Please respond to one of the following questions when you have finished reading the play. The response needs to be two paragraphs long and make sure you say which question you are responding to. Please also respond to someone else's comment. This response doesn't need to be as long but please either agree and say why or disagree and say why.
These posts are due on Tuesday evening by 10 p.m.
Important! Please bring your Perrines book to class on Wednesday!
1. How do you interpret Lyon’s response to his father’s criticism of his lifestyle: “I know I got to eat. But I got to live too. I need something that gonna help me to get out of the bed in the morning. Make me feel like I belong in the world” (I.1.340-341)? Discuss what it is that makes each of the central characters feel some sense of belonging in the world: Troy, Rose, Lyons, and Cory.
2. When Cory returns after Troy’s death, he tells Rose, “I can’t drag Papa with me everywhere I go. I’ve got to say no to him” (II.5.110). What finally convinces Cory to attend Troy’s funeral? What does his attending the funeral suggest about what Cory’s future might hold and what kind of home and family he will have? Has he said “no” to his father?
I think what convinces Cory to attend his dad’s funeral is that how is mom said that you are going to end up like him. He says to himself he will do it because of how he does not want to end up like him. The way Rose tells Cory about how much trust she had for Troy when they first married is saying that he should attend his dad’s funeral for his mother. If he did not attend the funeral it will be like backstabbing his mom’s trust and end up like his dad. This relates to how his dad betrayed the trust that Cory had with him as the story progress, like how he would say no to something that Cory worked so hard for like the chance of going to college and playing football.
ReplyDeleteTroy from Cory’s perspective is a total jerk. He cannot say not to anything because of how he is like the bigger man than him. Troy can be seen like a slave owner and Cory is his slave that has a choice of escaping. He uses the alleys as a way of saying that this is your freedom that will never be better than growing up with me with this big house. Since Cory is all grown up he wants to show it by saying no to his dad for once just like he has been to him. But doing this will be like his dad saying no to him. This is not what Cory wants to become so therefore despite how bad he wants to say no to something his dad wants him to do he decides to say yes at the end so he will not feel like the jerk his dad was.
q #2
Delete1st one here swag
#2
ReplyDeleteAfter Rose discusses Troy's influence on Cory, he finally agrees to attend his fathers funeral. When Cory does so, it signifies the fact that rather than attempting "to get rid of that shadow" which Troy has developed within Cory, Cory must use that to succeed in life. Although prior to Rose's clarity on this shadow, Cory believed that ignoring his fathers funeral would "make him a man." However, this shadow symbolized more than simply being a young burden to oversee Cory. It symbolized a tool, a tool that Cory could measure against the world, learn from past faults, and "sink into your flesh" capable of shaping Cory's life; to grow into himself.
With this shadow setting an impact on Cory as well as Rose's discussion triggering a revelation for Cory; he decides to attend his fathers funeral. Moreover with Cory accepting his fathers gift and final strike being the shadow; he begins to merge with his fathers figure as Bono states "reminds me of Troy when I first met him." In addition to becoming a strong, resilient figure as his father was; Cory would soon begin to foreshadow his future home and family as he began to sing Troy's song. This foreshadowing represented a possibility and implication that Cory, would learn from Troy's past strikes and use that as an advantage to improve upon and "make life with." Essentially, Cory never disagreed with his fathers shadow, but integrated with it thus Cory "crosses over to the tree" as if they were now one.
I agree with what you pointed out Jose, especially the last part when Cory integrates with his father's shadow, thus becoming a new person. By being able to accept what his father had been trying to get through to him the times they spent together, Cory is able to become a better person, and I think you hit it spot on.
DeleteI agree, especially with the way how you used the references of the shadow and flesh. By not attending the funeral, i believe Cory was being less of a man by evading the past
DeleteCory believed that the best way to split apart from his father was to forget him in any way possible, and this included not attending Troy's funeral. However, Rose showed him otherwise. Rose said to Cory that, "Disrespecting your daddy ain't gonna make you a man...Not going to your daddy's funeral ain't gonna make you a man" (II.5.1699). Troy does not want to become like his father, and it seems that the only way is to forget and say "no" to what Troy expected of Cory. But, Rose believes that Cory is just like his father. In addition, she also know's that Cory is his own person, contrary to the former. Troy's everlasting "shadow" on Cory is essentially just a building block of influence for Cory's future, where Cory has the choice of what to do with it, although he'll always have it. He can choose to leave the shadow as is and adapt to it, or make it more adaptable to himself. Either way, it is what shapes Cory's future and personality.
ReplyDeleteIn the end, Cory does not say "no" to his father's departed soul, but rather embraces him. It took several long years, the raising of Raynell, and Troy's death for Cory to realize that Troy meant well for his children. He did as much as he could with what little he had for his family, but also tried to live his own life, which in this lifestyle is difficult to make go hand-in-hand. But Troy did not go without mistakes and these mistakes were the only thing Cory saw in his younger years. Troy wanted his children to not suffer as he had in childhood and end up like himself, but unwittingly he caused some of the opposite. Likewise, Rose had said that, "He meant to do more good than he meant to do harm...Sometimes when he touched he bruised" (II.5.1699). However, Cory now realized Troy's good will and that Troy's actions originally came from his own suffering in the past. Cory is able to learn from the mistakes his father made to better himself as a person and potential parent. But, also he can choose to take on what Troy at least tried to do right; by providing the best he could with what he had for the people that mattered most.
Response to Question #2
DeleteP.S.
Confucius say "always make sure you're signed in before posting".
I agree!! Cory's constant fear of having Troy be his shadow essentially becomes one of the reasons Cory can become his own person, and more than what his father was. The fact that Cory is able to choose to embrace his father's shadow causes him to become a better person for his family.
Delete¡Nice points! I also agree that Troy's actions were mainly reflected from his past experiences, but overall he originally intended "to do more good than he meant to do harm." Troy's actions, proved this through his honest belief to protect Cory from the "white man" sport.
DeleteI agree! Cory won't necessarily become his father, but he will use the lessons learned from his father as catalyst for himself to grow. Also I would say the fear Cory had for his father's shadow has turned into a form of respect.
DeleteI really like the quote you used to justify how Troy raised and acted toward his children and how Cory will use what he realized of his father to raise his own family.
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DeleteIn response to question two, Cory is finally persuaded to attend his father’s funeral after singing with Raynell. In the song, Blue is portrayed as a good old dog that did as he was told, but I think Blue could also symbolize Troy’s dad and how Troy saw him as a good man that was only raising him as he was raised. This is related to Troy since he raised Cory the only way he knew how to, which would be by following his father’s example. Ever since Cory left the house, Troy has been raising Raynell, but when Cory meets her, she doesn’t appear to hold any resent for her dad and this suggests that his father’s parenting was good, although not as successful with Cory. I think that this is the reason for which Cory decides to finally attend his father’s funeral since it serves as a sort of thanks to his father for what he has taught Cory throughout his life.
ReplyDeleteBy attending the funeral, Cory’s future appears to be promising as it can be assumed that Cory will take what he has learned from his father and apply that to his own family. What this means is that he will raise his family similar to his father, if not better. I suspect that his home and family will be one where they can all get along and enjoy the time they spend with each other. In the end, I don’t think Cory has said “no” to his father since he ends up attending the funeral which shows that he still has feelings towards his father no matter how he may act.
I agree! I also think that Cory does not say "no" because he finally understands Troy's parenting and become everything Troy wasn't.
DeleteI like how you discussed the moment between Cory and Raynell as a primary reason for Cory going to Troy's funeral; it's different from the other posts I've read, and your theory, for the most part, is interesting and convincing. But, did Troy really see his father in a positive light? (Maybe I missed that part :P) Aside from that, I agree with everything you've stated, such as Cory being able to apply his past experiences to his future and not denying his father.
DeleteI agree with Christine, I failed to mention that in my post but it really was an interesting concept. I also agree with the fact that Cory didn't exactly see his dad in the best light either. The moments they've had haven't been the past in the last few they've had, sadly.
DeleteQ#1
ReplyDeleteTroy feels a sense of belonging when he is with Alberta. When he is with Alberta, he is able to get away from the pressures and problems of his daily life. He didn’t have to worry about his responsibilities as a father to Cory and Lyons and a husband to Rose. Alberta gives him a different understanding about himself, which gives him confidence to reach for that “second base” and move forward from the position he was in for the last eighteen years. Rose, on the other hand, feels like she belongs in the world whenever she plays the role of Troy’s wife and Cory’s mother. Rose strives for a family that isn’t “half”, a whole family with no other mothers and fathers in the picture. When she met Troy, she felt ready to settle down and start a family of her own. Despite having to settle down into the role of Troy’s perfect wife, she was granted “a house she could sing in”, a stable life.
Lyons’ sense of belonging in the world comes from living a free lifestyle. Lyon likes living unrestricted and although he is a musician, he is “more caught up in the rituals and ‘ideas’ of being a musician than in the actual practice of the music”. The 1950s also included popular African American artists in genres like R&B and rock. Lyons probably finds joy in being a musician because he can connect to his fellow popular African American artists who were able to freely express themselves through music during a time of oppression. Cory finds a place in the world through his desire to become his own person. Cory felt that he is constantly living in Troy’s shadow until his talk with Rose and Raynell. Cory understands that his father’s rough way of parenting is how he helped Cory grow and become a better person than he was. Cory decides to take his father’s teachings and experiences to become the man he wants to be.
I understand and agree with your takes on each character and how they belong in the world. I liked the part where you mentioned that Rose was granted a stable life due to her gain of a "house she could sing in", I didn't think about it in that way! Overall I agree with every statement you made and it was very easy to comprehend!
DeleteI totally agree with your ideas. I think probably almost all of the characters long for a sense of freedom (Troy wanting an escape from the responsibility of a long term relationship & a lifetime of struggle, Cory wanting freedom from his fathers shadow, and Lyons with his free lifestyle). It seems as if Rose is the one who is complete in where she is -- being a wife and a mother. Maybe that's why the fence has different meanings to Rose & Troy, as Rose wants it for protection, and Troy wants it to keep things out, because one is satisfied with where they are, and the other is not.
DeleteQuestion #2
ReplyDeleteBefore Cory agrees to go to the funeral, Rose tells him that," That shadow wasn't nothing but you growing into yourself," meaning that Cory had started out as a copy of Troy,and as Cory lived on through the years, that 'shadow' he felt wasn't the weight he felt from his father, but the result of his progress on defining himself as what he wants to be. By having Rose tell Cory that he needed to ,"...cut it down to fit you," she succeeds in making Cory see that he needs to accept his father in order to move on and become his own person. This realization is initially the reason why Cory changed his mind about attending the funeral.
Now that Cory has accepted his father's 'shadow', this suggests that Cory will now attempt to make his own improvements on himself and maybe even to a future family that he might have. By attending his father's funeral, Cory doesn't say NO to Troy. This shows his acceptance of his father, and also a way of renewing his life in a way that doesn't include trying to constantly push Troy away.
I agree! Rose is the one who convinces Cory to attend the funeral by telling him that he can't hold the past against Troy anymore and needs to move on. Cory then attends the funeral, showing how he's starting to accept Troy and the decisions he made for him, even though he might not agree with the choices made for him.
DeleteI feel like Troy is like the shadow of Cory. This is because of how he follows Cory around and tells him what he can do and can not do. Since saying no will turn him into his father. His mother tells him to go so he will not end up like a shadow like his dad.
DeleteQuestion 2
ReplyDeleteCory believes he cannot “drag Troy with him” throughout his life. He says this because he believes that Troy’s intervention in Cory’s life has completely altered the path Cory wished to take in the first place. He believes he let his father control too many aspects of his life. With every action he decides to take, Cory believes he had a hand in making it. This is why Cory originally does not want to go to his fathers funeral. In Cory’s perspective, Troys actions are entirely selfish. He believed Troy wanted him to fail when in reality it was quite the contrary.”I’m gonna do her just like your daddy did you...I’m gonna give her the best of what’s in me.” As revealed by Rose, overall, Troy meant for the best. Troy did not want Cory to make the same mistakes he had made.With this, Rose successfully convinces Cory to go to the funeral.
Throughout the final act, the characters reference Troy while seeing Cory. Physically, Cory is already becoming his father. This is foreshadowing that shows a glimpse of Troy’s future. Seeing how Cory is becoming his Father, but at the same dislikes some of his past actions, shows how he will use his father's life to become a better person in the future. He will learn from his father's mistakes. He accepts Troy, but at the same time does not agree with him which shows a growth from Troy to Cory. With the knowledge gained from his father, Cory will surely have the best in Troy.
"Publish as Google Account" - The Devil 2015
DeleteI agree with Senpai, your statement about how Cory is already starting to look like Troy was a great piece of evidence. I also think that parts of Troy may be already part of Cory and that's something he cannot change. Do you think Cory in the future may resemble some aspects of his father and what those aspects may be?
DeleteQuestion #2
ReplyDeleteCory believes that by not going to his father's funeral, it will make him separate from Troy. He doesn't want to be like his father and he feels like with every decision he makes, the choice is later either approved or denied by Troy. This makes him think how much Troy's inputted in his life and he wants to finally say no to his father because of what he wants to do, not what Troy expects him to do. Cory is convinced that every decision made by Troy for him was for Troy's better being and not for Cory's.
Although, Rose explains to Cory how his father's decisions for him was what Troy thought was best for him and he didn't want Cory to make the same mistakes he had made in the past. Cory's conversation with Rose convinces him to attend the funeral, which makes it seem like Cory starts to acknowledge the choices Troy made for him. Since he attends the funeral, his future will probably have him try to give his children a better life than what he had, just like Troy attempted to do.
Question #2
ReplyDeleteAlthough Cory is initially opposed to visiting Troy’s funeral, he changes his mind, possibly because Rose blatantly stated that he would be exactly like Troy had that actually happened: “You just like him. You got him in you good” (II.V.1699). Father and son are alike because, as the play implies, they both yearned to “make their own name” and rid of haunting demons, even if doing so would be at the expense of another. Cory does not want to be a splitting image of Troy. However, after listening to Rose’s words, another possible theory is that he realizes that the “shadow” is not a burden from his father, but rather a guide that will help him with the rest of his life. Despite Cory’s claim that Troy never did anything for him, he could easily use his past experiences with his father to help him overcome obstacles in the nearby future.
For Cory, this action represents a brighter, more hopeful future. To have the ability to show determination and resilience yet understand the positives of a depressing situation ultimately shows maturity and strength, especially since he will most likely use these experiences later on. By going through these trials, his future family will either mirror the broken nature of the one he has now, or be strong and united—realistically, a mix of both. He will apply his upbringing either the same way or better. Because Cory attended Troy’s funeral, he did not deny his father; he still holds affection for the old man.
I'm not sure if giving in to Rose's request is indicative of affection for his father, but rather that Cory understands what is required of him to be different than Troy.
DeleteQuestion #2
ReplyDeleteCory's primary reason for not attending his father's funeral is his need for independence from his father. He believes that in denying Troy this last respect he will have proven that he can and will make decisions beyond his father's desires and control. However what convinces him to go is the same reason he didn't want to go, the need for independence. Rose tells Cory that he's becoming exactly like Troy because he refuses to attempt to understand others, and by not attending the funeral Troy is just continuing the tradition.
A simple decision like attending his father's funeral is what sets Cory apart from Troy. Troy's answer to change and growth were to stamp it out, he could not accept the diversity that the world provides. He tried to control it, stand resolute against the tides of fate, but in refusing to change Troy became left behind, he could not handle the natural process of life. As a result he slowly grew more and more out of touch with reality, relying on himself and himself alone to guide his actions which ended with despair and a lonely death. By listening to Rose and placing value in her opinion about paying his respects, Cory is already worlds away from Troy. Cory's ability to trust others and accept the world for its unstoppable changing will allow him create a better and more effective family, a family that will perhaps understand the importance of stepping over your fence once in a while.
Question 2)
ReplyDeleteDue to his mothers insistence, Cory is convinced to attend his fathers funeral. After attempting to tell Rose that he will not be attending the funeral, Rose responds saying that Cory is "just like his father" (Wilson1699) and this affects Cory in a negative way. Just like Troy, the two try so hard to not follow the paths and decisions of their fathers that so far, Troy had unknowingly relived it. Rose also convinces Cory that if he avoids going to his fathers funeral that it was not going to make him a man (or the man he hopes to become). Cory begins with a mentality full of opportunity and hope for his career, similar to Troy's, but because of the changes he goes through, he becomes just as disillusioned as his father.
Cory's change of plans shows that he is persuaded by his mother that his father, although was poor at demonstrating his affection, still tried to take care of him and nevertheless loved him. But before this, Cory refused to attend his father's funeral which was similar to Troy's beliefs because they both were reluctant to face the truth. It is also apparent that Troy's influence as a father has had a large effect on Cory, for instance, Cory ended up in the Marines rather than pursuing his dreams as a college football player, just as Troy's dreams of being a pro baseball player were not chased. Although Cory is still unsure about how he feels about his father, this cycle of growing up like you're father is something unexpected. Due to the examples of how Cory and Troy are similar show how Cory is slowly reliving what Troy once did. If this cycle continues, Cory will grow up to become similar to his father and live a similar lifestyle. Seeing as rejecting to attend the funeral was a way of saying "no" to his father, Cory lost his last chance.
Did Cory really lose his chance? He did attend the funeral so doesn't he redeem himself and separate himself from his fathers bad decisions? I disagree with the idea that he became his father because in the end he decides to attend the funeral and avoids going into denial because he avoids it completely.
DeleteQuestion #2
ReplyDeleteCory originally did not want to visit his father's funeral, however Rose helped show that by being absent like that he would be acting the same way Troy would have. Cory's hesitation in going to see his father was due to the fact that Cory thought that would help separate him from his father who he disliked so much. Cory also felt as if going to see him originally would have felt as if he was "carrying" Troy around with him. When Cory decided to change his mind he thought that maybe he could look at Troy's life and use that as a tool to how he should live his life and not make the same mistakes. Cory could become the father he always wanted for his own kids and not the one that Troy was to him.
Cory is at a very important part in his life. He now is able to shape what kind of man he wants to be and how his interactions with his father now can influence that future. But the fact that Cory differs from Troy by not agreeing with all of his decisions which shows how Cory could be a better man than Troy was.This idea of looking at your father and then improving on it to be a better father is very present with Troy and Cory.
I agree with what you're saying pretty much to it's full extent. Especially where you say Cory is able to shape his life by learning from the interactions with Troy. I see it that Troy's personality somewhat serves as a basis for Cory's personality; something he can choose to alter or build off of, but it still originates back to this.
DeleteQuestion #2
ReplyDeleteCory was initially against attending his father's funeral because he wanted to stop "dragging" Troy with him. He believes that his life was limited and Troy had controlled it. To break this, Cory believes the best way is to finally say no to his father and not attending his funeral. Rose states that Cory's selfish act of not attending is making him look like he is the same as his father. Cory's mind was also changed after he sang the song about Blue the dog with Raynell. This makes him realize that although he was hardheaded, Troy gave his all in raising his children.
By attending the funeral, Cory's future with his family looks bright and promising. He will use what he has learned from his father and his mistakes and apply them into taking care of his own family. In the end, Cory has not said no to Troy but now respects him even through all the hardships he has put Cory through.
I agree with your response! Both of our comments have a lot of similar takes based on the prompt. I concur with your viewpoint that Cory respects his father now because of the early hardships he had to face and moving on from them!
DeleteResponse to Question #2:
ReplyDeleteThe reason why Cory attended Troy's funeral, to me, was based on two reasons. One, Rose's lecture and two, the "Old Blue" duet with Raynell. Rose explains that Troy's main initiative in being a father was to prevent Cory from becoming like himself. Even when he was acting harsh and made mistakes in the process, he was Cory's dad while his goals were incomprehensible. This makes Cory start reconsider his judgement on his dad. Singing with Raynell makes Cory forgive Troy for all the wrong he's done. The song symbolically represents Troy's early life and while singing the song Cory thinks about his father's tough life. In recognizing Troy for becoming the way he was due to his own parents' ways, Cory forgives Troy for trying to make the effort in changing the cycle.
Attending his father's funeral, Cory moves on from his negative judgments and reconciles. From this, he accepts his father's mistakes and becomes a better person himself. He learns from Troy to stop the cycle from repeating over again. Cory's future appears to be enlightened based on this experience and that the period of time he is in now will open him up to new possibilities and change, unlike his father. Cory essentially never said no to his father, but he did learn how to live his own life by not saying it.
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ReplyDeleteQuestion #1
ReplyDeleteLyons has diverged from the path that his father took. Rather than settle down and support a family, Lyons decides to go out and discover his musical talents. He says, “I know I got to eat.” (Wilson), and by this he means that despite his normal human needs, he needs a reason to live (a reason to get out of bed in the morning). He feels that there is no reason to live unless there is some form of happiness in life as no amount of food, shelter or work can account for the general lack of pleasure. Lyons understands why his father never approved of his lifestyle. Troy grew up with the inability to do what he really wanted because of the racism in baseball. This failure has lead Troy to believe that any happiness can only be associated with failure.
Troy felt a sense of meaning in his world when he had purpose in a family. He began to drift away as Cory grew up and Rose had fewer people to take care of because he did not feel needed. This explains why he went to Antonia and had a child with her. Having a new child and woman to take care of gave him a feeling of being wanted. Lyons experiences the same in music because it makes him happy and he feels it is the only thing he is good at. Rose may have had a dream but as she said in the play she gave it up to support Troy, to take care of him and his children. Cory belonged in the world when he stood up to his father. In reality, he may believe that he was meant to be a football player, but after he joins the marines, his true purpose comes from defying his father.
I think you did a really job of explaining why Troy is not supportive of Lyons being a musician, I definitely agree! And I like your explanation for why Troy cheated on Rose, I hadn't thought of it like that.
DeleteQ2: In the beginning of Act 2 Scene 5, Cory is very adamant in not attending his fathers funeral, mainly due to the intense animosity and resentment he felt towards Troy because of his bad parenting. He says "I've got to say no to him" because Troy was very repressive as a father and by not going to his funeral and not having to "drag Papa" everywhere he goes, he is setting himself apart from his fathers character. Cory has only really experienced his fathers character at its worst, and never really understood the reasoning behind his fathers cruelness. What truly changes his perspective is his conversation with Raynell, the daughter Troy had with his mistress. The two share a very special moment when they talk about her (his old) room and sing a song that Troy himself once sang, about a blue dog. It becomes apparent that the song in some way is related to Troy, as it mentions death & the promised land. Cory realizes that although he has had some rough moments with his father, he was not entirely horrible, and was able to love his children, it just wasn't really that blatantly obvious.
ReplyDeleteCory ends up putting his animosity towards him to the side and accepts that his father did as much as he could with the little he had to love his children. He accepts that all Troy wanted was for his children to not end up like him, but at the same time, like Rose said, he ended up making Cory into "everything he was", which can be seen in a positive or negative way. Attending the funeral might be a mark of finding peace and making compromises. It might, in a way, be the way he says "no" to his father. Troy, throughout the play, has neglected his family by not only refusing to do what his family says such as making a fence, but also mistreating his sons and having affairs. Going to the funeral of his father, makes Cory not become like his father, by not disrespecting his family as much as Troy did. It's a sign that he will care for his family in more obvious ways than Troy did.
Ya I think you brought on a very interesting discussion on bringing on the fact that underneath the surface, theres the fact that Troy has carried on his fathers legacy of emotionally hurting his children, whether it is intentional or not. I think Cory, although he doesn't know it, doesn't want to carry on this tradition and hurt his own children by being the tough guy like his father was. By going to the funeral, he compromised between the ideals and needs of his family/father and himself, and went to be a better person and not go down a path of self hatred and hatred in general. Which I realize is very similar to the Judgement Day concept Gabriel preaches.
DeleteQuestion 1
ReplyDeleteAfter his father's death, Lyons reveals why he stuck to music, despite having his father put down his career and push him into finding a "real job". His father, Troy, believes that life is about working hard and reaping the successes, even though it may not be your dream in life. He discourages his sons from diverting into a different path, following their dreams and desires, for many reasons, but one of the main ones is because he believes that its not always a sound proof plan, it can have unnecessary road-bumps and struggles that may be avoided by sticking to a regular, working class lifestyle. Lyons challenges his father's philosophy of life living by as a musician. He has decided that success in life is simply finding something that makes him feel good. He refuses to work hard for a dream, or anything in that matter, because the effort will produce little benefit. Perhaps this is why he borrows money, and cashes in other peoples checks, a crime, because not only the fact that doing what he likes is failing, but because he wants to go on by life very freely and not have to deal with the road bumps that every working person has to deal with.
In the Maxson household, each member of the family has a different idea of what it means to belong in the world. For Rose, the maternal figure of the group, her sense of belonging of the world can really be explained with the seed metaphor. All she wants is for her family to be protected and to be a good mother. After all, when she first met Troy, the first thing she saw him as was to be the father of her children and the man she wants to marry. As a planter of the seed that represents her home, she holds on to it with all of her might and puts as much patience, love and forgiveness into it so that it can defeat hardships that can kill it. For Troy, his sense of belonging in the world is to fulfill the responsibility as the breadwinner to the Maxson family. Although he gets tempted the idea of not having any responsibilities, when he gives in, his life deteriorates and stops the progress he has made thus far. For Lyons, he wants to do what makes him feel good, whether he is successful in it or not. Although his career as a musician has not kicked off yet, he still pursues it because he wants to follow his dreams. And for Cory, he needs to differentiate himself from his father and to prove that he can say no that his father, without the conflicts that arise with it. Because of the fences that are built between himself and his dream, himself and his father, and himself and society, he has changed him from being an optimistic young man, to a disillusioned and hardened adult. When his father dies, Cory has the chance for redemption by being given the opportunity to change his attitude.
Question #1
ReplyDeleteLyons conflict from his father comes from his different choices in his life and career. While Troy feels his most important achievement in life is having a steady job and providing the food and shelter for his family that he did not have himself growing up, Lyons feels differently. To Lyons, it is more important to love what he does, even if the work is not as regular. This is because he has never been homeless or hungry and he has family to rely on, things Troy didn't have when he was younger. It shows how their experiences are not the same because needing to feel like one belongs in the world is higher class worry than not being able to eat. Lyons is fortunate to feel he belongs because of music, while Troy was driven so that he could own his own home and things, and therefore command respect.
Rose is feels connected to the world through her family. Her goal is to keep them together and out of harm's way. Even when her family breaks apart and she and Troy are no longer together, she is still compassionate, trying to get everyone to go to the funeral. She is sympathetic Lyons and Cory throughout the play because they are her family, the ones who motivate her to get out of bed and work hard and be happy.
Cory felt as if his dad was still holding him back somehow. Even after death, the conflict still raged on. However, he failed to comprehend the fact that he needed to confront his problem head on in order for him to move on. This is the main reason why Cory fails to attend his father's funeral. He hated his father, so he did anything possible to forget about him, but it wasn't easy for him to do at all.
ReplyDeleteThe moment Rose questioned Cory's manhood is the time I believe he started to ponder the thought of attending the funeral. He had to say no to Troy as a way of confronting his problems head on. I believe this was a very enlightening moment for Troy and that it would prove to be beneficial in his fatherhood in the future. It would give him an understanding of both the sides of father and son.
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ReplyDeleteCory doesn't want to drag Troy everywhere he goes because he wants to abolish the memories of the past and the differences the two shared. Cory feels by leaving behind Troy, he can finally live life fully and one that is not hindered.
ReplyDeleteCory is ultimately persuaded to attend the funeral by Rose as she describes why she fell married Troy. Troy is then later accepted into heaven as the gates opened, suggesting that Troy had done the right things and persued the right paths in his life. With this being said, Cory is said to be "Troy Maxson all over again" and therefore, will live a bright future as his father did by going down the right path. Cory has not said no to his father as he realized although Troy used harsh demeanors to push him forward in life, he was trying to do the right thing. Thus, Cory will push his family and propel them forward but in a less harsh demeanor and in his own way