Grade 9
Unit 3 Writing-Literary Analysis
Exemplar
Families are different from one another. Authors often portray families differently. The
family in Fences by August Wilson is very different from the family portrayed in Of Mice and
Men by John Steinbeck. The authors use various literary techniques to depict the
characteristics of each family in literature.
In Fences by August Wilson a more traditional family is depicted. The African-American
Maxon family appears to be almost stereotypical. For example, Troy Maxon, the male head
of the family, is characterized as overbearing, tough, hard-working, but most of all he loves
to be the bread winner for the family. Although he complains that his family takes most of his
money, this is something he finds pride in. This can be seen when he is complaining to his
family about how much he gives and gives in the following quote: “You all line up at the
door with your hands out. I give you the lint from my pockets. I give you my sweat and
blood.” However, although he complains, he always provides for his family. This stereotypical
role as head of household can be seen throughout various parts of the play. Troy’s
characterization as head of the family can be seen when Lyons comes to borrow money
and he has to ask Troy, or when Corey wants to play football and Troy won’t allow it. What
Troy says, goes. He is characterized as the stereotypical male head of the family, depicting
a more stereotypical family dynamic.
Another more stereotypical portrayal of family can be seen through looking at Rose’s
character. She is shown as caring but tough. She won’t take any of Troy’s nonsense, but she
loves him, almost to a fault. She also loves her kids, no matter what. Rose is the one who
holds the family together and strives to keep everyone together no matter what. Her
stereotypical role can be clearly seen when Bono describes Rose as follows: "Some people
build fences to keep people out and other people build fences to keep people in. Rose
wants to hold on to you all.” Rose’s matriarchal role in her family can also clearly be seen
when she is faced with the conflict of whether or not to be a mother to a child Troy has as a
result of an affair. Wilson clearly depicts her as the matriarch of the family by having her
choose to take care of Troy’s baby. This stereotypical role can also be seen in her
interactions with Corey and Lyons (her son and step-son).
Corey and Lyons both have a difficult relationship with Troy within the play. This is not
an uncommon occurrence within families. Troy’s depiction as “the boss” often collides with
Rose’s role as “care-taker” when it comes to raising kids. Rose is the softer, more loving
counterpart to Troy. She cares about how people feel and what people think. She wants
her kids to be happy. However, there is only so much that she can do. Her kids (Corey and
Lyons) fear Troy. Again, Troy is depicted as the stereotypical “boss” of a more traditional
family.
Wilson’s depiction of family through the use of characterization and conflict appears
to be more stereotypical than other pieces of literature. For example, in some pieces of
literature a family does not have to be nuclear. It can be made up of people other than a
father, mother, and children.
For example, in Of Mice and Men Steinbeck’s portrayal of family is non-traditional.
However, if analyzed, Steinbeck distinctly portrays a family: Lennie Small and George Milton.
While not a stereotypical nuclear family, Lennie and George care for one another in their
own ways. George often tells Lennie: “With us it ain’t like that. We got a future. We got
someone to talk to that gives a damn about us.” And because this line is used so many times
between each other, Lennie ALWAYS retorts: “Because I got you to look after me, and you
got me to look after you.” It is stated many times that they are all each other has. They are
each other’s family.
Steinbeck uses repetition numerous times throughout his novel when George tells
Lennie the story about their own little ranch and how they plan to “live off the fatta the lan”
after saving up enough money from working. This story is repeated throughout the novella
for different reasons. Each time it is told, however, one thing is clear: they are each other’s
family. They have a future planned together. It isn’t until later in the plot that they consider
letting someone else be a part of their dream and have a stake in their ranch. Even then it
isn’t because they see Candy as family; it is because Candy is able to make their dream
possible.
While Candy is not part of Steinbeck’s original family, it is important to look at Candy’s
characterization and how he fits into Steinbeck’s portrayal of family. As stated earlier,
Steinbeck portrays family in a non-traditional manner. Candy’s role in Lennie and George’s
family is deeper than just being able to provide money. Candy is characterized as elderly
and not capable of much. In many families, now and back when this book took place, the
elderly become dependent on their families. In many families the children switch roles and
have to take care of their parents. The case is the same with Candy. Candy was the first
person to “take care of George and Lennie” by explaining to them how the ranch works,
and George and Lennie decide to let Candy be a part of the “dream ranch” and take care
of him. Just like George and Lennie, Candy doesn’t have anyone else. They slowly become
a family.
Though Steinbeck’s portrayal of family is untraditional, a family is portrayed
nonetheless. Steinbeck’s use of repetition and characterization helps reveal a family:
George and Lennie…and, eventually, Old Candy.
As one can see, families come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more traditional, and
some go against traditional definitions. August Wilson and John Steinbeck give us an
interesting look at two completely different families. In the end, it is clear families are
depicted in either traditional or non-traditional ways. It just depends on how one looks at it!