The Piano Lesson Group

Question:

ja53
ja53
Student
College - Junior

Why does Wilson title his play "The Piano Lesson"?  What are some of the lessons  learned, who learns them and how are they taught?

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Posted by ja53 on Monday October 29, 2007 at 1:50 PM and tagged with learning, the piano lesson, title.

Answers:


  1. sullymonster Teacher
    Community / Jr. College

    eNotes Editor

    The symbolism of "the piano lesson" in the story is the lesson of history itself.  Wilson explores the themes of African-American identity and the struggle for civil rights.  In this story, he incorporates specific reference to the legacy of slavery.  While for most modern Americans, slavery is a distant event, for many African-Americans the legacy is a living part of their lives and their relationship to others.  History varies based on who is telling it or who is living it - perspective influences an individual's understanding of an event.  In this story, each family member wants the piano for a different reason, symbolizing this idea of perspective.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/piano-lesson-wilson/themes

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    Posted by sullymonster on Monday October 29, 2007 at 8:04 PM