Act 1 Part 1
On the day the play begins, what does Troy confront his boss about?
About why black men weren't allowed to drive trucks.
Why does Troy say that he's not impressed that Cory's being scouted by a football recruiter?
Because there's no money to be made by black men playing sports.
When Rose asks Gabriel if he wants breakfast, what does he say?
He says he usually eats breakfast with Saint Peter.
How is the addition of Raynell in the story serve to add to the suspense?
How is Raynell a positive for Rose ?
Raynell is a hidden character in the story that appears towards the end. The audience interest is heighten because it cause for curiosity on how this will affect Rose and Troy's marriage even further.
Rose says Raynell brought the kind of hope she always wanted.
The play fences demonstrates the physical fence used in the story, however, it is symbolic of fences created by the characters. Cite one example of this in respect of Rose and Troy?
Rose desires the fence to be created as a means of preservation of her family members. Troy desires a fence to keep him from the realities of his life and failures.
What does Troy say about Alberta?
Troy says that Alberta is sexy, but he hasn't been with her.
What do Rose and Bono say about Troy's long stories?
That they are different every time.
Why does Gabriel suddenly run off from Rose and Troy's yard?
He says he hears the hounds of hell coming after him.
What does Gabriel do at the end of the play? How does this bring closure to the ending of the play.
We see Gabriel having several allusions of being in heaven. This is his final response to Troy as a means of giving him a substantive send-off.
In the time period of the novel, the author's main purpose of writing Fences was to highlight?
The play was written to highlight the social injustices of the era and some of the hardships endured by black minority groups.
When Rose appears in Act 1, why does Bono say he doesn't want to stay for dinner?
Bono says that he is going to his wife to have dinner.
What does Troy say about the fact that Lyons wants to be a musician?
Troy says Lyons needs to earn a living so he can keep playing.
What is Rose doing when Cory returns home from football practice?
She is taking clothes off the line.
What inferences can you draw about Troy and why?
Troy has gone through several hardships typical of black men during the era. He is hard working however, his struggles consume him and this has resulted in his failed relationships.
Provide three themes used in the story and cite aspects of the play that served to advance the theme?
Dreams and Goals
Relationships
Mortality
What argument do Rose, Troy, and Bono have about grocery stores?
Whether you should shop where you get a good deal or where they know you.
When Rose remarks that a neighbor won some money in the lottery, what opinion does Troy express?
He says the lottery is a waste of money.
When Troy says that blacks or Hispanics aren't being allowed to play baseball to their potential, how does Cory respond?
Cory gives examples of black players who are doing well.
What are the main conflicts in the story and how is this developed?
Cory-Troy
Rose-Troy
Lyons-Troy
How is foreshadowing used by the author?
Foreshadowing is used by the author, through the character Gabriel wherein he predicted the death of Troy which happens in Act 2.
What does Bono say about his first home in response to Rose and Tony talking about their home?
He says it was lousy and he doesn't know why he stayed there as long as he did.
Why does Troy want to know where Cory is in Act 1, Scene 2?
Troy wants Cory to help build the fence.
What does Troy say about his boss?
That he doesn't need to know Troy's business.
What effect do the monologues have in the story(Troy speaking to himself.
It shows that the symbolism of death that he treats as a person however the audience can interpret this as his struggles.
Cite evidence of changes that occurred in the characters in the story. Make reference to the characters Troy, Rose, Cory.
Troy changes by becoming increasingly aggressive towards his son as the play develops. At some point his motivations are