In his
review of The Piano Lesson by August
Wilson, Harnby contends that there was vividness of characterization.
Specifically, Harnby argues that there was vividness in characterization
harms the play’s realism. Harnby writes: “vividness of
characterization, richness of background, sensitivity to American history, and
use of poetic imagery.” Harnby also states that this hurts the message of the
overall time period because the characters aren’t being developed. Instead he
argues that it is about family values and a family in general, not necessarily
characters in a certain age.
I agree totally with this review of the play. In my view, there is little to no characterization which indicates a lack of a story line and a lack of feeling for the characters of the play. For instance, “The Piano Lesson is thus not only a historical play.” In my opinion a play needs to have characterization to be considered fully historical because it is important to know all of the characters motives of that time. The symbols were also misused. Berniece was a symbol for the piano but it was never fully developed, thus, the underdevelopment of the characters hurt the play’s intent. Some readers might disagree on the grounds that it takes place in the 1930;’s. Yet, I would argue that the play has some overall themes from history, however, not enough to be looked at as a historical playwright. Overall, then, I believe that this play had little to no characterization, making it unhistorical in nature, and not a favorite of mine.
Maria S.
I agree totally with this review of the play. In my view, there is little to no characterization which indicates a lack of a story line and a lack of feeling for the characters of the play. For instance, “The Piano Lesson is thus not only a historical play.” In my opinion a play needs to have characterization to be considered fully historical because it is important to know all of the characters motives of that time. The symbols were also misused. Berniece was a symbol for the piano but it was never fully developed, thus, the underdevelopment of the characters hurt the play’s intent. Some readers might disagree on the grounds that it takes place in the 1930;’s. Yet, I would argue that the play has some overall themes from history, however, not enough to be looked at as a historical playwright. Overall, then, I believe that this play had little to no characterization, making it unhistorical in nature, and not a favorite of mine.
Maria S.
