Education Universe College writing, Drama, Literature

Family Conflict and Resolution in August Wilson’s Fences

August Wilson’s Fences is a play about family, responsibility, and what happens when love is complicated by pride, pain, and disappointment. The story follows Troy Maxson, a man who is trying to take care of his family while struggling with the regrets and bitterness from his past. At the heart of the play is a set of deep family conflicts, especially between fathers and sons, husbands and wives, and dreams and reality. These conflicts drive the story forward and help show how hard it can be to find peace and resolution within a family.

Troy Maxson and the Center of the Conflict

Troy Maxson is the main character and also the main source of tension in the play. He once dreamed of playing professional baseball but was held back by racism. Now, as a middle aged garbage collector, he carries a lot of anger and disappointment. He tries to protect his family, but the way he does it often causes pain.

His relationship with his son Cory is one of the strongest examples of this conflict. Cory wants to play football in college and is being recruited. But Troy refuses to let him. He says it is because he does not want Cory to be hurt by racism the way he was. But there is more going on. Troy cannot let go of his own past. He is afraid that his son might succeed where he failed. Instead of supporting Cory, he blocks him.

In one important scene, Cory asks, “How come you ain’t never liked me?” Troy answers, “It’s not my job to like you. It’s my job to do for you, to make sure you got clothes on your back.” This shows how Troy thinks love and duty are separate. He believes he is doing enough just by providing. But Cory wants more than that. He wants respect and connection.

Troy’s hard view of the world is shaped by how he grew up. He had a rough childhood, with a strict and violent father. Now, without meaning to, Troy is passing down that same kind of parenting to his own children.

Rose Maxson and Quiet Strength

Rose is Troy’s wife and the heart of the family. She believes in love, faith, and keeping the family together. She is the one who encourages Troy to build a fence in their yard. To her, the fence is not just wood and nails. It is a way to keep her loved ones close.

When Troy tells her that he has cheated and that another woman is going to have his baby, Rose is devastated. But she does not run away. Instead, she makes a strong decision. She tells Troy that from now on, they are not husband and wife in the same way. But when the baby’s mother dies, Rose agrees to raise the child, Raynell, as her own. She says the child is innocent and needs love.

This is one of the most powerful moments in the play. Rose does not scream or fight. She simply stands her ground. She shows what it means to be strong without being loud. She keeps the family together, even when her own heart is broken.

Cory’s Journey and the Question of Resolution

Cory changes the most from the beginning to the end of the play. At first, he is hopeful and excited about football. He wants his father’s support. But as the story goes on, the gap between him and Troy grows. After many arguments and disappointments, Cory decides to leave home and join the Marines. He needs to get away from Troy to find himself.

After Troy dies, Cory comes home for the funeral. At first, he says he does not want to go. He tells his mother, “You don’t count the dead. You count the leaving.” He still feels anger and pain. But something shifts when he talks to Raynell, his little sister. They share a memory of their father singing an old song about a dog named Blue. As they sing it together, Cory begins to soften.

This final scene does not give us a perfect ending. Cory does not say that everything is forgiven. But he starts to understand that he does not have to carry the same anger forever. He does not have to become like his father. In this way, the play shows a kind of resolution. Not one where everything is fixed, but one where there is a chance for something better.

The Fence as a Symbol

The title of the play is important. The fence that Troy builds in the yard is more than just a home project. It stands for many things. For Rose, it is a way to keep her family safe and close. For Troy, it is something he feels forced to build but never finishes. For Cory, it is a wall that separates him from his father.

The fence also represents the idea of boundaries. Families often struggle with when to hold on and when to let go. The fence can keep people in or shut people out. In Fences, it does both. And just like the relationships in the play, the fence is never quite complete. It is a work in progress, just like love, forgiveness, and understanding.

No Simple Endings

Fences does not offer easy answers. There is no happy family reunion at the end. Troy dies with many things left unsaid. But Wilson shows us that even when families are broken, there is still hope. Resolution does not always mean peace. Sometimes it means learning, growing, and doing better than the generation before.

Rose finds strength through her choices. Cory begins to make peace with his past. Raynell, the youngest, brings a sense of innocence and possibility. The family goes on. They carry the pain, but they also carry the lessons.

In this way, August Wilson tells a story that is both deeply personal and widely true. Family conflict is part of life. But through honesty, memory, and love, even the hardest conflicts can lead to understanding. That is the quiet power of Fences.

Works Cited

Wilson, August. Fences. With an introduction by Lloyd Richards, Plume, 1986.

Shannon, Sandra G. The Dramatic Vision of August Wilson. Howard University Press, 1995.

Education Universe College writing

How to Craft a Review Essay

Introduction

Everyone has opinions. People debate which restaurant has the best pizza, which show is worth binge watching, or whether a new product is worth the hype. But in college writing, opinion by itself is not enough. Academic work requires you to evaluate, to move beyond “I liked it” or “I did not like it” and instead offer clear, supported judgments based on criteria. A review essay does just that. It asks you to choose a subject such as a book, movie, play, performance, or product and evaluate it in a structured way.

This article will guide you through the process of crafting a review essay. By the end, you will know how to select criteria, balance summary and analysis, support your claims, and write in a way that is thoughtful, convincing, and well organized.

Understand the Purpose of a Review Essay

The goal of a review essay is not simply to summarize a work or share your personal feelings. Instead, the goal is to:

  • Explain what you are evaluating, the subject.
  • Establish criteria for judgment, the standards you are using.
  • Provide evidence that supports your evaluation.
  • Draw a conclusion about the subject’s effectiveness, quality, or impact.

Think of a review essay as a bridge between criticism and analysis. You are making judgments, but those judgments are carefully reasoned and supported.

Choose a Subject You Can Evaluate Meaningfully

A strong review essay begins with a thoughtful choice of subject. Your professor may assign a specific text, performance, or artifact, or you may choose your own.

When selecting, ask:

  • Is this subject specific enough? For example, “The Marvel movies” is too broad, but “Black Panther” is manageable.
  • Can I find criteria to judge it by? Think of aspects like originality, effectiveness, style, clarity, credibility, or impact.
  • Will my evaluation add something beyond a basic summary?

Choose something that interests you but also allows for serious evaluation.

Establish Clear Evaluation Criteria

One of the most important steps is setting the standards you will use to judge your subject. Criteria are like rules of the game. You cannot evaluate without them.

Common criteria include:

  • Effectiveness, does it achieve its purpose?
  • Organization and structure, is it logically arranged?
  • Style and delivery, is the language or performance powerful, clear, engaging?
  • Originality, does it offer something new or unique?
  • Credibility and evidence, is it well supported, trustworthy, accurate?
  • Impact, what effect does it have on the audience or field?

For example, if reviewing a TED Talk, you might use clarity of message, use of evidence, and effectiveness of delivery.

Tip: Narrow to three or four criteria. Too many and your essay becomes scattered. Too few and it feels shallow.

Balance Summary and Evaluation

Students often fall into one of two traps: too much summary or too little context. A good review essay needs both, in balance.

  • Summary provides background: what the subject is, who created it, when, and why. This helps readers who may not be familiar with it.
  • Evaluation explains how well the subject meets the criteria you have set.

Think of summary as setting the stage, and evaluation as the main performance. In a one thousand word essay, one hundred fifty to two hundred words of summary is usually enough.

Use Evidence to Support Judgments

Evaluation without evidence is just opinion. Strong review essays provide examples, quotations, or details that show why your judgment is valid.

Examples of evidence:

  • Quoting a line from a book or speech to illustrate strong or weak writing.
  • Describing a specific scene in a film that demonstrates creativity or predictability.
  • Citing statistics or reviews that support your assessment.

Instead of writing: The speaker was engaging.

Write: The speaker maintained eye contact, used humor effectively, and moved naturally across the stage, which kept the audience engaged.

Evidence makes your evaluation credible.

Structure the Essay Clearly

A review essay needs a logical, easy to follow structure. Here is a common outline:

Introduction

  • Introduce the subject, title, author or creator, context.
  • State your thesis, your overall judgment with a hint at the criteria.

Body Paragraphs (one for each criterion)

  • Topic sentence stating the judgment.
  • Evidence or examples that support it.
  • Analysis explaining how the evidence proves the judgment.

Conclusion

  • Summarize your overall evaluation.
  • Consider the subject’s larger significance, such as its impact, effectiveness, or contribution.

Example Thesis:
Although the documentary 13th relies heavily on statistics, its clear organization, powerful use of interviews, and emotional appeal make it one of the most effective explorations of mass incarceration in recent years.

This thesis gives an overall judgment, “one of the most effective explorations,” and hints at the criteria, organization, interviews, emotional appeal.

Write with Balance and Fairness

Strong evaluations consider multiple sides. Avoid extremes such as “This is the best thing ever” or “This is garbage.” Instead, acknowledge strengths and weaknesses.

For example:

  • The novel’s pacing drags in the middle chapters, but its vivid characters keep readers invested.
  • Although the speech is repetitive, that repetition drives home the central message.

Balanced writing shows depth and credibility.

Maintain an Academic Tone

Even though you are giving your judgment, avoid casual or overly emotional language. Instead of “I think” or “I feel,” write in a confident, analytical voice.

Weak: I feel like the actor was good because he seemed real.
Stronger: The actor delivered a believable performance by using subtle expressions and natural dialogue.

This does not mean stripping away personality. It means grounding your perspective in analysis.

Revise for Clarity and Depth

Good writing does not happen in one draft. After drafting:

  • Re read your thesis: Does it clearly state an overall judgment and criteria?
  • Check each paragraph: Does it focus on one criterion? Does it provide evidence?
  • Trim unnecessary summary or vague statements.
  • Strengthen weak analysis by asking “why” after each judgment.

Peer review is especially helpful here. Another reader can spot gaps in your reasoning or areas that need more evidence.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

  • Too much plot summary. Readers do not need a blow by blow recap. Focus on evaluation.
  • Lack of criteria. Without clear standards, your essay becomes unfocused.
  • Opinion without support. “I liked it” is not enough. Show why.
  • Vagueness. Avoid words like “good,” “bad,” or “boring” unless you explain what makes it so.

Conclusion

A review essay is more than just an opinion piece. It is a structured, evidence based evaluation. By choosing a clear subject, setting specific criteria, balancing summary and analysis, and supporting judgments with evidence, you can craft a review essay that is thoughtful, persuasive, and academically sound.

Remember: the purpose of the review essay is not only to evaluate a specific subject but also to practice evaluative thinking, a skill that transfers to every field, from analyzing research articles in science to assessing business proposals or policy decisions.

When done well, a review essay shows that you can move from “I liked it” or “I did not like it” to a deeper level of analysis: “Here is what worked, here is what did not, and here is why it matters.”

Education Universe College writing, Drama

🎭 So You’re Reading a Play or a Script—Now What?

If you’ve ever read a novel, you already know how stories are told on the page: chapters, paragraphs, narration, dialogue. But what happens when stories are told through performance? That’s where plays and film scripts come in—and they do things a little differently.

Reading a play or screenplay for the first time can feel strange. Where’s the narrator? Why are there so many names in capital letters? And what’s up with all the stage directions? Don’t worry—we’re about to break it down together.

What Is a Play, Really?

Let’s start with plays. A play is a story meant to be performed on a stage by actors in front of a live audience. Instead of using long descriptions or inner thoughts like a novel, a play relies on dialogue and action. That means every word you read is either something a character says or a direction for how something should happen on stage.

The Core Ingredients of a Play:

  • Characters: These are the people in the story. Each one has a unique voice, purpose, and relationships with others.
  • Dialogue: This is the heart of the play. It’s how characters talk, argue, love, and lie. There’s no narrator explaining what’s happening, so we learn everything through what characters say and do.
  • Stage Directions: These are short descriptions (usually in italics or parentheses) that tell actors what to do. They might say things like (She crosses the room) or (A door slams offstage).
  • Acts and Scenes: Plays are typically divided into acts (like chapters) and scenes (smaller segments within acts). Each act might jump to a new location, time, or focus on a different moment in the story.

Types of Plays

Plays come in many flavors. Here are a few common ones:

  • Tragedy: A serious play that usually ends in heartbreak or disaster. Think Romeo and Juliet or Death of a Salesman.
  • Comedy: Light-hearted, often ending happily, and filled with misunderstandings, witty banter, and sometimes slapstick. Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is a good example.
  • Drama: These plays fall somewhere between comedy and tragedy, focusing on realistic characters and emotional themes. A Raisin in the Sun and Fences are classics in this category.
  • Farce: An exaggerated comedy that’s all about silly situations, mistaken identity, and physical humor. Think Noises Off or The Play That Goes Wrong.
  • Musicals: Plays where part of the storytelling happens through song and dance. The script for a musical includes lyrics and stage directions for choreography.

What’s a Script? (And How’s It Different?)

A script for a film or TV show is similar to a play in many ways—it’s also a story told through dialogue and action—but it’s written with the camera in mind.

Scripts are meant for film production, not the stage, so they include lots of directions for camera movement, scene transitions, and visual storytelling.

Key Features of a Film Script:

  • Sluglines: These are headers that show the location and time of day. They usually look like:
    INT. KITCHEN – DAY
    That means the scene takes place inside a kitchen during the day.
  • Action Lines: These describe what’s happening visually. Unlike plays, film scripts often give more detailed instructions for what we’re supposed to see.
    For example:
    John opens the fridge. He stares at a carton of milk, suspicious.
  • Dialogue: Just like in plays, this is where the characters speak. It’s centered on the page with the character’s name above.
  • Parentheticals: These give little cues about how a line should be delivered:
    SARAH (sarcastic) or MARK (whispers)

Major Differences Between Plays and Scripts

FeaturePlaysFilm Scripts
SettingLimited by stage spaceCan change frequently, any place
AudienceLive audience in real-timeWatched on screen, edited
DescriptionsMinimal; relies on performanceDetailed for filming needs
TimeOften continuousCan jump between times/scenes
Technical LanguageLightHeavy with camera and editing info

In short: plays focus more on performance, while scripts focus on visual storytelling.

Tips for Reading Plays and Scripts (Without Getting Lost)

  1. Read it aloud. Plays and scripts were written to be heard. Reading aloud helps bring the rhythm and emotion to life.
  2. Watch a performance if you can. If there’s a film or stage version available, watching it can help you see how the written page becomes live action.
  3. Pay attention to stage directions—but don’t get overwhelmed. You don’t need to memorize every motion. Just use them to imagine the scene.
  4. Notice patterns in dialogue. Who talks the most? Who interrupts? Who stays silent? These clues help you understand the characters.
  5. Think like a director or actor. What does this scene look like? What do the characters want? How do they try to get it?

Important Terms to Know

Here’s a little cheat sheet of common vocabulary you’ll see:

  • Monologue: A long speech by one character (often alone on stage).
  • Soliloquy: A type of monologue where a character speaks their thoughts out loud (usually not heard by others).
  • Aside: A quick comment meant for the audience, not other characters.
  • Blocking: Movement of actors on stage.
  • Cue: A signal for an actor to speak or move, or for a sound/light to happen.
  • Prop: An object used on stage (a book, a knife, a cup of coffee).

A Quick Look at Famous Plays and Scripts

  • Plays:
    • Oedipus Rex by Sophocles (Classic Greek tragedy)
    • Hamlet by Shakespeare (Yes, the “To be or not to be” guy)
    • The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
    • A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
    • Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks
  • Screenplays:
    • The Godfather (Mario Puzo & Francis Ford Coppola)
    • Pulp Fiction (Quentin Tarantino)
    • Get Out (Jordan Peele)
    • Lady Bird (Greta Gerwig)
    • The Social Network (Aaron Sorkin)

You’ll notice that some scripts are incredibly visual, while others feel like conversations you’re eavesdropping on. Either way, it’s about characters, choices, and what happens when people collide.

Why Study Plays and Scripts in a Literature Class?

Good question. It’s not just about reading books—it’s about understanding storytelling in all its forms. Plays and scripts:

  • Teach you how dialogue works.
  • Help you “see” story without needing description.
  • Reveal human emotion through performance.
  • Encourage you to think about what’s shown vs. what’s said.

Plus, plays and scripts often tackle deep themes—family, power, love, injustice—with raw honesty.

Conclusion

Reading plays and scripts is like stepping backstage—you see the nuts and bolts of storytelling. You hear voices more clearly. You imagine how each word, pause, and motion comes together to create something bigger than the page.

So the next time you pick up A Raisin in the Sun or read the Get Out screenplay, don’t stress the format. Just ask: What are these people saying? What are they doing? And why does it matter?

Education Universe Uncategorized

How to Analyze a Song: A Guide for College Students

Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, offering insights into culture, emotions, and even social movements. Analyzing a song allows you to engage with its deeper layers, exploring its themes, structure, and impact. This guide will walk you through the process of analyzing a song, helping you develop a comprehensive understanding of its elements.

1. Start with Initial Impressions

Before diving into technical analysis, take time to listen to the song in its entirety, preferably multiple times. Consider your emotional response and any images or thoughts the song evokes. Ask yourself:

  • What is my initial reaction to this song?
  • How does it make me feel?
  • What stands out on a first listen?

Take note of your first impressions—they often provide valuable insight into the song’s overall tone and mood.

2. Examine the Lyrics

The lyrics are the most direct way a songwriter communicates their message. Follow these steps to break down the lyrical content:

  • Identify the Theme: What is the song about? Is it telling a story, making a statement, or expressing a particular emotion?
  • Analyze the Language: Look for literary devices such as metaphors, similes, imagery, and symbolism. For example, in Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind, the repeated question “How many…?” symbolizes unanswered social injustices.
  • Consider the Structure: Are there verses, a chorus, a bridge, or a refrain? How does the repetition of specific lines or phrases affect the message or mood?

Example: Beyoncé’s Formation uses both direct and implied language to discuss Black identity and resilience. Phrases like “I like my baby hair with baby hair and afros” celebrate cultural heritage while pushing back against societal standards.

3. Analyze the Musical Composition

Music, independent of lyrics, conveys emotion and meaning through its sound. Pay attention to:

  • Melody and Harmony: Is the melody smooth and flowing, or is it fragmented? Does the harmony complement or contrast with the melody?
  • Instrumentation: Identify the instruments used. What role does each play in creating the song’s atmosphere? For instance, the use of strings can evoke sadness or tension, while guitars often bring energy or grit.
  • Rhythm and Tempo: Is the rhythm fast or slow? How does the tempo influence the mood? A slow ballad may evoke introspection, while an upbeat tempo might create excitement or urgency.
  • Dynamics: Notice changes in volume and intensity. Crescendos and diminuendos can signify emotional highs and lows within the song.
  • Production: Pay attention to how the song is produced. Effects like reverb, distortion, or autotune can enhance or alter the mood. For example, Billie Eilish’s use of whisper-like vocals and layered effects in bury a friend creates an eerie, haunting atmosphere.

4. Explore the Vocal Delivery

A singer’s voice is an instrument in itself. Consider:

  • Tone and Emotion: Does the vocalist sound joyful, sorrowful, angry, or calm? How does their tone enhance the song’s meaning?
  • Dynamics in Performance: Pay attention to vocal shifts—are there moments of shouting, whispering, or falsetto? These changes can reflect emotional intensity.
  • Articulation and Diction: How clearly are the words sung? Slurred or deliberately unclear articulation might create ambiguity or a dreamlike quality.
  • Interaction with Lyrics: Does the vocal delivery align with or contradict the message? A cheerful tone paired with somber lyrics can create irony, as seen in Lily Allen’s Smile.

5. Investigate the Song’s Structure

Song structures vary across genres, but most follow a recognizable pattern. Common forms include:

  • Verse-Chorus Form: Alternates between verses and a repeated chorus. The chorus often contains the song’s main message or hook.
  • Through-Composed: A linear structure where new material is introduced throughout the song without repetition.
  • AABA Form: Often found in jazz or classic pop, this form includes two similar sections (A), a contrasting section (B), and a return to the original section (A).

Analyze how the structure supports the song’s narrative or emotional arc. Does it build to a climax? Does it repeat themes for emphasis?

Example: Adele’s Someone Like You uses repetition in the chorus to drive home the emotional weight of heartbreak.

6. Understand the Genre and Style

Each musical genre has its conventions and traditions. Identifying the genre can guide your analysis:

  • Pop: Typically emphasizes memorable melodies and relatable lyrics.
  • Rock: Focuses on electric guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and themes of rebellion or introspection.
  • Hip-Hop: Often highlights rhythm, wordplay, and social commentary.
  • Jazz: Known for improvisation, complex harmonies, and emotional depth.
  • Classical: Emphasizes instrumental arrangements, dynamic shifts, and intricate compositions.

Analyze how the song adheres to or diverges from its genre’s norms. Artists often innovate within their genres to create something unique.

7. Contextualize the Song

A song doesn’t exist in isolation. Its meaning can be influenced by:

  • Cultural and Historical Context: Research what was happening in the world when the song was released. Protest songs like Sam Cooke’s A Change Is Gonna Come carry historical significance tied to the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Artist’s Intent: Consider the artist’s background, influences, and intent. Interviews, liner notes, or documentaries can provide valuable insights.
  • Audience Reception: How has the song been received by listeners? Have interpretations changed over time?

8. Evaluate the Visual Elements

If the song has a music video or live performance, analyze how visual elements contribute to its meaning:

  • Imagery: Does the video use symbolism or specific colors to convey themes?
  • Narrative: Is there a storyline that complements or contrasts with the lyrics?
  • Performance Style: How does the artist’s body language or stage presence enhance the song?

Example: Childish Gambino’s This Is America juxtaposes vibrant dance sequences with graphic violence to critique American culture.

9. Synthesize Your Analysis

Bring all your observations together to form a cohesive interpretation. Ask yourself:

  • What is the song’s overall message or purpose?
  • How do the lyrics, music, and visuals work together to achieve this purpose?
  • What makes this song unique or impactful?

Create a summary that ties these elements together, offering your unique perspective on the song.

10. Write a Detailed Analysis

When writing your analysis, structure it clearly. Include:

  • Introduction: Briefly introduce the song, artist, and purpose of your analysis. State your thesis—your interpretation of the song’s meaning.
  • Body Paragraphs: Discuss each element in detail, supporting your claims with examples. Dedicate paragraphs to lyrics, musical composition, vocal delivery, and other relevant aspects.
  • Conclusion: Summarize your analysis and restate your thesis. Reflect on the song’s impact or relevance.

Example Analysis: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

  • Introduction: Describe the song’s unique blend of rock, opera, and ballad elements.
  • Lyrics: Analyze the ambiguity of the story (murder confession, existential crisis) and use of metaphor.
  • Composition: Examine how shifts in tempo and genre mirror the song’s emotional journey.
  • Vocal Delivery: Highlight Freddie Mercury’s dynamic range and emotional intensity.
  • Context: Explore its release during a period of experimentation in rock music.
  • Conclusion: Discuss why the song remains iconic and its impact on music history.

Analyzing a song is a rewarding process that sharpens your critical thinking and deepens your appreciation for music. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to uncover the layers of meaning within any song, transforming a listening experience into an intellectual journey.