Troys Ideology and Occupation in Fences by August Wilson :: essays research papers

In Fences, the main character Troy obtains an business enterprise that changes his value systems, his character traits, and his overall ideology. Not however did it affect his lifestyle, it eventually affects those around him. The newly found ideology Troy obtains significantly effects the development of the storys plot.Troy has a lower-middle/working class occupation - a garbage domain. In Troys mind, this job is something that enables him to survive thus far. Growing up, Troy experiences many hardships. Escaping an abusive father, Troy corrupts his life with a passion for stealth and irresponsible actions. For example, Troy impregnates a woman the woman gave birth to Lyons. Because of Troys irresponsible lifestyle, he is sent to jail Lyons grows up without a father. Upon obtaining this job, Troy thinks it is one of the some stable aspects of his life. Stability, security, and success - this occupation brings many enhancements into Troys life. Having a staunch income changes h is per passwordal ideology of what character traits an African-American male should possess in particular, what character traits his sons should possess. Troys son Lyons now lives as a musician. To Troy, musicianship as a career does not provide that level of stability his job as a garbage man provides. Telling Lyons his point of view, Troy says the followingYou know why I got it? You living the fast life...wanna be a musician...running around in them clubs and things...then, you learn to pass care of yourself. You aint gonna find me going and asking nobody for nothing.(464)Troy, without the use of force, wishes Lyons, would change his ways to match his new ideology on the contrary, Troy attempts to force Cory, his youngest son, to sweep up these beliefs. In fact, Troy wants Cory to exemplify a more developed and enriched ideology than he himself has. Telling Lyons his point of view, Troy says the followingYou go on and rent your book learning so you can work yourself up in that A&P or learn how to fix cars or build houses or something, get you a trade. That way you have something cant nobody take away from you. You go on and learn how to put your hands to some good use. in any event hauling peoples garbage.(476)Similarly, both Cory and Lyons seek careers that lack stability and security - something Troy finds unfaithful to his beliefs. Cory yearns to join a collegiate football team. To supplement the principals he obtains from his steady occupation, Troy forces Cory to desist his collegiate football career and return to his steady occupation working at the A&P.