Character Interactions and Emotions in Drama

In this scene from 'Fences' by August Wilson, Rose is waiting for Troy while listening to a ballgame. Troy arrives with an infant, creating tension between them. He reflects on his fears and past experiences of homelessness, singing a lullaby to the child. Rose ultimately decides to care for the child, acknowledging its innocence, but tells Troy he is now a 'womanless man.'

What is Rose doing at the beginning of the scene?

• Listening to music

• Listening to the ballgame

• Cooking dinner

• Reading a book

What does Troy carry when he enters the yard?

• A bouquet of flowers

• A baseball bat

• An infant

• A suitcase

How does the silence between Troy and Rose feel?

• Joyful

• Awkward

• Indifferent

• Comfortable

What does Troy express to the baby about his feelings?

• He is happy

• He is angry

• He is scared

• He is confident

What past experience does Troy share with the baby?

• Traveling abroad

• Being homeless

• Winning a baseball game

• Getting married

What does Troy say about his own hands?

• They are dirty

• They are weak

• They are small

• They are great big old hands

What does Troy say about his past homelessness?

• He was homeless alone

• He was homeless with friends

• He was never homeless

• He was homeless with a baby

What does Troy sing to the baby?

• A nursery rhyme

• A song about love

• A lullaby about a train

• A hymn

What does Troy say about the trains?

• They are fast

• They are loud

• They are comforting

• They are scary

What does Troy ask Rose when she re-enters?

• To leave him alone

• To help him with the baby

• To make dinner

• To call a friend