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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Wining Boy's profession?

2. Which character is said to have played the carved piano until his/her death?

3. After the story about Boy Charles' death, what does the family hear Maretha doing at the end of the first act?

4. Which man was NOT involved in the theft that landed Boy Willie in prison?

5. Who does the grocery shopping in the Charles home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What trade was made between the Charles and Sutter families at Ophelia's request?

2. How does Berniece find out that Boy Willie intends to remove the piano that day, and how does she respond?

3. What happens when Boy Willie continues to insist that he be told the name of the prospective buyer for the piano?

4. How did Avery get the idea to switch his profession to preacher?

5. When Boy Willie and Lymon realize that they cannot move the piano, how do they respond?

6. When Wining Boy arrives at Doaker's home, he wants to know what is happening with Boy Willie and his sales. What does Doaker tell him?

7. How do Boy Willie and Lymon end up in Pittsburgh?

8. What is revealed about Wining Boy's life as a musician while married?

9. Why does Boy Willie tease Doaker about his profession?

10. How does Boy Willie respond to Doaker's intrusion as he is attempting to move the piano?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The piano itself is arguably the strongest symbol in the entire play. Explain the history of the piano and briefly discuss why the physical structure of the piano can be seen as a symbol within the Charles family.

Essay Topic 2

Music is another way for the Charles family to preserve their family history.

Part 1. Create a list of three scenes within the play during which music is present.

Part 2. Explain why the music of the play acts as a symbol of the Charles family history.

Part 3. Choose two characters from the Charles family and compare / contrast their relationship to music. This comparison could be regarding the piano music or the family singing.

Essay Topic 3

The women in this play are portrayed as weak in comparison to the men in the play. Choose one female character in the play and give two examples of the ways that they are overpowered by the male characters. Then, discuss the female character's reaction to the overpowering male characters.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 820 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample