August Wilson Rhetorical Devices

When navigating between one’s own mental security and one’s familial pressures, sacrificing often becomes a disheartening reality. In August Wilson’s Fences, a play revolving around an African-American family living in the 1950s, the balance between sacrifice and personal well-being becomes a challenge in the marriage between Troy and Rose Maxon. Troy Maxon, a former baseball player, has devoted himself to taking care of his family for eighteen years, but he finds himself giving that up in order to regain his happiness. Rose, Troy’s wife, has willingly given up her dreams to build her family and believes that Troy should have the same devotion when it comes to being there for his family. While Rose prioritizes sacrificing for her family over
Don’t you think I ever wanted other things? Don’t you think I had dreams and hopes? What about my life?” (2.1.70). Her confession displays that despite her love and appreciation for Troy, Rose regrets sacrificing her own happiness for the sake of their family. She realizes that choosing to give up her dreams for Troy did not bring her the fulfillment she had hoped for. The repetitive rhetorical questions she asks also highlight her regret in putting Troy above her own desires and identity. By willingly entering a relationship that required her to sacrifice her dreams, Rose disconnected from both her happiness and her relationship with Troy. When Troy passes away, their son Cory, expresses his desire not to attend the funeral due to his strained relationship with Troy. Rose tries to convince him to go, despite their shared negative feelings towards Troy. In doing so, she reflects on her role in their relationship, expressing, “I didn’t know to keep up his strength I had to give up little pieces of mine. I did. I took on his life as mine and mixed up the pieces so that you couldn’t hardly tell which was which anymore.”