The Piano Lesson by August Wilson

Study Guide

Act One, Scene One

1. Where and when does the first act open?

2. How long as it been since Boy Willie has seen his sister? Why has Boy Willie come to Pittsburg?

3. Why does Boy Willie want to sell the piano?

4. Doaker says Bernice will never sell the piano. Why won’t she?

5. Who is Sutter and what happened to him?

6. Whom does Bernice see upstairs and how does Boy Willie react?

7. Summarize Avery’s dream of the three hobos.

Act One, Scene Two

1. Explain Wining Boy’s experience with the Ghosts of the Yellow dog.

2. Why were Boy Willie and Lymon put in the penitentiary (jail)?

3. According to Winning Boy, what was the “the difference between the colored man and the white man?”

4. T ell the history of the piano-according to Doaker- from slavery time. Also, who took the piano away from the original owner? Be as detailed and specific as you can.

5. Who are the “Ghosts of the Yellow Dog?” Explain their story.

6. Boy Willie justifies his desire for land by appealing to his father’s experience. Explain.

7. Bernice says, “You killed Crawley just as sure as if you pulled the trigger”. Explain.

8. Why does Boy Willie say he is not responsible for Crawley’s death?

Act Two

1. Describe the conversation between Avery and Berniece. Why won’t she marry Avery?

2. What is Lymon looking for in his life?

3. What does Lymon give to Berniece? What happens between those two?

4. How much money can Boy Willie get for the piano?

5. How do Doaker and Berniece react to Boy Willie trying to sell the piano? Be specific.

6. What does Berniece do as Boy Willie fights with Sutter’s ghost and whom does she call on for help? What does Avery do during the fight?

7. How does the play end? Why do you think Wilson ended the play this way?

Character List-

Describe each character below in 1-2 complete sentences. Your description should include details of the character’s personality, appearance, and their major actions in the play.

1. Boy Willie-

2. Lymon-

3. Doaker-

4. Berniece-

5. Maretha-

6. Wining Boy-

7. Avery-

8. Sutter Senior-

Sutter Junior-

9. Crawley-

10. Papa Boy Charles-

11. Willie Boy-