The Piano Lesson Lesson Plan

Why do you think Sutter’s ghost is heard whenever Boy Willie tries to move the piano? Why does Berniece’s playing the piano finally quiet the ghost?

Sutter’s ghost is heard because there is unresolved tension surrounding the piano in the Charles household. At first look, it seems that Sutter’s ghost is guarding what Sutter considered his property. However, if this were true, then the ghost would not mind if the piano were moved out of the house, but would take more offense to the piano residing in the house. Thus, it seems that Sutter’s ghost is actually reacting to Berniece’s unresolved conflict with the piano’s history. Only when she finally plays the piano, and...