FENCES: ACT 1 STUDY GUIDE
ENGLISH 11A: FALL 2006
HOFFMAN
Introduction
1. What is the setting for this play?
2. What will this play tell us about people?
6. What character traits do we discover about Troy throughout Act 1? How are
they revealed? (Minimum of 3)
Example b. c. d.
Trait a.
3. What conflicts can we expect?
4. Explain the title.
Act 1, Scene 1
5. What do we know about Troy before the dialogue begins?

7. Describe Troy’s “battle with death.”
8. Explain what Bono meant when he said, “…I know you got some Uncle
Remus in your blood…” (p. 13). That is the allusion?
9. Explain the “credit” Troy was talking about where he’d pay $10 a month.
What is unfair about this?
10. Describe Lyons.
11. What is the source of the conflict between Lyons and Troy? How is
their approach to like different?

Act 1, Scene 2
12. Explain Gabe’s condition.
13. What causes Troy to feel guilty?
Act 1, Scene 3
14. How do Troy’s and Cory’s point of view differ about how to spend
money and buying on credit?
15. With whom do you agree? Why?
16. What is the source of Troy’s animosity about the major leagues?
17. Why do you think Troy is against Corey getting recruited by a
college?

18. What values are revealed which are strongly held by Troy? Name at
least two.
19. Explain Cory’s statement, “How come you ain’t never liked me?”
What is he feeling here?
20. Explain Troy’s response. What is his attitude about “responsibility”?
Act 1, Scene 4
21. What might be a complication with Troy’s promotion?
22. What is Troy’s attitude about children?
23. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
24. What does Troy reveal about his own father? Explain what happened.