Date of Award
5-2-2018
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Religious Studies
First Advisor
Esaki, Brett J.
Second Advisor
McClymond, Kathryn
Third Advisor
Shannon, Sandra G.
Abstract
In many of his plays, August Wilson uses religious influences from Africa and from Western Christianity to depict the dichotomy between Black people in America and White people in America. In The Piano Lesson Wilson explores these themes in greater detail and, through an elaborate carving on a piano, shows how the combining of traditional African religions with a westernized version of Christianity can create a uniquely African American experience and expression of religion and spirituality. This thesis discusses the religious integration found in The Piano Lesson and argues that the Charles family ancestors are active agents with decision-making authority regarding the piano, their ancestral burial grounds.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/12008049
Recommended Citation
Alvarado, Pedro E., "Religious Symbolism in August Wilson’s the Piano Lesson." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2018.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/12008049