- Troy is like classical tragic heroes in that has a clear-cut case of hamartia. This a Greek word often translated as "tragic flaw," but is more accurately translated as "missing the mark." In what does Troy miss the mark in the play?
- If you were Rose, would you have taken in Raynell? Why, or why not?
- Is Troy too stubborn to acknowledge changes, especially positive ones? Does he simply blame racism for all his shortcomings?Or: Are some of the other characters “blind” to the ways in which racism limits their lives?
- Does Troy love Rose?
- What is your take on his character: Is he simply a flawed hero, is he despicable, is he “typical”? Can you sympathize with him?
- Is Wilson’s portrayal of Troy too harsh? Does it confirm common prejudices or stereotypes about black men?
- A fence is one of the major symbols, both figuratively and literally, within the play. Describe and analyze two examples of fences that exist within the play discussing:
- how each fence is built
- what effect each fence has on the characters in the play
Fences to consider are: the real fence Rose asks Troy to build; the symbolic fences that some characters choose to build around themselves; and the symbolic fence that separates all African-Americans from others.