The Cycle of Trauma and Its Social and Psychological Impact in August Wilson's Fences

Abstract

This paper explores the theme of intergenerational trauma in August Wilson's play Fences through the theoretical lenses of Cathy. The paper begins by examining Troy's personal traumas, including his failed baseball career due to racial discrimination and his abusive childhood. These unprocessed traumas shape Troy's interactions with his family, particularly his sons. The paper argues that Troy's rigid, authoritarian demeanor and his attempts to impose his own failed dreams onto Cory reflect the disruptive force of unresolved trauma, as theorized by Caruth. This traumatic legacy disrupts the family dynamic, creating cycles of misunderstanding and conflict. Furthermore, Roach's concept of surrogation is employed to understand how Troy's trauma influences his attempts to control and shape the identities of his sons. Troy's efforts to mold Cory into a version of himself can be seen as an attempt to surrogate his lost opportunities and unfulfilled aspirations. This paper argues that the interplay between trauma and surrogation illustrates the cyclical nature of intergenerational trauma, where unresolved wounds of the past are inadvertently passed down and re-enacted in subsequent generations. Ultimately, this paper highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing intergenerational trauma to break the cycles of pain and dysfunction it perpetuates. By integrating Caruth and Roach's theories, the paper provides a comprehensive analysis of how trauma and surrogation operate within Fences, offering deeper insights into the complexities of familial relationships and the enduring impact of historical and personal traumas.