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. How does the Ghost of the Yellow Dog kill the mob members as revenge for Boy Charles' death?

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

3. What does Boy Willie encourage Berniece to do to get rid of the ghost?

4. Which family traded the piano to the Sutter family for slaves?

5. Which character becomes very emotional and attacks Boy Willie upon seeing the piano moved?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Berneice stop playing the piano as a child?

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

3. Why won't Wining Boy play the piano when he is asked to?

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

5. What reason does Berniece give her brother for wanting him out of the house?

6. How did Sutter react to the disappearance of his prized piano?

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

8. What happens when Doaker emerges to see Boy Willie and Lymon attempting to move the piano?

9. What was Ophelia's reaction to the trade between her husband and Nolander?

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

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, 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 2

Because of the history of slavery within the Charles family, there is another prevalent theme of revenge, since the men in the Charles family desire to steal back what was stolen from them by the Sutters.

Part 1. Briefly describe one scene of revenge within the play.

Part 2. Explain why the Charles family member acting on revenge thought that this would earn them back what was stolen.

Part 3. Explain the outcome of the revengeful act. In your opinion. Was it worth the risk of being caught?

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)

This section contains 873 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample