In The Piano Lesson by August Wilson the author gives us an in detail description of life of a working class African American from the South during the 1930s. A sub character in the play is Avery, an African American man in his late thirties who is in the midst of pursuing his yearn to become a Preacher. Avery’s character is touched by a higher power and gives us insight of his journey to spread the word of God.
Avery’s character was previously a cotton picker in the rural South, but migrated North to Pennsylvania for opportunities awaiting him. Avery has much integrity as to who he is and where he is going. Avery’s greatest strength is motivation to strive for success. Working as an elevator operator in Pittsburg, he is very determined to open his own church. Throughout the first act there is an underlining motif of finding the key or quest to freedom.
A motif is a reoccurring theme or idea present throughout a section of work. The quest for freedom motif is a character’s strive to over come the oppression against African Americans during the 1930s. The quest to freedom motif can be seen as the largest motif in the novel due to the fact that nearly every character is searching for their personal pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Avery’s however has a constant urge to pursue greater goals.
Through his monologue, Avery tells us his reasoning behind his efforts to be a preacher. A monologue is a prolonged talk or speech by a single speaker in a conversation. In Avery’s monologue he tells Boy Willie, Lymon, and Doaker previous acquaintances of his, a dream that altered his life plan. In his dream three hobos approached Avery and asked him to carry a candle and follow them. The three hobos led him to a lady, who led him to a room filled with people with “sheep heads” rather than human heads. Avery was asked by God to lead these people across the valley filled with wolves. Upon this walk Avery was followed by Jesus himself as both his protector and friend.
In the dream, the three hobos are a reference to the three wise men that were present at the time of Jesus birth. The woman that leads Avery to the sheep can be thought of as a reference to Mother Mary. Lastly the sheep in his dream can be thought of as those the common people who Avery is asked to aid. Avery views his dream as an epiphany of God calling him to preach and be a servant of the Lord. However during the 1930 one can predict that Avery may come across many struggles his efforts; due to the oppression and sub standard pay of African Americans.
Avery’s monologue portrays to readers the strength of religion and God in his life. The power and strength behind his faith has led him to continue to find the key to success as well as share it with others. By answering God and by showing the “sheep people” the way, Avery’s willingness can also be viewed as him representing the working class to pursue goals out of their social and racial norm.
