In the play Fences, August Wilson uses symbolism throughout the story to emphasize the physical and emotional barrier between the protagonist, Troy Maxon, and everyone around him. Troy loses his professional baseball career because of his race. This makes him a bitter man and he ends up losing his friends and family because of it. Wilson uses both literal and figurative symbolism to express the themes of this play. Wilson uses many symbols in the play to depict oppression. The main symbol used is racism. Troy files a complaint with the commissioner's office against the sanitation department, claiming that white men are the only ones driving trucks. This complaint allowed Troy to be promoted and he also became the first African American to drive a sanitation truck. Racism and segregation also play a major role in Troy's dream of becoming a professional baseball player in the major leagues. Since he is African-American, he could only play in the Negro League. This defeat in his life now affects Troy's son, Cory. Cory has the opportunity to pursue a college education by being...