Discussion # 7–Read Act 1, Scenes 1&2, and answer respond to ONE of the topics below. Please use paragraphs to organize your ideas. In addition, you can use any part of Act 1, Scenes 1 and 2 for supporting ideas in your discussion. Topic A: The Epigraph, a quotation that captures or emphasizes a central theme or concept expressed in a piece of literature, of the play was written by Wilson and says this: When the sins of our fathers visit us We do not have to play host. We can banish them with forgiveness As God, in His Largeness and Laws. Think through this Epigraph, and write what you think it means. Consider these questions: Where does the phrase “the sins of [the] father” come from? (You may have to do a quick search to answer.) What does it mean for children to pay for the sins of their fathers? What do you think Wilson is suggesting by writing, “We can banish [the fathers` sins] with forgiveness”? Based on the above poem by Wilson, and your answers to these questions, what can we predict will be a major theme in Fences? Topic B: Symbolism is when an author uses something to represent something else; the practice of using literal objects to represent something metaphorical (or figurative). What might the symbolism of the title, Fences be? Think about the following: What are the various uses or reasons for a fence? What might a fence, in general, symbolize? (metaphorical) Explain a way in which the use of a fence could lead to a positive result. (literal and/or metaphorical) Explain a way in which the use of a fence could lead to a negative result. (literal and/or metaphorical) Based on the pre-reading in the play and the first few pages, what could be a metaphorical fence in Fences? Note that the title implies plural, so there may be more than one answer to this question.
