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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the real name of the Yellow Dog railway?

2. What is the pair's reaction to the sudden sound coming from the piano?

3. Who does Lymon admit that he was interested in but wasn't quick enough to get to?

4. What does Boy Willie leave the house to retrieve, hoping that it will help him move the piano?

5. Lymon compliments Berniece on what article of clothing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The piano itself is arguably the strongest symbol in the entire play, standing in as a symbol for the Charles family as a whole but also for the members of the family as individuals. Choose one member of the Charles family and explain how the piano acts as a unique symbol for that character's storyline. Briefly discuss that character's relationship with the piano as a result of that symbolism.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 295 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample