Discussion 22
Question 18
Rose is very disappointed because of the Troy disclosing that Alberta was expecting to have his child. Rose is heartbroken that her husband of more than eighteen years can become promiscuous. Troy tries to use the rational idea that he cheated on his wife because Alberta made him feel like he was having a second chance in life. By this, he meant that he felt wanted and appreciated rather than when he failed to play in the major league and having to take work as a low-income earner. However, Rose is not persuaded. After all, she feels that she had invested in the marriage because she had a choice to live when Troy’s financial status was unstable, and the fact that Gabriel owned the house they stayed in. Rose argued that she had persevered rather than leaving Tory, but now it was hard for her to forgive him for having an intimate relationship with Alberta. The harsh response by Rose towards her husband is what triggers Tory to become extremely hostile towards Cory, and he goes ahead to threaten that he will beat him.
Question 22
The most significant of Tory speech to Mr. Death is the fact that Maxson does not fear death, and he will not die without waging a fight against death. The significance of this shows that he had the will to live and was not contemplating giving up in life and his family. The “Fencers” concept is practically evoked y Troy when he declares that he is going to construct fences that will be used as a shield of protecting his family. The concept thus shows how the death of a loved one can significantly affect the attitude and worldview of a person. After Troy lost Alberta to the jaws of death, Troy sees and perceives death as one formidable enemy that has come to take away his entire family. Therefore the theme of death brings forth the purpose of what it means to live. Tory chooses to solve the concept of a fence by showing that death should be a reminder that people should continue helping others to ensure that they do not leave their loved ones in a situation where death will easily win.
Question 24
The significance of Lyon paying 20 dollars he owes Troy shows the desire of sons to have a close relationship with their fathers. However, it is cleared that Troy does not trust that Lyons would refund the money because he believes he is a gambler.
According to Troy, a gambler would always end up losing his money, but that does not stop Lyon from attempting to receive a positive affirmation from his father. Lyon is struggling to become a musician, and by doing this, he believes that his success will make his father proud. The significance of this act shows the son-father relationship, which is based on responsibilities. Troy sees any form of emotional attachment as non-essential and believes that a man should be a provider only.
Question 26
The time gap between scene 4 is an eight years gap that depicts Troy and Alberta’s daughter all grown up, and Rose is taking care of her despite not being her biological mother. In this period, there are also changes to Cory’s desires in terms of career goals, where he is no longer interested in football but has secured a job as a marine corporal. Another major development is the imprisonment of Lyon and divorce from his wife, mainly due to financial constraints. Lyons has been away from home for long that Raynelle, the Alberta, and Tory’s daughter could not remember him. In Act 5, the main action seems is the death and burial of Troy. Cory’s reluctance to attend his father’s funeral helps the reader to recognize the hardship that comes with forgiving someone, and Cory grudges against Troy emotionally cloud his decision.