Symbolism In Kate Chopin's The Piano Story

The Piano Story is a riveting book that explores the symbolic importance of the African American family and super natural being. The story takes place during the great depression in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. This serves as an important aspect because the family is desperate need of monetary stabilization, and opportunity. Through the story, the key component of the story is constructed around a family heirloom, a piano. This piano has been passed down the family line for generations since slavery and been away to tell the families long history. The piano had pictures of pasted family members, markings, and the overall history of the item lured in much of the people who encountered it. Much of the drama begins when Boy Willie returns to Doaker’s after a three-year prison sentence, and finds out that the Sutter’s land is goes up for sale after the death. This land has significance because much of their families where enslaved on that ground. Boy Willie, was determined to purchase the land at all costs even if it meant selling
After slavery conclusion, they stole the piano from the house and the mob pursues them by burning down Boy Charles house as well as killing him on a box car that was lit on fire. This enable the family to hold onto their beloved piano even more. Meanwhile as the story consists the piano and the ghost of Sutter continue to haunt the family. Finally, after a night of fun Boy Willie says that someone is coming to look at the piano to evaluate the value. This causes Berniece to be outraged and push the Willie out. Then after much drama the ghost of Sutter makes its final appearance in front of the Charles family, until Avery tries to do a exorcism to remove the haunting spirits. The haunting ends and Boy Willie leaves to go back to the south and the story ends winds down from