Many causes made Troy Maxson the dishonest, cantankerous, hypocritical person he is in August Wilson's play, "Fences" (1985). Troy had a particularly unpleasant childhood. He grew up with a very violent father who beat him daily. His mother even abandoned him when he was eight years old. In this play, Troy habitually lies and tries to cover up by accusing others of lying. He is a very astringent person in general. His dream of becoming a major league baseball player was dashed because of his time in prison. By the time he was released from prison, he was too old to play baseball effectively. Troy is a very self-centered individual. He only cares about the issues that concern him. For example, he wants to be able to drive garbage trucks to his job like white men do. In Act One, Scene One, Troy tells Bono that he talked to his boss, Mr. Rand, about truck driving. “How come all the white people are driving and the black people are standing up? (1332). If things in Troy's life don't go the way he wants, he turns into a victim and seeks sympathy from others. Also, if he does something wrong, he never accepts responsibility, never admits his wrongdoing and no matter how much distress he causes anyone, he never apologizes for it . Although Troy doesn't physically abuse his children like his father did to him. , he verbally insults them. He treats Cory very insensitive and unfair. In a way, Troy takes out his frustrations from an unsuccessful baseball career by not allowing Cory to pursue his dream of playing football. Troy shattered Cory's dream. In act one, scene four, Cory expresses his misery. “Why do you want to do this to me? It's... middle of paper... telling the truth. He speaks honestly about his father and how he is a lot like him. He also admits that the only difference between him and his father is that he doesn't beat his children. Troy provided for his family. Additionally, even though he was very hard on Cory, he admitted that he was responsible for taking care of himself and the rest of the family. In act one, scene three, Troy explains to Cory why he treats him the way he does. Cory asks, “How come you never loved me?” (1346). Troy can't admit that he loves his own son, so he points out that he doesn't need to love him to provide for him. “[…] Because it is my duty to take care of you. I have a responsibility to you! […] I must not love you” (1347). Deep down, somewhere in the dark abyss that is Troy's heart, he genuinely cares about his family. He just has a very different way of articulating it..