A Fence Between Father and Son

It is obvious in Act I: Scene I of Fences, that Troy and his oldest son, Lyons, have very different ideas concerning life. Their relationship reminds me of Mama and Walter Jr.'s relationship in A Raisin in the Sun. Mama was thankful for the idea of freedom that was so monumental in previous years, and she could barely comprehend Walter's yearning for upward mobility and wealth. Troy obviously wants the best for his son. He believes hard work will put food on the table and provide security. He is part of a generation that held great pride in a steady job. Lyons represents a new age of African American youth. He believes whole-heartedly in leading a fulfilling life; however, he wants to do it through a career in music, of which his father does not approve. So far in the play, it seems that this gap between the old and the new cannot be bridged. Troy is too stubborn in his ideals to support Lyons; and Lyons's is not willing to give up on his dreams. Even though this father son interaction was short in scene one, it seems to represent a theme that may come up later in the play. With the two apparent generations existing close to one another it will be hard to avoid clash of opinion. We have already learned that through this scene that there is no stopping progress and change; particularly, the progress and change of a group that was kept from moving forward against its will for such a long time.