CORY: I live here too! I ain’t scared of you. I was walking by you to go into the house cause you sitting on the steps drunk, singing to yourself. I ain’t got to say excuse me to you. You don’t count around here any more. Now why don’t you just get out my way. You talking about what you did for me... what’d you ever give me? You ain’t never gave me…
Act II, Scene 4 — Cory's Confrontation — Fences
Cory finally stands up to his father, Troy, challenging his authority and expressing years of resentment over Troy's controlling nature. The scene marks a pivotal shift in power as Cory refuses to show deference to a man he no longer respects, leading to a physical and emotional breaking point.
Format: Monologue · Genre: Drama · Source: Fences · Author: August Wilson · Characters: Cory, Troy
About This Scene
This monologue, lasting approximately two minutes, comes from Act II, Scene 4 of August Wilson's iconic play, Fences. It captures a searingly intense and pivotal moment where Cory, at an age between 18-25, confronts his father, Troy, following years of simmering resentment and conflict. The scene is a powerful display of a young man coming of age and finally challenging deeply ingrained family dynamics, marking a significant turning point in their strained relationship.
Character Analysis
Cory is a young man brimming with raw emotion, years of pent-up frustration, and a fierce desire to forge his own path, independent of his overbearing father. He embodies the archetypes of the rebel and outsider, yet beneath his outward intensity lies a vulnerable core, deeply wounded by his father's actions. While he presents a strong, defiant front in this moment, his words also reveal the profound impact of generational trauma and the pain of feeling held back.
Why This Works for Auditions
This monologue is a powerhouse for auditions due to its dramatic weight and the ample opportunities it provides for an actor to showcase a wide range of emotions and intensity. It demands a performer who can convey both righteous anger and underlying vulnerability, demonstrating a strong grasp of character development within a short timeframe. The clear arc of Cory's confrontation, moving from defiance to raw accusation, makes it excellent for demonstrating an actor's ability to drive a scene.
Best Suited For
This monologue is exceptionally well-suited for male actors aged 18-25 who are looking for challenging, emotionally rich material for drama school auditions, agent showcases, or self-tapes. Its tone and thematic depth make it perfect for those casting types seeking an "intense," "rebel," or "vulnerable" young male performer. It provides a fantastic opportunity to embody a character grappling with significant internal and external conflict.
Performance Tips
When approaching this monologue, focus on Cory's journey of escalating defiance and the underlying pain that fuels his anger. Explore the physical manifestation of his emotional breaking point; where does this confrontation reside in his body? Pay close attention to the rhythm and musicality of August Wilson's language, allowing the words to build momentum and intensity naturally. Finally, remember that even in his biggest outburst, Cory is still desperate for a different kind of relationship with his father, even if he can't articulate it – let that subtle yearning inform your performance.