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Having received impressive acclaim and providing a nuanced representation of racism in the U.S., August Wilson’s “Fences” has offered a range of opportunities for interpretations. In her article, Koprince (2006) addresses baseball as one of the central thematic and metaphorical elements in “Fences.” Remaining one of the central elements of the plot focus in “fences,” baseball has never been simply a game. Instead, it was supposed to serve as shorthand for the complexity of relationships between the characters and a representation of the challenges that they experience. Thus, Koprince (2006) argues that the specified metaphor serves a vital function of challenging the very notion of the American dream. Although the connection between baseball and the thematic development of the play might seem tangential at first, a closer analysis of the manner in which the game I mentioned in the novel will show that it is used as a means of rendering the meaninglessness of the American dream and the generational trauma that the African American community suffered at the time.
The specified assertion carries a crucial and much more profound underlying central message of the article. Moreover, Koprince (2006) asserts that the use of baseball as a cultural signifier in the U.S. in the novel allows Wilson to convey the complexity of life, effectively comparing it to the game. However, the importance of the game as the metaphorical embodiment of social struggles and cultural issues within the U.S., particularly, racism, remains the focal point of Koprince’s (2006) message. Specifically, the author of the article mentions that “The black ballplayers also had to
contend with racism in the United States and were unable to stay at hotels that catered to whites or to eat in whites-only restaurant.” Thus, Koprince (2006) proves that baseball is used to showcase rampant racism in the U.S.
Apart from the central theme of racism, the article also discusses several essential topics linked to sport and the development of an identity, as well as the related notions. Also linked to the problem of racism in the U.S., these themes touch upon the problem of misunderstandings between people from different generations. Particularly, the differences between Troy and the player that represented as real-life inspiration for Wilson when he wrote the novel, are emphasized expressively in the article.
Namely, Koprince (2006) establishes that, despite his efforts and a similar extent of passion that he had for football, Gibson never managed to achieve the same career heights as Troy, which subverts the idea of American Dream mentioned above and outlines the problem of racial minorities facing multiple obstacles in their pursuit of social acclaim. Specifically, Koprince (2006) demonstrates the described conflict with the following remark: “Despite his legendary abilities, however, Gibson was never given the chance to play in the major leagues- a circumstance that may well have contributed to his untimely death.” Thus, Koprince (2006) delineates the barrier between fiction and harsh reality that Wilson had to observe and face at the time of his youth. Thus, one could interpret the outlined theme raised in the novel as a representation of an intergenerational conflict. Thus, Koprince reflects upon Wilson’s depiction of the slow pace of social change, as well as the willingness of the author to provide his characters with the opportunities and freedoms of which his generation was deprived. Thus, the novel represents a guide to healing of the community trauma that centuries of racism have caused the African American community.
The article under analysis offers quite a number of criticisms of Wilson’s “Fences,” all of which appear to be legitimate and well-thought-out. However, some of the statements that Koprince (2006) makes could be scrutinized closer and seen as legitimate points for a rather inspiring and curious debate. For example, Koprince (2006) asserts that Troy’s avoidance to give his allegiance to one of the baseball brands and, instead, referring to two ones interchangeably reflects what Du Bois defined as the idea of two-ness of the African American experience. While the specified statement seems exceptionally original and rather curious to investigate, there are no other evident references to DuBois’ work in the book. Therefore, the described way of developing Troy’s character could be seen as the means of demonstrating the complexity of his character, in general. Namely, the specified choice could pint to the fact that Troy is diverse enough to embrace the strengths and flaws of each brand, therefore, recognizing them for their uniqueness. Nevertheless, it would be wrong to claim that Koprince’s statement is misleading or wrong. Quite the contrary, the observation that he makes is unique and original, which makes the further interpretation of the novel all the more exciting. Specifically, other links to Du Bois’ idea of the African American identity and culture can be located when examining the novel more thoroughly after Koprince’s remark. However, the novel having other references to Du Bois’’ words and their specific ideas would have helped to embrace Koprince’s ideas more naturally.
While Koprince’s arguments make a substantial amount of sense, they can be criticized due to the lack of the further development of Du Bois’ arguments in the book. As a result, Koprince’s argument becomes especially compelling and insightful, while retaining enough reasons for being debated. Overall, the article provides a unique interpretation of Wilson’s “Fences.” Therefore, the article warrants a further consideration, allowing the reader to view “Fences” in a new and rather unexpected light.
Reference
Koprince, S. (2006). Baseball as history and myth in August Wilson’s” Fences”. African American Review, 40(2), 349-358.
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