Literature-In-English Paper 3 WASSCE (PC 2ND), 2022

Question 7                   AUGUST WILSON: Fences
Examine the view that Cory does not treat his father well.

Observation

 

This was not a popular question. It demands the candidate to comment on the view that Cory does not treat his father well. Most candidates only narrated events that involves the two characters.  
The requirements of this question include the following:

  • Identification of the theme of racial discrimination in America in the 1950s
  • Identification of characters in the play: Troy Maxson and Cory Maxson.
  • Explanation of the father and son relationship that is rife with conflicts.
  • Discussion on the confrontation: Cory comes upon his father being involved in a hot argument with his mother. Cory grabs Troy from the back and the latter is thrown off balance. Cory delivers ‘a glancing blow that catches him (Troy) in the chest’ and brings him down. Stunned, Troy rises to his feet, but Cory has quickly exited the house. The confrontation creates an emotional wedge between father and son.
  • Assessment of Cory’s treatment of his father: though Troy is harsh on Cory as a result of his own upbringing, Rose’s pampering of Cory does not help.

Candidates’ performance in the question was fair.