The Piano Lesson Journal 5

     When Doaker tells Wining Boy about seeing Sutter's ghost, the ghost seems more real and not something that Berniece is just making up.  Also, the ghost's appearance becomes slightly more logical, if that's possible, and makes a better connection to Sutter's death and the piano.  A relatively short time after his death, only three days, Doaker says he saw Sutter sitting on the piano, and later he must have been playing it.  Doaker doesn't believe Boy Willie pushed him in the well; therefore, the piano is starting to appear even more significant and meaningful because it has the power to bring this man "back from the dead."  Sutter was apparently seen holding his head because of a broken neck.  All of these details add to the tone and the believeability of the ghost.  The ghost itself seems to becoming more of a character on its own and shows how the past is the present.  It also supports the fact that the characters are unable to leave the past behind and move on.

Comment:

winden said...

I agree about Sutter's ghost. I was really surprised when he was introduced into the book, and now I'm surprised how the ghost itself seems to be developing its own character and personality. We keep hearing more and more about the ghost, and I'm interested to see how else he will be involved in the story. Also, about the quote, "mixed her blood in with all the rest," I think it has a strong effect and emphasizes how many people have suffered over just one piano. Berniece seems to have a flair for drama.

November 22, 2010 5:00 PM