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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. Boy Willie is trying to sell his fruit in what type of neighborhood?

2. What is the last name of the family that the story focuses on?

3. Which character has a change of heart after seeing Sutter's ghost and now believes that the piano should be sold?

4. Berniece claims she saw what before she left the house on the day that Wining Boy went to the city?

5. What is the name of Wining Boy's late ex-wife?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of fight does Boy Willie get into with Sutter's ghost?

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

3. What role does Berniece play in the exorcism of Sutter's ghost?

4. What lesson does Boy Willie give Maretha on the piano?

5. Why does Berniece send Maretha to the store on the day that Boy Willie intends to remove the piano?

6. What confrontation do Boy Willie and Berniece get into as Boy Willie watches Berniece comb Maretha's hair?

7. How does Berniece respond to Avery's question when he unexpectedly comes to visit?

8. What does Boy Willie believe about the laws of the white man?

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

10. What were the effects of the lumber theft that the men in the play were involved in?

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

The railroads of the town are extremely significant throughout the play.

Part 1. Explain the symbolism of a railroad as it pertains to Boy Willie's life.

Part 2. Explain the reasons why the railroad is important in Doaker's life.

Part 3. Explain why the railroad has come to be an important element in the supernatural elements of the play.

Essay Topic 3

The title of this play has special significance within the meaning of the play. What do you think is the true "piano lesson," and why do you think August Wilson chose to title his play this way?

(see the answer keys)

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