In "Fences" by August Wilson, Rose Maxson proves that a woman in the 1950's can have the upper hand. Rose is the heart of the Maxson family and the peacemaker. Her husband, Troy, is a bully which only makes Rose stronger. Living in the 1950's was difficult time for an African-American woman, but she made it work. Thinking more towards the good and not so much the bad, Rose realizes that times are changing for the better. In Troy's opinion, the black man will always be inferior. Lyons, who is Troy's son from a previous marriage, seems to always come around whenever he wants something. Rose feels that Lyons only needs a little help and guidance, but Troy refuses to give it to him. So Rose decides to demand it for her stepson. Cory, Rose and Troy's son, on the other hand has made a way for himself and only wants acceptance from Troy.
             Rose encourages Cory to play football and keep good grades, but Troy tries to rain on his success.
             Rose manages to keep her sprits up, despite hardships and not enough money. She feels that family is the richest resource anywhere. "Rose finds sweet strength in moments of repose and broad vulnerability during heated exchanges."(Lillie) Lillie also expresses the amazing qualities in Rose. First there is hope for a better future for African American women and by extension, for all humankind. "What should a realist expect of Troy Maxson, who was abandoned by his mother at age eight, fled a brutal, lustful father at age fourteen, began to steal for a living, and served fifteen years on a murder charge?"(Coussoule).
             One can only hope for some measure of good, and Troy exceeds a realist's expectations. He holds a steady but disagreeable job as a garbage collector, supports a wife and son, stays sober six days a week, and wins his own private civil-rights battle to become a driver. He remains faithful to Rose for eighteen years before he fa...