Literature

Symbolism and Metaphor in Fences

Symbolism can take different forms. Generally, it is an object representing another, to give an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and more significant. Sometimes, however, an action, an event, or a word spoken by someone may have a symbolic value. Symbols do shift their meanings depending on the context they are used in. “A chain,” for example, may stand for “union” as well as “imprisonment.” Thus, symbolic meaning of an object or an action is understood by when, where, and how it is used. It also depends on who reads the work. To develop symbolism in his work, a writer uses figures of speech, like metaphors. A metaphor is when something is regarded as representative or symbolic of something else, especially something abstract. For example, Shakespeare wrote in his play As You Like It, “All the world’s a stage; And all the men and women merely players.” In this example, the world is compared to a stage and the comparison extends to include the roles of people. Fences are a central metaphor in the play. We have already seen the use of fences in Act 1, scene 2, which opens with Rose singing, “Jesus, be a fence around me every day/Jesus, I want you to protect me as I travel on my way/Jesus, be a fence all around me every day.” We also see fence used when Troy tells Cory to help him build the fence. Fences are used both literally (physical fences) and metaphorically (invisible fences) in the play. When we think of fences, what images and words come to mind? Dividing lines? Barriers or obstacles? Protection? Another central metaphor used in Fences is baseball. At the end of Act 1, Scene 4, Troy says to Cory, “I’m gonna tell you what your mistake was. See…you swung at the ball and didn’t hit it. That’s strike one. See, you in the batter’s box now. You swung and you missed. That’s strike on. Don’t you strike out!” When we think of baseball, what ideas come to mind? How does baseball differ from other sports, like football for example? One way is that being in the batter’s box is a solitary act. There is no team to rely on when you are standing there. It’s just you (the batter), your opponent (the pitcher) ,the rules (3 strikes and you are out, for example), the pitch (what comes at you), and how you hit it (strike, ground ball, homerun, for example).