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The Piano Lesson | Essays and Criticism

• An Eloquent Form of Social Protest and Public Education

  In this essay, the author argues that Wilson’s plays are an eloquent form of social protest and public education.

• The Blind Leading the Blind

  In this excerpt, Hornby review Wilson’s play. While finding that the work does not hold the same appeal as the playwright’s previous efforts, the critic lauds Wilson for his ‘‘vividness of characterization.’’

• Traveling Man and Hesitating Woman

  While finding much to recommend in The Piano Lesson, Kramer also found the playwright’s conclusion to be somewhat obscure.

• A Ghostly Past, in Ragtime

  Henry reviews a 1989 Chicago performance of the The Piano Lesson, finding much to recommend in the play’s content and the production.

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1. The Piano Lesson: Introduction
2. The Piano Lesson: Summary
   1. Act I Summary
   2. Act II Summary
3. The Piano Lesson: August Wilson Biography
4. The Piano Lesson: Themes
5. The Piano Lesson: Style
6. The Piano Lesson: Historical Context
7. The Piano Lesson: Critical Overview
8. The Piano Lesson: Character Analysis
   1. Boy Willie Charles
   2. Other Characters
9. The Piano Lesson: Essays and Criticism
   1. An Eloquent Form of Social Protest and Public Education
   2. The Blind Leading the Blind
   3. Traveling Man and Hesitating Woman
   4. A Ghostly Past, in Ragtime
10. The Piano Lesson: Compare and Contrast
11. The Piano Lesson: Topics for Further Study
12. The Piano Lesson: What Do I Read Next?
13. The Piano Lesson: Bibliography and Further Reading
14. Copyright

Related Topics

1. August Wilson

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