Fences

Throughout the play, Gabriel blows his trumpet for St. Peter to open the gates of Heaven. At Troy’s funeral, Gabriel repeats this action. What is taking place in the final stage direction, and how is it connected to the play as a whole? Consider the characterization of Troy and Gabriel in your interpretation; you might want to revisit these points as you formulate your response.

• Why is the trumpet silent during the first two blows but sounds at the third blow? 
• What “frightful realization” does Gabriel have? 
• Why can’t a “sane and normal” mind withstand the “trauma” of Gabriel’s realization? 
• Why does Gabriel dance? 
• What is the purpose of Gabriel’s howl or “song turning back into itself”? 
• Why does Peter open the gates for Troy?

Teaching Suggestion: Some students might need additional background knowledge to understand the allusion to St. Peter. Peter was a Jewish fisherman who was called to be a disciple of Jesus. However, Peter is said to have denied Jesus three times when Jesus was arrested. Catholics regard Peter as the first in an unbroken line of papal succession. Jesus promised Peter the “keys of the kingdom,” which led to his depiction as the heavenly gatekeeper. Consider suggesting that students relate the three denials and the three trumpet blows to the three strikes Troy counts against Cory.