WAEC Literature in English 2021 Theory — Question 17

Model answer

Points to develop: relation to theme; definition and explanation of plot; identification of character; events before Raynell's integration into Maxton's family; Raynell as a source of comfort for the family. Fences centres on racial discrimination and its negative impact on the lives of African Americans in the 1950s; Troy Maxton complicates an already uneasy family life with his extra-marital affair with Alberta. Raynell is Troy's extra-marital daughter, whose mother Alberta dies in childbirth; she is brought home by Troy, 'wrapped in blankets', becoming Cory and Lyons's step-sister and Gabriel's niece. Before her birth, the Maxton family's events seem largely under control, but Raynell's entry into the family introduces the most significant crisis Maxton must handle, since Rose is disowned by Troy as his wife over the affair. Rose's acceptance of Raynell eases the crisis, and things are never the same again in the relationship until Troy's death, after which Raynell is left with Rose, who introduces her to Cory and Lyons as her elder siblings.