Wilson drew inspiration for writing The Piano Lesson from Romare Bearden’s painting Piano Lesson. Take a look at the painting and then think about the symbolic meaning of the piano in the play, especially the carvings on it. Compare and contrast how the painting and the play depict the role of art in African-American life.

Investigate the Great Depression and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal in 1930s America. Using your findings, analyze how Wilson portrays poverty and opportunity in The Piano Lesson.

Explore the Great Migration, where southern African-Americans moved to urban areas in the North. Based on your research, discuss Wilson’s hypothesis about what might have happened if more African-Americans had remained in the South and found sustainable ways to work the land. Do you think this scenario could have been realistic, and what social changes would have been necessary to make this possible?

Why does Sutter’s ghost haunt the Charles family, and how effectively is its invisible presence portrayed on stage?

Examine one or more examples of Wilson’s use of language in The Piano Lesson, such as black dialect, metaphor, or lyricism. Using specific examples, show how this language enhances the play’s power and realism.

Using examples from the text, identify what you believe is the play’s core message and reflect on its relevance in today’s world.