A Play Summary: 'Fences' by August Wilson

Rose comes in to ask Troy about what’s happening with Gabriel. Troy says that Gabriel was arrested by the police because he was howling at some kids who were teasing him. Troy says that he was already released by the judge after Troy gave the judge fifty dollars. Troy confesses to Rose that he will be somebody’s father. Rose is mad and this conversation leads them into a big fight. 

Six month later, Troy says that Alberta is in hospital and he is going to see her there. Rose accusing Troy that Gabriel has been taken to the asylum with his permission. Troy denies that. He says that he was given a paper by the government and he just signed that paper because he couldn’t read. 

Rose gets a call from the hospital saying that Alberta had the baby girl, but died delivering the child. Troy challenges the death to come after he finishes building the fences in the front of this house. Troy brings home his baby girl, Raynell, Rose agree to take care the child, but refuses to be Troy’s wife.

Two months later, Lyons comes to give the money which borrowed from Troy. Troy isn’t at home, Rose asks him to put the money on the table. Troy comes home not long after Lyons left. Bono passes the house and takes a visit for a while because he rarely sees Troy in the company. Cory is going out to the yard, but Troy is sitting in the middle of the way. Cory just passes him, without saying excuses. This matter leads them into a big fight. Cory says that Troy doesn’t count around the house anymore. Because of that, Troy attacks Cory and kicks him out of the house.

Eight years later, seven years Raynell plays on the garden. Troy has died. Cory returns home from the Marines to attend Troy’s funeral. Lyons and Bono also come to attend the funeral. Cory refuses to attend Troy’s funeral. Rose lectures him that it is not good to not to attend his father funeral. Not attending Troy’s funeral because of his grudge against Troy doesn’t make him a man. Raynell and Cory sing Troy’s song together. Gabriel turns up, dancing. He says, “ That’s the way that goes!”