Fences by August Wilson could be compared to Othello by Shakespeare. Both of the plays share themes of racial discrimination and are at least in part about how the main character feels outcasted by society. Due to the discrimination that both characters faced, they feel the need to prove themselves to others, so they’ll be respected. Both plays have infidelity as a plot point, but in Othello Desdemona is falsely accused while in Fences it’s the main character, Troy, who has an affair. Troy and Othello are both tragic heroes, as their own flaws are what cause their downfall. Much like Othello, Troy was unable to reach his full potential in a racist and prejudiced society. If Venice had been accepting of Othello he could have lived a happy life with a successful career, and if Chicago had been accepting of Troy and his race, then Troy likely would have had successful career and happy life as well.