Multiple Choice Flashcard - The Piano Lesson by August Wilson, Act I

Front

What is Boy Willie's main objective when he arrives at Doaker's house?

Back

To sell the family piano.

Front

Why does Berniece not want to sell the piano?

Back

It reminds her of their mother’s death.

Front

Who is the first character to appear in the play?

Back

Boy Willie.

Front

What do the carvings on the piano represent?

Back

They tell the story of the Charles family’s enslavement and freedom.

Front

What does Boy Willie accuse Berniece of doing by holding onto the piano?

Back

Holding onto the past.

Front

What is the significance of the piano in the play?

Back

It symbolizes family heritage and the struggle between past and present.

Front

How does Boy Willie's view of the piano differ from Berniece's?

Back

Boy Willie sees it as a means to achieve financial freedom, while Berniece sees it as a connection to their family's history.

Front

What role does Doaker play in the family dynamic?

Back

Doaker serves as a mediator and voice of reason between Boy Willie and Berniece.

Front

What theme does the conflict over the piano illustrate?

Back

The theme of memory versus progress and the struggle to reconcile the past with the present.

Front

How does the setting of Doaker's house contribute to the play's themes?

Back

The house serves as a physical representation of the family's history and the weight of their past.