FENCES QUESTIONS ENGLISH 12
1. Discuss the symbolism and thematic significance(s) of "fences."

2. Describe the role of money in this play. What is Wilson saying about
money? Who has it? Who controls it? Who doesn't have it?

3. Explain how Wilson uses baseball to advance themes and ideas. What
is conveyed through baseball? What is the significance of football?

4. Examine Wilson's treatment of family relationships, especially the
relationships between men and women and fathers and sons.

5. Explain how Fences can be read as a form of social commentary.
What is the social, political and historical context? What is Wilson
saying about the context?

6. Examine the use of songs and singing in the play. When and how are
songs used to convey ideas, themes or character?

7. Analyze the references to and occurrences of death.

8. Do a character analysis of Troy. What traits does he have? How do
these character traits affect his life, friendships, life choices, and his
relationships with others?

9. Examine the depiction of women and the lives of the women
characters. What is Wilson saying about gender?

10. How does race and racism inform the play? Can this play be read as a
commentary on race and racism in America? How? Why?