Wining Boy

Goldie Barajas

English 9A, Lennon

11/12/09

My impression of the character Wining Boy in the play,The Piano Lesson, by August Wilson, is triggered by the author’s description of him. The author states on stage descriptions that Wining Boy is “fifty-six years old and he is Doaker’s older brother.” He also states that he “tries to present the image of a successful musician and gambler, but his music, his clothes, and even his manner of presentation are old. He is a man that looking back over his life continues to live it with an odd mixture of zest and sorrow” (pg 28).

I personally agree with all these facts said about him having read about him on Act 1, Scene 2. He does seem like the kind of person who lives life with sorrow… I say this basing my opinion on what I have learned about him. I learned that his wife, Cleotha dies. I also learned that he valued the relationship he had with her. He said that with her he had a home; he really loved her but his love for gambling caused her to kick him out of their home. He lost the feeling of love. That I imagine must be sorrowful. However, I in a way like him because he seems like a man looking for adventures. I find him interesting as well because as mentioned on Act 1, Scene 2 he knows how to play the piano. I find that clever, due to the fact that, playing the piano is for me a woman's talent. On the other hand I also like him since he agrees with Berniece on not selling the piano. That comes to show he has some sort of values and feelings towards family.

But at the same time I sort of dislike him. I get the sense by what I have read that he loves money. I relate him to Boy Willie in that sense. Boy Willie also loves money but unlike Wining Boy, he does not waste it on gambling. He is very different from Doaker, his older brother. Doaker is very passive and supportive towards his family and responsible. Wining Boy, I think is almost the opposite of Doaker. Wining boy is a character I am looking forward to read more about.