Fences assignment

In my opinion, the main theme of Fences is restraint. Rose feels she needs the fence to protect her and her family. The fence in the play is the constant repeating symbol. Rose has constantly bowed down to Troy throughout the entire story but undergoes a dramatic change in Act 2. After Troy reveals that he has cheated on Rose and is a soon-to-be daddy, Rose tells him this: "...this child got a mother. But you a womanless man."(page 857) Rose is viewed as a very gracious and giving character. Troy cheats on her, and when the childs mother dies, Rose takes the child in as her own. The setting is important to Roses character because she is willing to accept it. Prejudice was very open at this time but she does not let that hold her back. This could be the reason for so many of her and Troys problems because instead of accepting this setting, he uses it as an excuse. Roses tone throughout the entire story is very gracious and benevolent. Her tone changes slightly toward Troy at the end when he reveals his affair from generous to hostile. Her character reveals this tone throughout by attending Troys funeral and showing her forgiveness towards him. I think the author added the cheating incident in the play to reveals how generous Rose is as a person. It reveals the opposition between her and Troy which could have lead to the affair. I think that Roses tone of generosity connects with the theme of restraint. She feels that she does everything she can for her family, but is it enough? She feels that the fence represents Jesus and will protect her family from making her regret that generosity.

For the essay I will be discussing Roses character and her view of the fence. I will also be discussing her impact on the other characters.

"Mericans" blog

My reaction to "Mericans" was at first confused. I have currently read the story 4 times and I have a clear view on it. The little girl in the novel is portrayed as very immature, confused and naive. She shows immaturity when she is sitting inside the church with her "awful grandmother". While the grandmother is deep in prayer, the little girl is winking at the saints and counting the mustache hairs on her guardian. She conveys confusion when her little brothers are shooting imaginary guns at her and she wanted to play flying feather dancer. She begins to shed a tear but toughens up, in fear she'll be called a girl. Lastly, she shows signs of being naive when she lists off the problems of her relatives, Auntie Cuca in particular. She says that her Auntie is "suffering from a life of troubles that left her face crooked and the other half sad." It sounds as if her Aunt had suffered a stroke, but to the little girl it is suggested as nothing important. I believe that the little girl is looked at this way because there is no mention of her parents. The grandmother tells them to stay by the church entrance until she is back. There seems to be no sense of guardianship in this story.