What is a normal parent-child relationship? Does anyone out there have it? Can anyone define standard family behavior? There is no set norm. Therefore, Troy and Cory Maxson are not deviating from the accepted family demeanor. Although Troy and Cory both exhibit seemingly odd feelings and acts towards each other, they hold the one family norm there is: love. It may not be on the surface, but the two men care deeply for and respect each other. They are two men partaking in what is known as tough love.
             The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, so the saying goes. It rings true in Troy and Cory's case. Troy, a powerful and determined man, has walked a long arduous road to get where he is in life. Cory too is strong and stubborn, yet he has not faced the hardships of his father. Troy has worked hard and expects nothing but the best, both from himself and from Cory. He demands that Cory be responsible and logical in life. Troy tells Cory this from the very beginning:
             "The white man ain't gonna let you get nowhere with that football noway. You go on and get your book-learning so you can work yourself up in that A&P or learn how to fix cars or build houses or something, get you a trade. That way you have something can't nobody take away from you." (p.224)
             Cory's dreams of success through football are destructive to his true needs. Troy at one point in time had rested his hopes on sports, but his dreams had been snubbed. Troy only wanted Cory to be all that he himself had missed out on. When Troy denies Cory of football, he is opening a door to reality.
             Outside of their fenced-in yard lies the rest of the world. The pressures that push in from the outside are enough to drive any man crazy. Troy is attempting to balance both realities, but he is receiving little help. At home he must make enough money to satisfy his wife and children. At work Troy struggles with power between his boss and the white...