The article "Willing Suspension of Disbelief in August Wilson's 'The Piano Lesson'" examines the use of supernatural elements in August Wilson's play "The Piano Lesson" (1987) and how these elements facilitate the audience's willingness to suspend disbelief. The study explores how Wilson incorporates ghosts and other supernatural aspects to deepen the exploration of African-American experiences and cultural heritage. By integrating these elements, Wilson adds layers of meaning and symbolism, reflecting characters' internal and external conflicts, desires, fears, and past traumas. The research highlights that, despite potential skepticism towards supernatural themes, audiences become engrossed in the narrative, accepting the fantastical components as integral to the storytelling.
The study also contextualizes Wilson's work within the broader literary tradition of employing supernatural elements, drawing parallels to playwrights like Thomas Kyd and William Shakespeare. It discusses how such elements have historically been used to develop themes reflecting human nature, morality, and the coexistence of good and evil. In "The Piano Lesson," the supernatural not only serves to engage the audience but also symbolizes the enduring impact of past injustices on the characters' identities and psychologies.