseball. These Leagues provided a platform for many talented African American players who would otherwise have been denied the opportunity to showcase their skills.
August Wilson's Fences is set in the 1950s, a time when racial tensions in America were at an all-time high. The Civil Rights Movement was in its infancy, and many African Americans were still fighting for basic rights and freedoms. Baseball, therefore, was not just a game but a battleground for civil rights and social justice.
The Myth of Baseball in Fences
Baseball has long been touted as America's national pastime, a symbol of the country's values and ideals. However, as August Wilson's Fences illustrates, this myth is not without its flaws. Baseball, like America itself, has a complicated and often painful history. It has been used to both unite and divide people, to both celebrate and oppress.
For Troy Maxson, baseball represents both the triumphs and the failures of his life. It is a symbol of the opportunities that were denied to him due to racism, but also a symbol of the strength and resilience that enabled him to overcome those obstacles. It is an enduring reminder of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history.
Conclusion
August Wilson's Fences is a powerful exploration of the African American experience, using baseball as a metaphor for both the pain and the possibilities of that experience. Through the character of Troy Maxson, Wilson highlights the ways in which baseball has been used to both oppress and uplift African Americans throughout history. By examining the historical and cultural contexts of baseball in America, Wilson challenges the myths and ideals that surround the sport, revealing its complicated and often painful reality.