Fences

Multiple Choice

1. B (I.1)

2. C (I.3)

3. D (I.3)

4. A (I.4)

5. D (I.4)

6. B (I.4)

7. C (I.4)

8. A (II.1)

9. B (II.2)

10. D (II.4)

11. B (II.4)

12. C (II.5)

13. A (II.5)

14. C (II.5)

15. D (II.5)

Long Answer

1. The garden flashes back to Rose’s earlier complaint that she planted the seed of her life in Troy’s rocky soil and stayed with him even when she learned nothing would grow. This new garden, which will grow, is symbolic of Rose’s new life without Troy, where she may find love. (II.5)

2. The Maxson male coming-of-age ritual of physical fights with a father and then departure from home is destructive for both Troy and Cory because the men do not learn how to be loving, supporting fathers within their own families. Thus, the cycle of angry men continues. At the play’s end, Rose suggests Cory can break the cycle by giving up his anger toward Troy and accepting Troy as he was.