Fences and the piano lesson – At the heart of August Wilson’s “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” lie poignant tales that explore the complexities of African American life in the 20th century. Through the lens of fences and a piano, these plays unravel themes of family, history, and the enduring legacy of race.
In “Fences,” Troy Maxson grapples with his unfulfilled dreams and the weight of societal expectations, while “The Piano Lesson” delves into the power of family heirlooms and the struggle to preserve cultural identity.
Literary Analysis
August Wilson’s “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” are two powerful plays that explore the complexities of race, family, and the American dream.
In August Wilson’s play “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson,” fences serve as physical and emotional barriers. However, a crossword clue like closed in on also captures the sense of confinement that the characters experience within these boundaries, highlighting the ways in which external and internal forces can limit their lives.
In “Fences,” the protagonist Troy Maxson is a former baseball player who struggles to come to terms with his past and the limitations imposed by society. The fence that he builds around his backyard becomes a symbol of the barriers that he has erected to protect himself and his family from the outside world.
In “The Piano Lesson,” the protagonist Boy Willie Charles is determined to reclaim the family piano, which was sold by his ancestors during slavery. The piano becomes a symbol of the family’s history and the struggle for freedom and identity.
The Role of Music in “The Piano Lesson”
Music plays a vital role in “The Piano Lesson.” The piano itself is a symbol of the family’s past and the struggle for freedom and identity. The music that is played on the piano is also significant, as it represents the family’s cultural heritage and their connection to their ancestors.
The play’s protagonist, Boy Willie Charles, is a talented musician who uses music to express his emotions and to connect with his family’s past. Music is also used to create a sense of community and to bring people together.
Historical Context: Fences And The Piano Lesson
August Wilson’s “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” are set in the 20th century and reflect the experiences of African Americans during this time. “Fences” is set in the 1950s, a period of significant social and economic change for African Americans.
The play explores the themes of race, class, and family through the story of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who struggles to provide for his family and come to terms with his own mortality.
“The Piano Lesson” is set in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. The play follows the Bernhardt family as they struggle to keep their family together and preserve their cultural heritage. The play explores the themes of family, community, and the legacy of slavery.
Importance of Family and Community
Both “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” emphasize the importance of family and community. In “Fences,” Troy Maxson’s family is his refuge from the harsh realities of the outside world. However, his own pride and stubbornness prevent him from fully connecting with his loved ones.
In “The Piano Lesson,” the Bernhardt family is a source of strength and support for each other, even in the face of adversity.
Character Analysis
In “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson,” August Wilson explores the complexities of Black identity and family dynamics through the portrayal of powerful characters.
Troy Maxson and Boy Willie
Troy Maxson, the protagonist of “Fences,” is a complex and flawed patriarch. His stubbornness and pride often clash with his love for his family. Boy Willie, his younger son, is ambitious and rebellious, eager to break free from his father’s influence.
- Troy’s Authority:Troy wields authority in his household, expecting obedience from his sons. However, his strict parenting style stifles Boy Willie’s independence.
- Boy Willie’s Rebellion:Boy Willie defies Troy’s authority, seeking to establish his own identity and pursue his dreams. This conflict drives the tension between them.
Berniece in “The Piano Lesson”
Berniece, the female protagonist of “The Piano Lesson,” is a strong and resilient woman who fights to preserve her family’s legacy. She represents the enduring spirit of her ancestors and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
- Caretaker of the Past:Berniece’s determination to keep the piano symbolizes her connection to her family’s history and the sacrifices they made.
- Defender of Tradition:She believes the piano is a sacred object that embodies the family’s struggles and triumphs.
Thematic Analysis
August Wilson’s “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” explore profound themes that resonate with the African American experience and the human condition. These plays delve into issues of race, family, history, and the pursuit of identity.
Theme of Race
Race is a central theme in both plays. In “Fences,” Troy Maxson grapples with the limitations imposed by racism in the Jim Crow era. His struggles to provide for his family and his own sense of masculinity are shaped by the racial barriers he faces.
In “The Piano Lesson,” the Charles family’s struggle to reclaim their family heirloom, a piano, becomes a symbol of the legacy of slavery and the ongoing fight for racial equality.
Theme of Family
Family plays a crucial role in both plays. In “Fences,” Troy’s complex relationship with his son, Cory, and his struggle to be a responsible father highlight the challenges and complexities of family dynamics. In “The Piano Lesson,” the Charles family’s bond and their efforts to preserve their history and heritage emphasize the importance of family in the face of adversity.
Theme of History
History is an integral part of both plays. In “Fences,” the characters’ experiences are shaped by the historical context of the Great Depression and World War II. In “The Piano Lesson,” the play explores the legacy of slavery and its impact on the lives of the characters.
Theme of Identity
The characters in both plays grapple with issues of identity. In “Fences,” Troy struggles to reconcile his own identity as a black man with the expectations of society. In “The Piano Lesson,” the Charles family must confront their own identities as descendants of slaves and decide how to move forward.
Significance of the Plays’ Endings
The endings of both plays are significant in their own way. In “Fences,” Troy’s death leaves his family grappling with his legacy and the complexities of their relationships. In “The Piano Lesson,” the Charles family’s decision to keep the piano symbolizes their commitment to preserving their history and reclaiming their identity.
Artistic Analysis
In both “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson,” language and imagery are powerful tools that enhance the plays’ themes and characters. “Fences” employs a naturalistic style, with dialogue that reflects the everyday speech of the characters. This grounded language helps create a sense of authenticity and realism, immersing the audience in the world of the play.
In contrast, “The Piano Lesson” incorporates more poetic and lyrical language, evoking the rich cultural heritage and complex emotions of the characters.
Structure and Form
“Fences” adheres to a traditional three-act structure, providing a clear narrative arc with a beginning, middle, and end. The play’s scenes unfold chronologically, allowing the audience to follow the characters’ journey in real-time. “The Piano Lesson,” on the other hand, employs a more episodic structure, with scenes that shift between past and present, dream and reality.
This non-linear form mirrors the play’s exploration of memory, history, and the cyclical nature of life.
Artistic Elements and Meaning
The artistic elements of “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” contribute significantly to their overall meaning. The naturalistic language in “Fences” emphasizes the harsh realities and struggles faced by the characters, while the poetic language in “The Piano Lesson” conveys the characters’ hopes, dreams, and spiritual connections.
The traditional structure of “Fences” provides a sense of order and inevitability, while the episodic structure of “The Piano Lesson” reflects the fragmented and complex nature of memory and identity.
Ultimately, the artistic choices in “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” serve to illuminate the plays’ themes and enhance their emotional impact. By employing distinct language, structure, and imagery, these plays create immersive and thought-provoking experiences that resonate deeply with audiences.
Comparative Analysis
August Wilson’s “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” are two powerful dramas that explore themes of family, race, and identity in the African American community. While they share similarities in their exploration of these themes, they also differ significantly in their characters, settings, and overall tone.
Characters
One of the most striking differences between the two plays is the nature of their protagonists. In “Fences,” Troy Maxson is a complex and flawed patriarch who struggles to come to terms with his past and his place in the world.
In contrast, Boy Willie in “The Piano Lesson” is a more idealistic and passionate character who is determined to reclaim his family’s history.
Settings
The settings of the two plays also play a significant role in shaping their tone and themes. “Fences” is set in a backyard in Pittsburgh in the 1950s, a time of great social and economic change for African Americans. This setting provides a backdrop for the play’s exploration of the challenges and aspirations of the black community during this period.
“The Piano Lesson,” on the other hand, is set in a rural town in Mississippi in the 1930s. This setting evokes a sense of the deep-rooted history and traditions of the African American community, as well as the struggles and oppression they faced in the Jim Crow South.
Themes
Despite their differences in characters and settings, “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” share several important themes. Both plays explore the complexities of family relationships, the impact of racism on the African American community, and the importance of preserving one’s heritage and identity.
However, the two plays also approach these themes in different ways. “Fences” focuses more on the psychological and emotional toll that racism takes on its characters, while “The Piano Lesson” places greater emphasis on the historical and cultural significance of the piano as a symbol of family history and African American identity.
Personal Response
August Wilson’s “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” left a profound impact on me. Their powerful storytelling and exploration of complex themes resonated deeply within me.
What captivated me most was the raw portrayal of family dynamics. Wilson’s characters grapple with love, loss, and the weight of history, reflecting the complexities of Black families in America. Their struggles and triumphs mirror those of countless families, transcending racial boundaries and connecting us through shared experiences.
Impact on Understanding of Race
The plays shed light on the systemic racism and inequality that have plagued Black communities for centuries. They confront the lingering effects of slavery, segregation, and discrimination, highlighting the resilience and determination of those who have endured these hardships.
Impact on Understanding of Family, Fences and the piano lesson
Through the portrayal of flawed but deeply loving families, the plays explore the complexities of familial relationships. They depict the tensions between parents and children, siblings, and spouses, revealing the intricate bonds that unite and divide families.
Impact on Understanding of History
Wilson’s plays serve as historical documents, capturing the experiences and perspectives of Black Americans during pivotal moments in history. They illuminate the struggles for equality, the search for identity, and the enduring legacy of the past.
Questions Often Asked
What is the significance of the fence in “Fences”?
The fence represents Troy Maxson’s attempt to establish boundaries and protect his family from the harsh realities of the outside world.
How does the piano symbolize the struggle for cultural identity in “The Piano Lesson”?
The piano represents the family’s connection to their African heritage and the ongoing struggle to preserve their cultural identity in the face of oppression.
