Fences

Fences explores the life and relationships of the Maxson family.
At the beginning of the script, August Wilson makes certain to mention an important prop placement. A baseball bat leans against the tree. A ball of rags is tied to a branch. Both Troy and his teenage son Cory  practice swinging at the ball. Later on in the play, when the father and son argue, the bat will be turned on Troy - though Troy will ultimately win in that confrontation. Troy Maxson was a great baseball player, at least according to his friend Bono. Although he played brilliantly for the "Negro Leagues," he was not allowed to on the "white" teams, unlike Jackie Robinson. The success of Robinson and other black players is a sore subject for Troy.Baseball serves as Troy's main way of explaining his actions. When he talks about facing death, he uses baseball terminology, comparing a face-off with the grim reaper to a duel between a pitcher and a batter. When he bullies his son Cory, he warns him: "You swung and you missed. That's strike one. Don't you strike out"

 Another conflict in the novel is the conflict between being a Loving Father and being a Providing Father. In the eyes of Troy he feels no need to be a loving father as long as he provides for his children. Troy's kids constantly seek to be approved by him and to see his emotions to assure that he loves them. This reflection on society is another generational commentary in that the older generation saw more value in providing and teaching while the younger generation saw more value in emotional connections.