Fences

Based on Troys monologues on pp. 37-40, what does it mean to be a man?

Act 1 Scene 3

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours

I think Troy is lost in his own pain which portrayed through toxic masculinity. This distrust is what fuels the passion in one of the key scenes of the play. Education to Troy seems like a feminine pursuit while traditional blue-collar work is seen as more masculine. After arguing that Cory should get his “book-learning” so that he “can work…up in that A&P or learn how to fix cars or build houses” instead of playing football (which Troy obviously sees his son is passionate about), Cory asks his father why he never liked him. Troy is surprised by the question and, instead of answering in a loving way, becomes cruel and militaristic with his son. He demands to know what law says he has to like him. Troy’s life lesson to his son is valid -- a person must accept the responsibilities given to them -- but his delivery of this advice is hurtful to both Cory and Rose and further alienates them from him.