Fences Quotes Quiz & Flashcards for Study Aid

Questions and Answers

Who is associated with the quote 'What do you mean too old? Don't tell me I was too old. I just wasn't the right color!'?

Troy (correct)

Gabriel

Rose

Bono

Who took Raynell in like all the babies Rose had wanted and never had?

Rose

Gabriel refers to himself as St. Peter.

True

Who questioned the job distribution of white men driving and colored men lifting?

Troy Signup and view all the answers

What does Rose say to Troy when he talks about being someone's daddy?

You telling me you going to be somebody's daddy? Signup and view all the answers

What baseball position does Troy reference when he discusses his past?

First base Signup and view all the answers

What is Bono's reaction to Troy choosing Rose?

I was happy for you. That was the first time I knew you had any sense. Signup and view all the answers

What does Troy wish for Cory's future?

I want him to move as far away from my life as possible. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rose say about innocence and sins?

She's innocent...and you can't visit the sins of the father on the child. Signup and view all the answers

Who expresses feelings of being disrespected in the household?

Cory Signup and view all the answers

What does Troy say regarding his responsibility to Cory?

I owe a responsibility to you. Signup and view all the answers

Lyons states, 'Can't change me...I'm 34 years old. If you wanted to change me, you should have been there when I was __________.'

growing up Signup and view all the answers

Match the characters to their quotes.

Troy = You ain't never give me nothing. All you ever did was try to make me scared of you. Cory = You ain't never done nothing but hold me back. Rose = That was my first mistake--not to leave room for myself. Bono = See a fellow moving around from place to place, woman to woman, call it searching out the new land. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Troy's Aspirations and Struggles

Troy expresses frustration over racial barriers in his pursuit of becoming a truck driver, highlighting the impact of color on opportunities.
He recalls a pivotal moment in baseball history, emphasizing a feeling of unfulfilled potential after standing on first base for eighteen years.

Rose's Role and Sacrifices

Rose embraces Raynell as a daughter, reflecting her desire for motherhood despite past losses.
She confronts Troy about his responsibilities, stating that happiness and fulfillment were sacrificed for the family, revealing her own neglected identity.

Father-Son Dynamics

Troy seeks to protect Cory from the harsh realities of his own life, wishing for him to pursue a different path instead of following in his footsteps in sports.
Cory confronts Troy’s dominance in their relationship, expressing feelings of being held back and the struggle for autonomy.

Gabriel and Spirituality

Gabriel's whimsical belief in his connection to St. Peter illustrates themes of faith and protection within the family dynamic.

Friendships and Loyalty

Bono reflects on his loyalty to Troy, emphasizing that choosing Rose was a moment of clarity in Troy's character, highlighting the fragility of their friendship.

Lyons' Reflection on Identity

Lyons comments on his battle to live up to Troy's legacy while carving out his independent identity, revealing the generational pressures within the family.

Handles of Responsibility and Guilt

Troy acknowledges his obligations as a father, even as he grapples with feelings of resentment and guilt regarding his parenting style.
The dialogue among characters explores themes of accountability, resentment, and the heavy toll of personal history on familial relationships.

Gaps and Empty Spaces

Rose metaphorically addresses the “empty spaces” in her life, signifying the emotional voids created by unfulfilled desires and the burden of others' expectations.

Personal Struggles and Resilience

Characters express their struggles against societal limitations, personal failures, and the yearning for deeper understanding while dealing with the weight of their past choices.

Description

Test your knowledge of powerful quotes from August Wilson's play 'Fences'. These flashcards highlight significant lines and the characters' emotions behind them. Explore the themes of race, family, and personal dreams as expressed in this compelling drama.