Contemporary Quote by Denzel Washington
![“Even though the story [Fences] is set during the 1950s, some contemporary women might have trouble understanding her decision.” quote by Denzel Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/21f/denzel-washington-1345_contemporary_even-though-the-story-fences-is-set-duri_798340.jpg)
“Even though the story [Fences] is set during the 1950s, some contemporary women might have trouble understanding her decision.”
About This Quote
Source Film: Fences (1996) – based on August Wilson play
Historical setting may obscure modern readers’ empathy for a woman’s choices.
In simple terms: Past context can make contemporary characters seem alien.
Key Takeaway
Consider historical context when judging characters.
Themes
empathy
history
gender roles
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- literature classes
- film discussions
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
cultural relativism
character analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you bring to historical stories?
- How can you bridge past and present perspectives?
A Different Perspective
Modern audiences may project current values onto past narratives.
![“It just happened that we did [Fences] seven years ago on Broadway. Scott Rudin brought me August Wilson's original screenplay for it, and I realized I hadn't read the play. So I read it. Then I realized that Troy (my character) was 53 - and I was 55 at the time. I realized I better hurry up! I…” quote by Denzel Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c64/denzel-washington-1345_august_it-just-happened-that-we-did-fences-seve_1828104.jpg)
![“You'll see some great performances [in Fences]. And I'm not just saying that because I directed it either! You'll see!” quote by Denzel Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d30/denzel-washington-1345_fence_you-ll-see-some-great-performances-in-fe_624268.jpg)
![“[Rose from "Fences"] couldn't just jump out there. Not just because of economic reasons but because how she was looked at in society at the time. There were a lot of factors that made you stay I guess.” quote by Denzel Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/967/denzel-washington-1345_economic_rose-from-fences-couldn-t-just-jump-out_1082420.jpg)
![“I really wanted to show [in "fences"] a marriage that is working. Not perfect, but working.” quote by Viola Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/db5/viola-davis-1174_fence_i-really-wanted-to-show-in-fences-a-marr_1429716.jpg)
![“For me, that was a hard scene [in "Fences"] to do twenty-something times, which (laughing), I counted. That was difficult, but once I did it, I felt like I could do anything.” quote by Viola Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/afd/viola-davis-1174_difficult_for-me-that-was-a-hard-scene-in-fences-t_352378.jpg)
![“I'll be working with Ridley's [Scott] brother, Tony, again, someone who needless to say we've had a great amount of success together. I trust him - so I won't have to think about it or I'll try not to.” quote by Denzel Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/740/denzel-washington-1345_amount_i-ll-be-working-with-ridley-s-scott-brot_41793.jpg)
