August Wilson introduces Fences with the following short poem:
When the sins of our fathers visit us
We do not have to play host.
We can banish them with forgiveness
As God, in his Largeness and Laws.
Essay Question: How does the message or meaning of this poem relate to this play?
The most likely way to approach this is by looking at the relationship between Troy and Cory, in which case you would also likely have to consider Troy’s relationship with his own father. Another way to approach it, though, would be by looking at the beliefs, behavior, and words of Rose, Troy’s wife.
