To understand the essay assignment, do the following:
Read the biographical sketch of each author very thoroughly.
Read each work actively by making marginal notes, underlining important ideas, and writing your first impressions.
Find the meanings of words that you do not understand.
Choose one of the following questions for your essay:
What is the significance of the fence in August Wilson’s Fences? What does the fence represent to Troy and to Rose? How does Wilson use the fence to develop theme?
Troy talks a great deal about the importance of independence and self-reliance, but he is also a user and manipulator of others. Does this make him a liar? Something else?
How does Troy’s character change over the course of the play? Support your opinion with specific examples from the play.
Are Troy’s problems self-created or out of his control? Support your opinion with specific examples from the play.
To what extent is Troy wrong about how American society has changed during his lifetime? To what extent is he right?
