We do not have to play host

Wilson prefaces his drama Fences, with the following short poem.

 

     When the sins of the fathers visit us



 

     We do not have to play host.

 

     We can banish them with forgiveness

 

     As God, in His Largeness and Laws.

 

This poem covers one of the major themes of Fences.  Knowing some of August Wilson’s background and his purpose for writing historically about Black American life, what do you think Wilson mean by “sins of our father”?  What does he suggest we do with such sins? What does he mean by that? How do you connect ALL of the roles of fathers and sons in Fences with this poem?

 

 

Just One good paragraph