Study Guide for The Piano Lesson Play

The Piano Lesson is part of August Wilsons cycle of 10 plays known as the Pittsburg Cycle. Each play explores the lives of African-American families. The dramas take place in a different decade, from the early 1900s until the 1990s. The Piano Lesson premiered in 1987 at the Yale Repertory Theatre. Overview of the Play Set in Pittsburg during 1936, The Piano Lesson centers on the conflicting wills of a brother and sister (Boy Willie and Berniece) as they vie for possession of their familys most important heirloom, the piano. Boy Willie wants to sell the piano. With the money, he plans to buy land from the Sutters, a white family whose patriarch helped murder Boy Willies father. Berniece, 35, insists that the piano will stay in her home. She even pockets her late husbands gun to ensure the pianos security. So, why the power struggle over a musical instrument? To answer that, one must understand the history of Berniece and Boy Willys family (the Charles family), as well as a symbolic analysis of the piano. The Story of the Piano During Act One, Boy Willys Uncle Doaker recounts a series of tragic events in their familys history. During the 1800s, the Charles family was owned by a farmer named Robert Sutter. As an anniversary present, Robert Sutter traded two slaves for a piano. The exchanged slaves were Boy Willies grandfather (who was only 9 years old at the time) and great-grandmother (after whom Berniece was named). Mrs. Sutter loved the piano, but she missed the company of her slaves. She became so upset she refused to get out of bed. When Robert Sutter was unable to trade back the slaves, he gave a special task to Boy Willies great-grandfather (after whom Boy Willie was named). Boy Willies great-grandfather was a gifted carpenter and artist. Robert Sutter ordered him to carve pictures of the slaves into the wood of the piano so that Mrs. Sutter would not miss them as much. Of course, Boy Willies great-grandfather missed his family more earnestly than the slave owners. So, he carved beautiful portraits of his wife and child, as well as other images: His mother, Mama EstherHis father, Boy CharlesHis marriageHis sons birthHis mothers funeralThe day his family was taken away In short, the piano is more than an heirloom; it is a work of art, embodying the familys joy and heartache. Taking the Piano After the Civil War, members of the Charles family continued to live and work in the south. Three grandchildren of the aforementioned slaves are important characters of The Piano Lesson. The three brothers are: Boy Charles: The father of Boy Willie and Berniece.Doaker: A longtime railroad worker who has for all intents and purposes retired from the worldWining Boy: A lousy gambler and formerly-talented musician. During the 1900s, Boy Charles constantly complained about the Sutter familys ownership of the piano. He believed that the Charles family was still enslaved so long as the Sutters kept the piano, symbolically holding the Charles family legacy hostage. On July 4, the three brothers took the piano away while the Sutters enjoyed a family picnic. Doaker and Wining Boy transported the piano to another county, but Boy Charles stayed behind. That night, Sutter and his posse set fire to Boy Charles home. Boy Charles attempted to escape by train (the 3:57 Yellow Dog, to be exact), but Sutters men blocked the railroad. They set fire to the boxcar, murdering Boy Charles and four homeless men. Over the next 25 years, the murderers met a dreadful fate of their own. Some of them mysteriously fell down their own well. A rumor spread that the Ghosts of the Yellow Dog sought revenge. Others contend that ghosts had nothing to do with the death of Sutter and his men — that living and breathing men threw them into a well. Throughout The Piano Lesson, Sutters ghost appears to each of the characters. His presence can be seen as a supernatural character or the symbolic remnant of an oppressive society that still attempts to intimidate the Charles family.

Biomass As A Renewable Energy Resource - 907 Words

3 Biomass as a renewable energy resource Biomass can be considered as a renewable energy resource, although burning biomass releases carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere similar to burning fossil fuel (Liu H. 2011). There is a significant difference in CO2 release between burning a fossil fuel and burning biomass. Burning a fossil fuel releases CO2 that has been locked up for millions of years in the ground, affecting the natural CO2 cycle and resulting in an increase in the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Burning biomass simply return to the atmosphere the same amount of CO2 which was absorbed from the air via the photosynthesis process while the biomass plant was growing over a relatively short period of time (a few years to decade), and there is no net release of C02 into the atmosphere, i.e., CO2-neutral, if the cycle of growth and harvest is sustained. Therefore, biomass can consider as a renewable energy resource as shown in Figure 3.1 (Li u H. 2011). If the production and transportation of the biomass fuel inv olve the use of fossil fuel, there would become net release of CO2 with biomass combustion (Liu H. 2011) Figure 3.1 Biomass is a renewable energy resource (Liu H. 20 11) In fact, real biomass energy production systems are differing from the ideal carbon cycle shown in Figure 3.1 in two important ways. Firstly, the production of biomass energy always consumes fossil energy for the farming, transportation and production stages of the process (Hill et al.Show MoreRelatedBiomass Energy: Renewable Resources754 Words   |  3 PagesRenewable Energy Biomass is the energy we get from plants and animals that have died. It is organic material made from microorganisms containing stored energy from a process called photosynthesis. When photosynthesis occurs, plants take in sunlight with carbon dioxide and water, and then release glucose, which the plant uses for food and oxygen, which is the air that we breathe. Then sooner of later the plant will either die or get eaten. When it is eaten, the energy from the plant is passedRead MoreRenewable Energy Sources For Fossil Fuels1240 Words   |  5 PagesWe live in a world where we have to rely on resources such as fossil fuels in order to provide us energy. Almost everything we use nowadays consumes power in some form, and in tandem we rely on energy. Fossil fuels have become the go to resource for providing power. Fossil fuels include natural resources such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. These fossil fuels fall under the non-renewable category because they take thousands of years in order to form naturally and cannot be replaced as fast asRead MoreSustainability And Construction Practices : Department Of Civil Engineering1256 Words   |  6 Pages 3 Scope of renewable energy 3 Types of renewable energy i. Solar power 3 ii. Wind power 5 iii. Biomass 6 iv. 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According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the supply of oil left in the world will last us twenty five more years. One may say that twenty five years is a long time, and by then new sources of fuel will surely have replaced the nonrenewa ble sources we currently use to meet our energy demands. This, howeverRead MoreA Brief Note On Hydro Quebec And The Largest Electricity Company1630 Words   |  7 PagesHydropower is one of sustainable energy resources and it plays a very important role to protect our environment.The company was founded in April 14, 1994. After more than seventy years’ development, about 99 percent of electricity that Hydro-Quebec generated is by Hydropower. Hydro-Quebec’s research institute (IREQ) which is in charge of technological innovation advantages Hydro-Quebec compare with other electricity company. Why Energy consumption is Important? Energy consumption is bound tightly

Career in Criminal Justice Free Essays

There are several different careers to choose from in the criminal justice field. I was unsure of which direction to go in until I joined the military. One of the career paths that interest me is a career in the military. We will write a custom essay sample on Career in Criminal Justice or any similar topic only for you Order Now My second choice would be outside of the military. The two professions that interest me the most is OSI (Office of Special Investigations) and DEA (Diversion Investigator). Both of these jobs have many comparisons and some differences. The first job that interest me the most is Office of Special Investigations. OSI is an officer or an enlisted job in the United States Air Force. Basically, you have to plan and conduct investigations. They interview witnesses and interrogate people who is suspected of committing a violation of the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice). This job consists of many responsibilities such as conducting lineups and fingerprint suspects, write reports, provide testimony at court proceedings, and participate in surveillances and crime scene searches. Some of the skills needed to perform this job is great writing and speaking skills. Also you need to have qualification to bear firearms. The reason why this is important, because all knowledge is mandatory of special investigative policy. Also techniques in fraud, counterintelligence, personnel background, and technical security services are demanded as well. Other skills needed for the criminal justice field that coincides are driving skills, report-writing abilities, and significant weapon skills (p 205 Schmalleger). Other qualifications is to pass the United States military physical fitness test and their background check. You have to be physically fit to perform this job and maintain criminal free record. You can read also  Justice System Position Paper   The second job that interest me is a Diversion Investigator. This job is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration. You have to perform many duties such as examine the accounts of manufactures, pharmacies, and hospitals. Conducting security breaches, investigating the misuse of pharmaceutical prescriptions, and retrieving contraband is also part of the career field. Their mission is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the U. S. and bring it to the criminal and civil justice systems. They have many responsibilities such as proper investigation, prepare for rosecutions of major violated crimes, manage the drug intelligence program, and conduct a professional work environment at all times. Some of the skills that are required is to have the ability to gather research and analyze data, interpreting regulations, and the ability to communicate. Some of the criminal justice skills needed is having administrative skills, management techniques and radio communicatio n skills (p 205 Schmalleger). With this profession you have to pass a background check, pass a drug test and be physically fit. In some cases, you may have to relocate. In conclusion, the skills listed for both jobs are needed to accomplish the mission. They are required to help prepare a potential investigator for the real world. It enables you to perform at optimal levels of extreme and stressful situations. These career fields inspire me because, the very skills needed to perform the job are parallel to my professional long term goals in numerous ways. With both jobs, you need great communication skills are the foundation of the mission. Being able to write and speak clearly is also a key. As an investigator, I am confidently sure you will be doing a great amount of writing and a whole lot of public speaking. Testifying in court will be often for you. The reason why I am interested in OSI is because I am already a part of a career field that is similar and will be able to advance in the military as an investigator. The reason I would be interested in DEA is because, I have great management skills and will maintain an ambitious attitude to protect the United States military and civilian population from misuse of drugs. You can read also King v Cogdon The strategies I would use to achieve the skills needed for the jobs I selected is the criminal investigations strategy and the emergency response strategy (p 212 Schmalleger). The criminal investigation strategy is the manner by which a hearing of evidences involving to an existing delinquency is amassed. This could be leading up to an apprehension. The emergency response is the manifestation of a cop at an event when there is an instant threat at hand. Both of these strategies will be of use to achieve the skills needed for my career choices. How to cite Career in Criminal Justice, Papers

Dr. King Speech free essay sample

DR. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a man of many accomplishments. From lighting the torch that helped changed the way we blacks and whites communicated, to sparking the civil rights movement. its safe to say that Dr. King was well Involved in helping change racism. During Dr. Kings life, he had written many letters, but none were Ike the letter he wrote to his fellow clergymen. The letter that King wrote to his fellow clergymen was a reply to the statements made by the clergymen stating that Dr. Kings actions were unwise, and untimely. Now according to Dr. King, he rarely ever ook time to reply to negative backlash he received from others. but this particular criticism made a rather large impact in Dr. Kings life. upon receiving the criticism, King wrote a very passionate letter stating In so many words that men In their position should have more compassion, wisdom, and positive impacts in America, instead of promoting, and condoning the negative behaviors. While writing this letter to the clergymen, King used a lot of detail, passion, and rhetoric, such as Logos, Ethos, and Pathos which I will convey in this paper. ill show examples of Kings use of the hetoric terms, as well as describe the effectiveness and Importance of them. During Kings letter to the clergymen he uses logos in many ways, he makes a lot of great points, and he also backs up those points with great logic, which leads me to the following statement written by King How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others? The answer lies in 2 the fact that there are two types of laws: Just and unjust. I would be the last to advocate disobeying Just laws. In this statement I believe that King is making the point that, although it may be a law, that doesnt make it morally correct. It is our job as people to follow Just laws, but It Is not an obligation to follow the unjust laws. Although there were laws preventing Negros from their constitutional and god-given rights, doesnt make It morally Incorrect to disobey them, In fact it would be morally incorrect to abide by those unjust laws. King believed it was our Job as people to come together and work on changing them, just in a non-violent way. In Kings letter, he describes the difference between a Just, and unjust law. King states in his letter that A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law Is a code that Is out of harmony with the moral law. In that statement , King is basically saying that a Just law preserves the constitutional and god-given rights we have as people, no matter the color of our skin. An unjust law is just the opposite. it goes against the constitutional and God-given rights we have as people, and we are not obligated to follow an unjust law according to King. I believe that King made great points, and backed up his points with a great deal of logic. In my opinion King made his points very effective in his letter. It was effective because OF3 ever be denied, but King also uses the fact that people in the clergymen position is held to a certain standard in which they contradicted by making the statements they made. It was important for King to use logos in his letter because no argument is valid without the logic to support it. When persuading an audience, it is important to present facts and while presenting those facts, you must have logic supporting those facts and I believe King did a great Job doing so. In addition to Kings use of logos, there was also a great display of ethos in the letter written by King. Although King has a reputation, and a list of accomplishments anging from his education, to his 3 up-bringing, as well as the leadership positions hes held in many organizations, Kings personal accomplishments are well known, and goes without saying. There are few times in the letter where King lets his accomplishments and leadership positions known, King states, l have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. We have some eighty-five affiliated organizations across the South, and one of them is Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. This statement is a rare, but necessary display of credibility by King in the letter. I believe that King doesnt say to much about his personal accomplishments because his reputation speaks for itself. There is a point in the letter in which King uses an appeal to authority, as stated we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Courts decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, at first glance it may seem rather paradoxical for us consciously to break laws. In that statement, King uses the authority of the Supreme Courts in his his favor, which is a brilliant plan. Although the use of ethos is scarce compared to the use of the other terms, it is still used in a very effective way. Similar to the use of logos, and ethos, pathos is used a lot, and in an effective way. Here is an example of Kings use Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. In this statement King sums up his belief in the power of Justice, and the effect that injustice can have. I believe that King uses a lot of passion in his letter because the statements ade by the clergymen impacted him in a very deep way. Here is another example of pathos used by King, We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people. In this statement King is saying that it is horrible for people to commit hateful actions,and say hateful things, but it is even worse to see these 4 things and remain silent throughout it. Although it is important to use logic, and credibility, it is probably more important for King to use passion in his letter because significance and emotions in his writing. Kings use of pathos was very effective because it not only conveyed his dedication to the subject of change, but it also showed his willingness to go above and beyond for what he believed in. In conclusion, Kings letter to the clergymen was extremely effective as a whole. It was effective ultimately because as people we have come a long way from the state of racism that we were in. The progression that we have made as people certainly proves that all the work, and dedication King unveiled was useful and effective. With that being said, I believe that King served his purpose fully and his work will never be second guessed.