Fences Study Guide: Act I–II Themes and Characters Study Guide | Quizlet

What term does August Wilson use to refer to European immigrants who were integrated into the workforce between 1620 and 1890?

'Second sons'

Between which years did the Great Migration occur according to the notes?

1910 to 1970

In what year did Jackie Robinson integrate Major League Baseball?

1947

What did the Supreme Court declare in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision?

It declared segregated schools unconstitutional, setting a precedent for future civil rights advancements.

Which two historical phenomena influenced the 1957 socio-political climate with an atmosphere of fear and conformity?

The Red Scare and the Cold War

What was the Friday night ritual shared by Troy Maxson and Bono?

Drinking and talking, which symbolized their camaraderie and shared experiences.

What job did Troy Maxson hold?

Garbage collector

What was the man hiding from Mr. Rand in the workplace dynamic story shared by Troy?

A watermelon

Why did Troy criticize Pope in their community?

For prioritizing white customers over his own community.

What career did Troy insist that Cory pursue instead of college football?

A career as a mechanic

Whose disability checks did Troy use for personal gain, raising questions about familial loyalty?

Gabe's (Gabriel's) disability checks

What phrase did Troy use to express the inevitability of life's challenges and the need for resilience?

Taking the 'crookeds with the straights'

How old was Troy when his mother left him?

8 years old

At what age did Troy leave home following an incident with his abusive father and a girl?

14 years old

What actions led to Troy serving a 15-year prison sentence?

He began stealing and eventually killed a man.

Where did Troy first meet Bono?

In prison

According to Bono, what two opposing purposes can fences serve?

Fences can keep people out or keep people in.

What does Troy's affair with Alberta represent in terms of the symbolic fence Rose built?

A breach of the emotional fence that Rose built around their family.

What personified figure does Troy claim to battle and struggle against?

'Mr. Death'

What tragic event happened to Alberta during childbirth?

Alberta died during childbirth.

How does Rose demonstrate her resilience and selflessness following Alberta's death?

She agrees to care for Troy's child with Alberta despite her own pain.

What branch of the armed forces does Cory join to step out from his father's shadow?

The Marines

What struggles does Troy's older son, Lyons, embody in the play?

The struggles of artistic ambition and financial instability.

What confrontation marks the climax of the conflict between Troy and Cory?

Cory confronting Troy about his abusive behavior and its impact on the family.

What final event at the conclusion of the play signals Troy's acceptance into heaven?

Gabriel's horn blowing, suggesting redemption despite Troy's flaws.