A Study Of Double Communities In August Wilson's The Piano Lesson And Fences

August Wilson is a well-known African-American playwright.His two plays The Piano Lesson and Fences both win the Pulitzer Prize.These two plays mirror the current living situation of African Americans,and show Wilson's consideration of their encounter with problems such as identities,cultural tradition,ethnic conflicts and so on.Until now,much research work has been done both at home and abroad over the issues like black history,culture and identities in his plays.But few research results can be found on the studies from the perspective of communities,which leaves room for the composition of this thesis.The thesis relies on Benedict Anderson's theory of nations as imagined communities to probe into Wilson's ideal of double community construction in the two plays.In the introduction part,after a careful review of Wilson's writing career,his dramaturgy features and the studies conducted so far both at home and abroad concerning Wilson's works,the author introduces both the perspective and significance of this thesis.The layout of the thesis is also made clear.The main body analyzes two plays centering on the construction of double communities from three aspects.First,based on Anderson's community theory,this thesis analyzes the reconciliation process of family conflicts and probes into Wilson's imagination of building the African community through the equality and harmony of African families.Then,the thesis discusses Wilson's praise of African spirituality and warrior spirit in his work,which represents his appealing for black Americans to inherit and develop their own traditional culture and his wish for building black community.Finally,depending on Anderson's idea in the comparison of patriotism and racism,and summarizing Wilson's discussion of public culture,public rights and public responsibilities,the study digs into his vision for American community,where ethnic groups live equally and harmoniously.In conclusion,these two plays complement each other to convey Wilson's belief in rebuilding African-American community and in building a bigger and more inclusive national community,which exactly shows Anderson's idea of imagined communities.Such a vision for double communities not only propels black culture to return on the historical stage,but provides an instructive insight into the building of America as a harmonious and equal community,making it worthy of the name as a “Salad Bow.”...