View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Berniece and her uncle live in which city?

2. What does Boy Willie think is the most significant part of the piano?

3. When Wining Boy returns home from the city, how much money does he say he received?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Lymon come into possession of Wining Boy's suit?

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

4. After his failed date, what gift does Lymon give to Berniece, and what is her response to the gesture?

5. What conflict arises between the siblings surrounding the future of the piano?

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

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

8. How did Sutter attempt to reconcile the trade with Nolander and keep his wife happy? What was the reaction?

9. What connection does Doaker make between travel and happiness?

10. What events have prompted Doaker to believe that Berniece should sell the piano as soon as possible?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even though there are many characters who have passed away in the play, the living characters seem to believe that they are still able to communicate with the dead. Give two examples of moments within the play that living characters attempt to speak with the dead. Compare / contrast their methods of speaking with the dead and compare / contrast the outcome of their "conversations."

Essay Topic 2

Berniece finds herself in many romantic relationships throughout the course of the play. Briefly describe the three romantic relationships that she has and list the positive and negative aspects of each relationship in Berniece's life.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 850 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample