The Piano Lesson by August Wilson

Abstract

The symbolism of the piano is prominent in the play “the piano lesson” by August Wilson. The play revolves around two characters, Berneice and her brother Boy Willie. Boy Willie wanted to sale out the piano and in return buys Mr. Sutter's land where his ancestors were enslaved for years. Boy Willie thought by buying the land he will revenge the hardships and sufferings faced by their ancestors. Whereas his sister Berneice was against her brother's decision. According to Berneice the piano was the only asset of their family. Piano was the true symbol of their history, sufferings, violence, strength and dignity of her family.

Thesis statement1

Introduction1

Discussion3

Piano as symbol of slavory3

Piano as symbol of strength and suffering4

Piano as symbol of violence4

Climax of the play5

Symbolism of piano at larger spectrum6

Conclusion7

The Piano Lesson by August Wilson

Thesis statement

Piano in the play “the piano lesson” is the symbol of history, suffering, slavery of the Charles family.

Introduction

August Wilson faced different sort of radical discrimination from his childhood. When he was in school his teacher blamed him for plagiarism. He wrote a 20 pages report on Napoleon. His teacher didn't believe that how a black man can write such an excellent report. The principal backed up the teacher, and Wilson was expelled from school. However, he continued his education in the library of Pittsburgh. Not too long afterward, he proved himself as one of the greatest American playwrights of all times. Wilson began his writing career as a poet. He was famous for his ten-play cycle that summarizes the American-African experience in 20th century. This cycle is commonly known as Pittsburgh cycle as most of the plays were directed at Pittsburg. This cycle plays an important role in the history of American drama. The plays by Wilson have won almost all awards. The play 'the piano lesson' won the Pulitzer award in 1990 (Shannon, p.27).

'The piano lesson' focuses in the issue that how American and African can learn from their cultural heritage. It is a play which shows the discrimination of black people and emphasizes on how learn from history. According to Wilson his black people know a little bit regarding their past and how their ancestors faced problem just for the reason of being black. The suffered a lot and saved their coming generation from further sufferings. Wilson felt that it was important for the American Africans to be aware of their past. The piano lesson is sort of play that tell that from where American African have come from and how was their relationship in the past (Bissiri, p.n.d). They must be aware of their past before they move forward. Wilson died too early in October 2005 due to liver cancer however his wisdom and talent lies in his excellent plays.

The play was set long ago doesn't mean that it haven't gotten its significance nowadays. The play focuses on the core issue of racism which still affects America today. August Wilson thought that it was important that their African American ...