Shaping the Identity through Dramatizing the Memories - A Study of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson

Abstract

There is no doubt with the claim that the African-American people have been suffering from a traumatic past of slavery and injustice long time ago. Similarly, they still suffer, but presently with another form of discrimination which is racism. The study argues that August Wilson, in particular, and the African-Americans, in general, are tremendously keen on maintaining their memories because memories do have an irreplaceable part in one’s identity. The study explores Wilson’s The Piano Lesson as a case in point. The present study aims at exploring Wilson as a prolific dramatist whose style was so vigorous and a reflection of the African-Americans’ life of. Furthermore, it sheds light on his play, The Piano Lesson, and how it plays a significant role and a powerful testimony in shaping the memories of the African-American people.The study is divided into two sections and a conclusion. The first section introduces the concept of identity, and it comes across August Wilson as a dramatist. Then it deals with the African American Theatre. On the other hand, the second section deals with The Piano Lesson and how it is viewed as a powerful testimony to the idea that the African-American people cherished their own memories since memories shape one’s identity. Eventually, the last part is the conclusion which sums up the research’s findings.