The Piano Lesson Study Guide

August Wilson (1945-2005) was an acclaimed American playwright known for his powerful and poignant portrayals of African American life in the 20th century. Born Frederick August Kittel Jr. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wilson faced racial discrimination and economic hardship growing up in the Hill District, a predominantly black neighborhood that would later serve as the backdrop for many of his plays.

Wilson's work often explored themes of identity, family, and the struggle for social and economic justice within the African American community. He is best known for his ten-play cycle, known as the Pittsburgh Cycle or Century Cycle, which chronicles the African American experience in each decade of the 20th century.

"The Piano Lesson" is the fourth play in Wilson's cycle, set in 1936 during the Great Depression. The play follows the Charles family as they grapple with the legacy of slavery and the importance of their family history, embodied in a valuable piano that holds the spirits of their ancestors. Through the conflict between siblings Berniece and Boy Willie over whether to sell the piano or keep it as a symbol of their heritage, Wilson explores themes of cultural heritage, legacy, and the impact of the past on the present.

"The Piano Lesson" premiered on Broadway in 1987 and won Wilson his second Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990. The play is considered one of Wilson's masterpieces, showcasing his talent for blending history, folklore, and music to create a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of African American identity and the enduring legacy of slavery in America.

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