Question 8
AUGUST WILSON: Fences
What do Lyons and Cory contribute to the development of the plot?
Observation
This was a well answered question. Candidates were able to identify the characters but were unable to point out their contribution to the plot.
This question requires:
- The statement of the themes of racial discrimination in America of the 1950s is and the struggles of an African American family to fight it or navigate it.
- Explanation of plot.
- A description of Lyons and Cory. Lyons and Cory are children of the Troy family. Lyons is Troy’s son by a previous marriage. His wife left when he was serving a 15-years prison term for robbery. Cory is Troy and Rose’s only son.
- Lyons’ contribution to the plot: Triggers Troy’s flashback into his previous life and the circumstances with his late father and absconded wife, shows how difficult it is for an African American young man to get a ‘decent’ job.
- Cory’s contribution to the plot: Cory is a foil to his father. His father failed to fulfil his ambition to be a baseball star in the Negro league because of racial discrimination.
Candidates’ performance in the question was good.