Rose Maxson Fences Character By August Wilson Analysis

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Rose Maxson's role in the book Fences by August Wilson
The setting of the play is shortly after the World War II and the society depicted in the play was still deep-rooted in male chauvinism. The author portrays male chauvinism through Rose Maxson by bestowing on her the typical character of women of her age during that period. Rose was Troy’s wife, and she had the typical character and personality of what the society expected from women of her age during the time setting of the play. This essay explores the question whether Rose Maxson was a victim of her gender identity and opportunity or did she make that decision by herself.
Rose is a stay at home mother and wife who is supposed to help her husband raise a family, at least by societal standards. She is a good cook who has taken up the responsibility of preparing meals for the family conscientiously. She says, “Morning, you ready for breakfast? Can I fix something as soon as I finish hanging these clothes?”CITATION Aug85 \p 21 \l 1033 (Wilson 21) Her concern for her family members and dedication to wifely duties is to match the societal expectations of a wife. Rose loves her family, so she plays her role as a housewife diligently to ensure her husband and kids are well fed, clean and happy. At the time setting of the play, very few women were breadwinners, most were economically dependent. Her dedication to execute wifely duties are to ensure her family does not break up. If her family broke up, she would be blamed and ridiculed.
She sis a supportive wife. She covers for her husband’s weaknesses and gently corrects hi...