# A Parent’s Guide to the Film “Fences”

Fences is a phenomenal period drama film that weaves together important themes of race, family, dreams, and reality. To truly enjoy this cinematic experience with your children, it’s useful to go into it with an understanding of its complex layers. This comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide aims to give you all the context and guidance you need.

## H2: Unveiling the Context: An Introduction to “Fences”

Fences is no ordinary film. The screenplay, penned by August Wilson, is adapted from his Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. The film is layered with historical references, complex characters, and intense emotion. Understanding these can greatly enrich your family’s viewing experience.

### H3: The Plotline

Set in the 1950s, the film tells the story of Troy Maxson, a black man in Pittsburgh struggling to provide for his family as a waste collector. As the narrative progresses, it delves into the struggles and dreams of Troy and his family amid racial prejudices. The film’s title itself is a metaphor for the emotional fences that Troy builds around him.

## H2: Key Themes and Symbols

Different themes and motifs crisscross to make Fences the heart-rending drama it is. Familiarizing with these themes can facilitate thoughtful and insightful discussions with your children post-viewing.

### H3: The American Dream

One of the prevalent themes in Fences is the American Dream. To Troy Maxson, this dream seems elusive due to his racial identity and historical context.

### H3: Family Dynamics and Relationships

A major theme of the drama is the dynamics and complex relationships within Troy’s family. These relationships serve as a mirror of the social dynamics of the time, as well as a broader reflection on human relationships, generational gaps, and misunderstandings.

### H3: Race and Society

Fences provides a snapshot of the experiences of African-Americans in the 1950s. By talking about these historical realities, you can introduce your children to the complexities of racism and the value of empathy and respect for all.

## H2: Preparing Your Kids for “Fences”

Before watching Fences with your kids, it might be useful to prepare them for some of the intense scenes and sensitive topics that the film explores. Consider how much your child already understands about race, inequality, and adult relationships – and how comfortable they might be with conversations around these themes.

### H3: Understanding Emotional Scenes

Fences contain several emotionally intense scenes that can be difficult for kids to process. Explain to your kids that the movie showcases the characters’ real emotions and struggles, allowing them to empathize while introducing them to the harsh realities of life.

### H3: Age-Appropriate Discussions

Discuss how much of the movie’s context and themes your kid would be able to understand based on their age. Initiate discussions with your children on various themes after watching, enabling them to grasp better the profound narration that Fences offers.

By understanding and discussing Fences’ context and themes, you’re not only enriching your family’s viewing experience but also opening the door to thoughtful conversations on complex real-life issues.

## H2: Fences – A Pedagogical Tool

Beyond being an engaging story, Fences can serve as a valuable educational tool for your children, providing opportunities to learn about history, societal issues, as well as universal themes of love, dreams, and family dynamics.

### H3: Historical Insights

“Fences” offers an eye-opening glimpse into the struggles of African-Americans in the 1950s. It can provide a historical perspective for kids about these difficult times, enabling them to understand more deeply the issues of race and discrimination.

### H3: Moral Lessons

The film “Fences” can help your child develop empathy towards people from different walks of life. Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, understanding their decisions, and sympathizing with their predicaments. This practice can inspire compassion and acceptance towards diverse experiences and backgrounds.

## H2: Post-Film Discussions

Watching “Fences” can lead to many thoughtful conversations with your kids. Use these discussions to deepen your children’s understanding of the film and its themes, and encourage critical thinking.

### H3: Reflecting on Characters and their Actions

Ask your kids how they felt about different characters and their actions, encouraging them to think in nuanced ways about the complexities of human behavior.

### H3: Digging Deeper into Themes

Discuss the broader themes of the film. Engage your kids in conversations about the American dream, racial prejudice, and family relationships. These discussions can help them relate the film to the real world, stimulating deeper understanding and empathy.

By engaging with the film “Fences” this way, you will not just be partaking in a cinematic journey with your children, but also using it as a powerful tool to guide them through complex historical and societal themes, enhancing their emotional intelligence and understanding of the world.

5 Crucial Tips In Preparing for Fences Film

Planning to watch the Fences film with your family? That’s a brilliant idea! It’s a great tool for bonding and facilitating open-minded discussions with your kids. However, there are several things parents should know when preparing for the Fences film. It’s not just about grabbing popcorns, but understanding what the movie is all about and discussing it with your children. Here are five tips that can help:

1. Understand The Theme And Plot

The Fences film is based on a play by August Wilson. It portrays the life of an African American man, Troy Maxson, grappling with racial discrimination and familial issues in the mid-20th century. As a parent, understanding the film’s theme and plot beforehand will help you guide your children throughout the movie.

2. Age Appropriateness

Fences is a PG-13 movie due to its mature and intense themes. Assess if your child is old enough to grasp the complex issues addressed in the film. Moderation and judgment are necessary before introducing them to such subjects.

3. Open Discussion After Watching

The Fences film dives deep into topics like racism, loyalty, family dynamics, and personhood. After watching, engage in a meaningful discussion with your children to answer their queries and clear their doubts regarding the movie’s message.

4. Highlight The Role Of Performances And Cinematography

The film’s visual appeal is undeniable thanks to its impressive cinematography, and the performances are top-notch. Use this as a platform to introduce your kids to the nuances of film making, acting, script-writing, and more.

5. Analyze The Characters And Their Actions

Finally, teaching your children to critically analyze character behavior and actions is a great way to enhance their cognitive skills. Use the main characters in the film, their decisions and consequences, as perfect examples to discuss right and wrong.

In summary, the Fences film is not just an entertainment tool, but a medium to educate and bond with your children about life’s important issues. Don’t just watch; interact, analyze, and learn together.
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