The Impact of Symbolism

While reading Fences by August Wilson, students were tasked with writing poetry about objects they believe represent them. The example they were given portrayed a baseball bat as the object which represents the main character, Troy. He was a former baseball player who never quite met his full potential and regretted it. This regret consumed him throughout the play. The trumpet represented his brother, Gabriel, a trumpeter intent on helping heaven welcome departed souls. Seeds represent Troy's youngest child, Raynell, as she gave the family new hope, new joy and a new lease on life, especially for Rose (Troy's wife). After brainstorming sessions, students narrowed their lists down to one single object. Their completed poems are pictured below.