The Broken Bonds of Parenthood

The bond between a parent and child is perhaps the most close-knit by nature. Children look to their parents for love, guidance and approval. Parents are the givers and protectors of a child's life. Most parents strive to give their children a better life than the one they had. However, sometimes parents, while having the best intentions, end up alienating their children and causing tension in the relationship. In Marsha Norman's 'night, Mother and August Wilson's Fences, the flawed parents effect on his or her child is explored through the characters of Thelma Cates and Troy Maxson.

When a child learns that their parent has lied to them, they feel betrayed. In 'night, Mother, Thelma Cates is a woman who truly loves her daughter. She would do anything to protect her daughter, Jessie. Throughout Jessie's life, Thelma has lied to her to keep her from the truth. Jessie has epilepsy, which causes her to have seizures. Jessie thinks her seizures occurred as a result of her falling off a horse. However, we learn that Jessie has suffered from them since she was five years old and that she inherited it from her father. When Jessie finds out she is shocked:
Jessie: So what if he had fits? It's not inherited. I fell off the
horse. It was an accident.

Mother: The horse wasn't the first time, Jessie. You had a fit
when you were five.
Jessie: I did not.
Mother: You did! You were eating a popsicle and down you went.
He gave it to you. It's his fault, not mine.
Jessie: Well, you took your time telling me.
Mother: How do you tell that to a five-year-old? (929).

Thelma, while trying to protect her daughter, has caused more tension between the two of them. Her lies have added to Jessie's problems. She feels used, lied and like she has nothing to lose.

The lies of Troy Maxson in Fences also add to the troubles of his son. His infidelity not only impacts his relationship with his wife, but also with his son Cory. Cory is unable to understand how his mother puts up with the ways of his father. Cory does not know how to trust his father. This has caused a huge rift in their relationship. Instead of respecting his father, Cory developed a fear for him: "All you ever did was try to make me scared of you. I used to tremble everytime I heard you call my name" (1435). Cory does not trust his father. That bond has been broken between them. Both Thelma and Troy, through their deceptive acts, have caused undo stress on their children.

Deep down, Both Thelma and Troy want what is best for their children. Thelma thinks that by ignoring her problems, they will cease to exist. Therefore, she never talks about her problems with Jessie. As a result, Jessie grows to believe that her mother is ashamed of her. She feels like she is a burden to her mother and she feels that she was nothing going on for her in life. She makes the decision that she is going to kill herself. She feels that for the first time in her life she is taking control of what she has to do. This will be the first thing she does without her mother's approval. Her mother tries to talk her out of it, but it is too late. By ignoring the problems for so long, Thelma has created an even bigger problem

When a child feels that they do not have the approval of a parent, they begin to feel bad and doubt themselves. In Fences Cory knows that his father does not approve of his choice to play football. This puts a strain on their relationship because Cory thinks that his father does not like him. Cory confronts his father and expresses this to him following an argument they have concerning Cory's football team: "How come you ain't never liked me?" (1411). Corey feels that no matter what he does, his father will not accept him. Deep down Troy wants the best for Cory. However, he does not realize that by keeping Cory away from his dream, he is pushing Cory away from him. As a result, Cory resents his father and thinks that he is jealous, because Cory is going to make more out of his life than Troy has. But Troy thinks that by getting a "real job", Cory is securing his future.
Despite the similarities that occur between Norman's Thelma and Wilson's Troy, there is a difference in the structure of the relationship they share with their kids. Thelma is dependent on Jessie. Their relationship is defined by nonexistent boundaries. Thelma and Jessie cross back and forth. They take care of each other and rely on each other for strength. At times, Jessie is more of a parent to Thelma:
Jessie, how can I live here without you? I need you! You're supposed to tell me to stand up straight and say how nice I look in my pink dress, and drink my milk. You're supposed to go around and lock up so I know we're safe for the night, and when I wake up, you're supposed to be out there making coffee and watching me get older every day, and you're supposed to help me die when the time comes. I can't do that by myself Jessie (931).

This exemplifies how dependent, emotionally, Thelma is on Jessie. She needs Jessie, when as her mother, she should be taking care of her.
Troy, on the other hand is the complete opposite. He does not want to rely on anyone for anything. He looks at his family as a responsibility rather than as separate relationships. He feels that his purpose in life is to work hard and provide for his family. As long as he does that, he does not see the need for anything else. We learn this from his argument with Cory: "I go out every morning…bust my butt…putting up with them crackers everyday…'cause I like you? You are the biggest fool I ever saw. It's my job, It's my responsibility!" (1412). Unlike Thelma, Troy is sure of his position as the authoritarian. However, both parenting styles are detrimental to their children and cause lasting effects. Both end up adding to the distance between them as parent and child.

The relationships between Thelma and Jessie Cates in 'night, Mother and Troy and Cory Maxson on Fences are strained beyond a shadow of a doubt. However, in 'night, Mother we are led to believe that the relationship is somewhat mended before, Jessie takes her life. But, in Fences Troy is dead before Cory comes to the realization that the more her tried not to be like his father, the more he became his father.