The Piano Lesson relies more on reportage and storytelling than action. Discuss the role of storytelling in the play? You may want to focus on two or three stories for comparison.

What are some differences between the roles of men and women in this play? You may want to isolate a few characters for analysis. You also may want to consider their role in the plot, their qualities, their speech, etc.

What is the significance of the railroad in this play? Consider, for example, Doaker's reflections on railroad travelers, his traveling song, the Ghosts of the Yellow Dog, etc.

What is the significance of Avery's dream? Consider in particular his use of allegory.

The Piano Lesson is often a humorous play. Discuss one example of the comic in the play. Upon what literary devices does it rely? What is its thematic significance?