Act 1, Scene 1-2
What does Troy Maxson do for a living?
He is a garbage collector.
Who is Cory, and what does he want to do?
Cory is Troy’s son, and he wants to play football.
What does Gabriel carry with him?
A trumpet.
What shocking news does Troy reveal to Rose?
He has been having an affair and has gotten another woman pregnant.
What happens to Troy’s mistress?
She dies while giving birth to their daughter, Raynell.
What city does Fences take place in?
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What does Troy say about Cory’s chances in football?
He believes racial discrimination will prevent Cory from having a successful career.
Why was Gabriel arrested?
He was disturbing the peace.
How does Rose react to Troy’s confession?
She is deeply hurt and says he has taken everything from her.
How does Rose respond to raising Raynell?
She agrees to raise her but says Troy is now “a womanless man.”
Who is Bono, and what is his relationship with Troy?
Bono is Troy’s best friend and coworker.
What does Troy demand Cory do instead of football?
Keep his job at the A&P instead of playing on the team.
How does Troy feel about Gabriel’s situation?
He is conflicted because he used Gabriel’s disability money to buy his house.
What is Troy’s justification for his affair?
He says he felt trapped and wanted to escape his responsibilities.
What does Cory do when Troy blocks his way during their final argument?
He stands up to Troy, and Troy kicks him out of the house.
What complaint does Troy make about his job in Scene 1?
Only white men get to drive the garbage trucks, while Black men have to lift the trash.
What story does Troy tell about wrestling with death?
He claims he once wrestled with Death and won.
What does Gabriel believe about himself?
He thinks he is the angel Gabriel and can open the gates of heaven.
What happens when Troy and Cory get into a physical fight?
Troy grabs Cory and warns him never to disrespect him again.
How does Gabriel try to open the gates of heaven at the end of the play?
He blows his trumpet but no sound comes out, then he does a dance.
What sport did Troy play in his younger years?
Baseball in the Negro Leagues.
How does Rose react when Troy tells Cory he can’t play football?
She encourages Troy to reconsider and let Cory follow his dreams.
How does Troy respond when Rose brings up Gabriel’s problems?
He avoids the topic and doesn’t take full responsibility.
Why does Troy sign papers to send Gabriel away?
He claims it’s for Gabriel’s well-being, but it’s unclear if he really has his best interests at heart.
What happens to Troy before the final scene?
He dies of a heart attack.