Quotes From The Piano Lesson

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In the story The Piano Lesson, by August Wilson, the piano is shown through history and memory through generations which impacts the character's decisions . Such as causing emotions and decisions among the family and having different points of view from a family from the ancestors causing strong emotions for the family.

The characters' memories of slavery and their ancestor experiences with it play a significant role in shaping their identities and decisions. For example, Bernice says, “when I play on it, I’m playing on the bones of the people who are buried in the graveyard… I’m playing their blood” (Act 1, scene 2). This quote shows how Bernice sees the piano as a symbol of her family’s history and the sacrifices they made to survive.