1) What is Gabriel's role in Fences, and how does his first visit in Act 1, Scene 2 foreshadow the end of the play?

2) What role does guilt play in Troy's attitude toward Gabriel in Fences?

Answer:

1.

Gabriel, who was injured in World War II, believes that he is the Archangel Gabriel. The Archangel Gabriel of the Bible is one of God's chief messengers and is sometimes regarded as the angel of death. He will blow his trumpet to announce the second coming. In the play Gabriel believes that he already died and went to heaven, where he spent time with St. Peter—who according to the Bible holds the keys to heaven's gate. In Act 1, Scene 2 Gabriel says that one day, when St. Peter had his book open (the book of life, from Revelations), "marking it up for the judgment," he saw Troy's name. He hastens to add that Rose's name is there, too—he's sure of it, because everyone's name is in there. But evoking the image of Troy's name in St. Peter's book suggests that death, and judgment, will come sooner for Troy than for other characters in the play.

2.

Troy respects that Gabriel fought in the war. He feels bad that his brother has suffered, and he does what he can to help. Troy also supports Gabriel's being free rather than being locked away in an institution, where Rose thinks he would be safer. Despite his severe brain injury, Gabriel can sense that Troy has a problem with him. Troy does harbor resentment toward his brother, accompanied by guilt and shame. Troy's pride is wounded by the fact that his home's down payment came from a $3,000 payment Gabriel received immediately after his injury. Troy couldn't afford the home otherwise, though he works as hard as he can. Troy resents the fact that his brother moved out, taking his monthly disability pay with him and making it more difficult for Troy and Rose to pay the bills. And, of course, Troy feels guilty for feeling resentful—his brother, after all, paid a terrible price for his financial freedom.