FENCES: ACT 2 STUDY GUIDE
ENGLISH 11A: FALL 2006
HOFFMAN
Act 2, Scene 1
1. Explain the reasons for building fences.
2. What is Troy’s explanation about why he had the “affair”? Do you
understand it and accept it? Why or why not?
3. What does Troy mean when he says, “I just might be able to steal second”? (p.70)
4. What do you understand about Rose after reading pages 70-71?
5. What did Troy mean on page 72 when he said, “Alright that’s strike two….
You living with a full count. Don’t you strike out.”?
Act 2, Scene 2
6. What news did Troy get in this scene?
Act 2, Scene 3
7. What important decision does Rose reveal to Troy in this scene?
Act 2, Scene 4
8. Explain what is “beneath” the conflict between Troy and Cory. What is going
on between them?
Act 2, Scene 5
9. How many years later is this scene from Act1, Scene 1?
10. Why doesn’t Cory want to go to the funeral?
11. Why does Rose think Cory should go? Do you agree? Why or why not?
12. What does Rose try to help Cory understand about Troy and about himself?
(pages 96-98)
13. Did Cory decide to go to the funeral?
14. How do you know?
15. What is the “frightful realization” which leaves Gabe “bare and exposed”?
What does he realize that is traumatic and “that a sane and normal mind
would be unable to withstand”?
16. As fully as you can, explain the title of this play.