Critical Analysis Of The Piano Lesson By August Wilson

In August Wilson’s The Piano lesson, we see what seems to be the irresolute struggle of a woman that dwells on her family’s past and seemingly cannot move on. Berneice Charles, a main character is the sister of Boy Willie, and they are the direct descendants of an enslaved family, living in Pittsburgh during the early 20th century. Throughout the text, Berneice experiences many struggles, which are the result of her inability to accept her family’s troublesome past and embrace her legacy. The Charles family was enslaved and owned by the Sutter family even until early in Berneice’s life. Following their freedom, Berneice loses her dearly loved mother, and her husband. Berneice lost her husband during a sad incident. Her husband, her cousins, …show more content…
During the play, Boy Willie tries convincing Berneice to let him sell the piano, so that he can buy his own land. Willie claims that this is what their father would do, she doesn’t use it, and he’d even give her a share. Berneice however, doesn’t budge, mainly due to her sentimental ties to the piano. Berneice claims that the fact that their dad would do the same thing is exactly why they shouldn’t sell it- their father and Willie have caused nothing but trouble for her mother and her from their thieving and killing. This highlights Berneice’s clear ties to her sentimental value of the piano and her love for her lost mother. Berneice and her mother were there for each other and had a strong love when there was nobody else during a very difficult time period for their enslaved family. Now, Berneice only has her daughter and close significant other named Avery, because her family’s history has caused her to be lonely and isolated because of everything it took from her. This is why Berneice refuses to accept the past- it’s extremely difficult due to what it had cost