In this latest section of Fences, we see Troy come clean to Rose about his infidelity. Troy states a number of reasons for his actions, including "'I can laugh out loud...and it feels good. It reaches all the way down to the bottom of my shoes. (Pause) Rose, I can't give that up'" (69) to "'I stood on first base for eighteen years and I thought...well, goddamn it...go on for it'" (71). As many have mentioned in class, Troy is seeking something in life--happiness, freedom, or maybe even just an adrenaline rush. Regardless of which, Troy feels he deserves to "go on for it," that fulfillment within his self is above all else.
This prompt is three-fold:
Examine what happiness means in the
text, Fences. You can think about any
of the characters, not just Troy. Next, consider how our society presents
happiness. Is it over glamorized? An accurate portrayal of reality? Is happiness a right? Use the
images above to start your thinking. Last, consider where these two versions of happiness—in the text and in our world—overlap or differ.
Remember:
-At
least 250 words
-Label your post!
-Be
insightful, critical and respectful
-Use
the book to support your thinking
-Comment
on at least 2 posts
