Moving On To Fences

We've now moved on to August Wilson's Fences.  We watched the first few scenes of the recent film version, and the reading for Monday is Act 1.

We also went over the assignment sheet for the first paper, which reminds me that I'd like to ask you some final questions about A Doll's House.  However, first, here are some links to some theories of development.  You may also apply them to Fences.

First is Kohlberg's theory of moral development: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~ncoverst/Kohlberg%27s%20Stages%20of%20Moral%20Development.htm

Next is Gilligan's theory: https://www.stolaf.edu/people/huff/classes/handbook/Gilligan.html

I will conclude with Erikson's theory.  It was popular in the 1960s and 1970s.  Not sure about now: https://peoplesadvocacycouncil.wordpress.com/2017/03/16/erik-ericksons-8-stages-of-development/

I would like you to choose one of these theories and apply them to one or more of the characters in either A Doll's House or Fences.  How do these theories help you understand them more fully?  How do they help you understand the play more fully?

Did you know that, originally, in Germany, A Doll's House had a "happy" ending where Nora did not leave her husband and children?  What do you make of that ending?  Why?

Let's move on to Fences.

-- August Wilson prefaces his play with a discussion of its historical context.  How does that preface help you understand his play more fully?  What do you think that he wants you to know?

-- How does the film version help you understand the play more fully?  What do you learn about the city of Pittsburgh?  about the 1950s?  about Troy's world?  about Troy?

-- How would you describe Troy as a character?

-- How does Troy relate to his friends and family?

-- How would you describe Troy and Rose's marriage?  Why?

-- What does baseball represent for Troy?  Why?

-- How does your knowledge of African-American history and culture help you understand Fences?

-- How does your knowledge of history help you understand Fences?

-- How would you describe Rose as a character?

-- August Wilson is known for writing character-driven plays.  Discover evidence of this quality in Fences.

-- How does Denzel Washington and Viola Davis' acting bring the play to life?  (Mention not only their delivery of their lines but also their body language, movement, and facial expressions.)

-- Here is a clip from the Broadway production of Fences.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v4l36NTrsA&t=1s  Troy (Denzel Washington) is telling the story of his encounter with Death.  We saw the film version of this scene.  Compare and contrast both versions.  Consider the impact of the play's reliance on a stage set versus the film's seemingly more realistic setting.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to say!