The Piano Lesson

In August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, Berniece is the widow mourning the loss of her husband and father who were both brutally murdered after they were accused of theft. Boy Charles was burned to death for his part in saving the piano marking the family history while Crawford was shot following his part in stealing wood. This leaves Berniece emotionally detached and financially in trouble. Avery goes as far to blame her mourning for her indifference to marriage, accusing her of not being able to move on from the past. However, if we glance at her history and interactions with her daughter, Maertha, we can link her indifference to another factor. Berniece’s quest for independence prevents her from entering into another marriage for emotional and financial security.

Avery’s claim that Berniece’s indifference to his marriage proposal is in any way linked to Crawley’s death is invalid, for he ignores her desire to be an independent woman. When Avery suggests she cannot find happiness without a man’s love and affection she quickly retorts, “You can just walk out of here without me- without a woman- and still be a man” revealing the hypocrisy of his argument (67). Berniece goes on to say that Maertha’s love is enough to keep her going. Recalling the anguish her own mother had following her father’s death, no doubt hardens Berniece and makes her a stronger woman. Whereas her own mother withered away, Berniece remains resolute and cares for her daughter despite her inability to cope with death. Avery is hoping to look after and take care of Berniece but she is capable of attending to herself.

In fact by studying the relationship between Berniece and her daughter, we can see that financial independence is forefront in her mind. Berniece’s goal for Maertha is to make something of herself and become a teacher. The fear that Maertha’s gender will impede her future angers Berniece. The remark that if Maertha was a boy, Berniece would not be going through this stress points to the discrimination women face in life (90). Whereas Boy Willie, Doaker, and the rest of the family struggle to make a living for themselves in a prejudice society, Berniece and Maertha are struck not only by prejudice against their race but gender as well. Sutter’s ghost may hold sway over Berniece but Avery and the men in her life attempt to impede her just the same. By denying her the same rights they themselves are fighting for pushes Berniece to secure independence not only for herself but for her daughter.

Berniece’s stubbornness and anger may stem from the loss of her husband and father but it is exaggerated by the men in her life who fail to understand her need for independence. Her anger is sparked by their attempt to feminize her rather than accept her desire to be more than a wife. This is shown by her determination to manage her own affairs and see to the success of  Maertha’s future.