Conflict In The Piano Lesson

The Piano Lesson To enforce the central subject of conflict between siblings: Boy Willie and Berniece over their family piano, the 1995 film adaptation of The Piano Lesson (PL) successfully recreates two important parts of stage-play. The first occurs in Act 1, Scene 2. This scene is important because it outlines the history of the piano, as well as Berniece’s emotional attachment to the piano, and the involvement of Sutter’s ghost. Knowing the history behind the piano is essential to the viewer's comprehension of its symbolic significance. The central subject is enforced through this scene because it provides the motive of the conflict. Boy Willie sees the piano as a monetary item and a way to advance his social and economic security. That by selling the piano and buying Sutter’s land, he would be an heir to his father’s legacy. To Berniece, the piano holds an emotional and symbolic value that no amount of money could equal. She sees the life and death of her and Boy Willie’s father as well as the blood, tears and sacred spirit

This scene is pertinent to the development of the central subject because it not only depicts the climax of conflict between Boy Willie and Berniece, but also the subsequent resolution. Boy Willie’s seemingly uncontrollable desire to sell the piano and buy Sutter’s land meets Berniece’s deep passionate connection with the history of the piano, and keeping it within family ownership. Berniece’s open willingness to shoot her own brother over the piano shows how emotionally invested she is in the piano. Boy Willie’s persistence in wanting to sell the piano to the point where he completely disregards his sister’s direct commands and obvious adoration for the piano shows his unnatural determination to follow his father's legacy and farm Sutter’s