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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following items does Avery NOT use during his exorcism of the house?

2. What card game does Doaker frequently play?

3. How much has the potential buyer promised to pay for the piano in relation to his previous offer?

4. What does Avery tell Berniece that she needs?

5. Who does Avery imply deserved to die?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The text of "The Piano Lesson" is presented as a play rather than straight prose. What reasons do you think August Wilson had to present his story this way? What was gained in the form of stage writing? What was lost?

Essay Topic 2

Boy Willie and Berniece have an equal claim to the piano in the play. Explain the reason why the siblings have come into possession of the piano. Compare/contrast the way that both of the siblings view the piano's place in their past and their future.

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.

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This section contains 283 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample