Rose Maxson is a complex and multi-faceted character in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Fences" by August Wilson. She is the wife of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player who now works as a garbage collector in 1950s Pittsburgh. Throughout the play, Rose struggles to come to terms with her husband's infidelity, his difficult personality, and his inability to fully provide for and support his family. Despite these challenges, Rose remains a strong and resilient character who ultimately finds a way to assert her own agency and independence.
One of the most notable aspects of Rose's character is her fierce loyalty and devotion to her husband. Despite Troy's many flaws and his tendency to be emotionally distant and critical, Rose remains by his side and tries her best to support him. She is patient and understanding, even when he is at his worst, and she never gives up on him. This loyalty is tested when Troy confesses to having an affair with Alberta, a woman he worked with at the A&P. Rose is understandably devastated by this revelation, and she spends much of the play grappling with feelings of hurt and betrayal. However, even in the face of this betrayal, Rose remains committed to her marriage and to working through the issues with Troy.
In addition to her loyalty to Troy, Rose is also a strong and independent woman in her own right. Despite living in a time when women were expected to be subservient to their husbands and to prioritize their husband's needs above their own, Rose refuses to be passive or to let Troy dictate her life. She stands up for herself and for what she believes in, even when it means going against Troy's wishes. For example, when Troy refuses to allow their son Cory to pursue a college football scholarship, Rose intervenes and encourages Cory to follow his dreams. She also takes the lead in the family's financial planning and decision-making, using her skills as a seamstress to supplement the family's income and ensure that they are able to afford the necessities of life.
Ultimately, Rose's determination and strength of character allow her to find a way to move on from the pain and heartache caused by Troy's infidelity. She finds the courage to leave him and to start a new life on her own, and she is able to find a sense of peace and fulfillment in this new independence. This transformation is a testament to Rose's resilience and her ability to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.
In conclusion, Rose Maxson is a complex and dynamic character who embodies the struggles and triumphs of women in a time when they were often underestimated and marginalized. Despite the many challenges she faces, she remains a strong and independent woman who refuses to let anyone else dictate her life. Through her loyalty, determination, and resilience, Rose is able to find a sense of agency and independence, and she serves as an inspiring role model for all who encounter her.
