1. A protagonist is a character on whom the text spends the most time, describing them, explaining their conflict, goals, complexities, and giving them a voice. Considering this, who do you believe to be the main character or protagonist of the play. Is the protagonist Troy, Rose or Cory? Who changes the most in the end? Whose story is this? Why do you think that? Quote the play in your answer.
In my opinion, the protagonist in the play is Troy Maxon, and he is a responsible person whose dreams were thwarted making him exposed to believing in self-created illusions. The individual that changes the most in the play is Cory. Initially, the play depicted him as a person who was intimidated by his father because he was frightened by his rage. Cory said ‘’ All you ever did was try and make me scared of you. I used to tremble every time you called my name. Every time I heard your footsteps in the house" (Wilson 86). This quote depicts Cory courageously talking to his father to illustrate what he was feeling after many years of being intimidated. In my opinion, the story is Troy’s, and he is mentioned throughout the story even when he was dead his family continued to speak about him, it showed how he is important to the family and the people around him.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
2. Describe the relationship between Troy and his son Cory. How does Troy treat his son? Why does Troy oppose Cory pursuing sports at his school? Is Troy envious of his son's chance at making it big? Is he establishing parental authority? Quote the play in your answer.
The relationship between Troy and Cory is tense since the presence of Troy in the house sent shivers down the spin of Cory. Troy does not treat his son with love; instead, he sees him as a burden he has to bear, he tells Cory “You about the biggest fool I ever saw. It's my job. It's my responsibility" (Wilson 38). The quote depicts that Troy does not respect and care for his son since he views him as a burden he must bear with. I think Troy opposes Cory because he thinks he will not make it to the Major league just like him because of the dominance of racism during that period. Troy is envious of his son since he feared that his son could make it where he had failed, he tells Cory “Selkirk! That’s it! Man batting .269, understand? .269. What kind of sense that makes? I was hitting .432 with thirty-seven home runs” (Wilson 9). The quote depicts the pride that Troy had in regards to the baseball. He feared his son could achieve his dreams since during his time racism was less dominant. In my opinion, Troy is not establishing any parental authority; instead, he wants to dictate over the life of his son without considering his feelings, emotions, and opinions.
3. Describe Rose and her relationship with Troy. What has Rose put up with through these 18 years to stay with Troy? Why has she stayed with him? Why does she raise Troy's baby? What is the state of their marriage prior to Troy's death? What does Rose represent to this family?
At the beginning of their relationship, Rose and Troy loved each other, accommodated the dreams of each other and understood each other. However, their relationship turns sour when Troy cheats everything that they used to dream of together crumbled. For 18 years that Rose has been with Troy, she has endured the label of a housewife. She has been taking care of house chore and take care of Troy with their children. She has been faithful to Troy, and he goes behind her back and cheat with another woman; as a result, he gets a child out of wedlock. Rose stayed with Troy despite the extramarital affair since she did not want to crumble a home that she had built for 18 years. She sacrificed all because of her son Cory. Rose raise Troy’s baby because the mother of the baby had died and she felt that the child should not be punished because of the mistakes of their parents. Before the death of Troy, his marriage was in shambles since there was a communication breakdown with his wife. Rose represents a noblewoman who ties the family together even if it is at the expense of her happiness.
Response to classmates
Hello, you made an interesting point about how Cory changed significantly throughout the play. I agree with you that he is the most changed person and despite being intimidated by his father during his childhood that did not cloud his judgment about his father. Even though his father mistreated him severally deep inside his heart, he loved his father, and that explains why he went and attended his father’s funeral.
Hello, I don’t agree with you imply that how Troy handles his son is establishing parental authorities. Every child needs moral, financial and mental support for them to proper in each activity they are undertaking. Troy dismissed the talent of his son by comparing his son to him, instead of encouraging him and giving Cory tips on how to improve his baseball skills instead he dismisses his talent. When children are treated in this manner by their parent, they are likely to be rebellious and find solace in other activities such as indulging in drugs so that to relive the stress they experience in their lives.
