Seven Guitars

Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant world of August Wilson’s Seven Guitars! 🎸✨ Written by the legendary playwright August Wilson, this play stands as the fifth installment in his towering ten-part series, The Pittsburgh Cycle, which dives deep into the African American experience throughout the 20th century. Each play in the cycle depicts African American life in a different decade, with Seven Guitars setting its heartfelt and harrowing narrative in the 1940s.

August Wilson, born April 27, 1945, and passed away on October 2, 2005, was an iconic American playwright whose works are celebrated for their vivid portrayal of the African American experience. Wilson’s masterful storytelling, rich with cultural heritage, won him two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama. His genre—though rooted in drama—transcends simple categorization, blending history, tragedy, and music into a unique theatrical experience.

Seven Guitars is no exception. The play strikes chords of love, betrayal, hope, and despair against the backdrop of post-World War II America, offering a poignant exploration of the African American struggle for success and fulfillment within a society marred by systemic racism and injustice. So, let’s delve into the heart and soul of Seven Guitars, exploring its rich narrative, complex characters, and the thematic depth that makes this play an unforgettable piece of American theatre. 🎭👥

Plot Summary

Seven Guitars unfurls its narrative with a nonlinear timeline, weaving through events with the grace of a well-played melody. The play begins and ends after the funeral of the central character, Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton, a talented but troubled blues guitarist, setting a tone of reflection and melancholy from the outset.

— Exposition: The story opens in the backyard of a house in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1948, where friends and fellow residents gather after Floyd’s funeral. Through their reminiscences, the audience learns about Floyd’s dreams, struggles, and the events leading up to his untimely death.

— Rising Action: Flashbacks reveal Floyd’s release from jail, his burning desire to make it big in the music industry, and his plan to return to Chicago to record another hit record, following the success of his song “That’s Alright.” Floyd’s aspirations are not just for fame; he sees success as a means to win back Vera, the woman he loves. The narrative builds as Floyd tries to gather his band, secure financial backing, and navigate the complexities of love and friendship within his community.

— Climax: The climax occurs when Floyd, having faced numerous setbacks, finally seems on the verge of achieving his dreams. However, his aspirations are brutally cut short by a violent altercation with Hedley, a mentally unstable, sickly man with visions of his own destiny, over an inconsequential misunderstanding. This confrontation leads to Floyd’s death, a tragic turn that embodies the play’s exploration of fate and ambition.

— Falling Action: In the aftermath of Floyd’s death, the community reflects on the loss and the unfulfilled promises of Floyd’s life. The characters grapple with their grief, regrets, and the harsh realities of their lives in the shadow of systemic racism and economic hardship.

— Resolution: The play closes with a return to the opening scene’s funeral setting, where the characters, now even more reflective, contemplate the meanings of Floyd’s life and death. Vera receives a sign from Floyd—a rooster that Hedley sacrifices—which symbolizes Floyd’s spirit and the ongoing struggles and hopes of the African American community.

Seven Guitars is a poignant exploration of the African American experience, marked by Wilson’s signature blend of rich dialogue, vibrant characters, and a deep understanding of the cultural and historical forces shaping their lives. The play leaves audiences with a powerful impression of the struggles for recognition, fulfillment, and the relentless pursuit of dreams within a society that often seems designed to thwart those very aspirations.

Character Analysis

In Seven Guitars, August Wilson crafts a cast of complex characters, each with their own dreams, motivations, and flaws. Their interactions and individual journeys offer a deep dive into the human experience, set against the backdrop of 1940s America.

— Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton is a talented blues guitarist with a dream of hitting it big. Ambitious and charismatic, Floyd is determined to claim the success he believes he deserves, viewing his music as a way out of the economic and social constraints placed upon him. Despite his flaws, including moments of selfishness and infidelity, Floyd’s love for Vera and his passion for music make him a compelling, if tragic, protagonist.

— Vera Dotson is Floyd’s love interest, embodying patience and forgiveness. After being heartbroken by Floyd’s infidelity, she is wary of his promises and ambitions. Vera’s struggle between her love for Floyd and her need for stability reflects the broader theme of hope versus reality.

— Canewell is a harmonica player and one of Floyd’s closest friends. Loyal yet realistic, Canewell provides a grounding perspective on Floyd’s dreams, representing the cautious optimism of the community. His unspoken love for Vera adds a layer of complexity to his character.

— Hedley is a sickly, mentally unstable man who dreams of fathering a great leader. He believes in a destiny far removed from his reality, filled with visions of African heritage and legacy. Hedley’s actions, driven by his delusions and desperation, catalyze the tragic climax of the play.

— Louise is Vera’s neighbor, offering maternal wisdom and support to the younger characters. Her relationship with Hedley and her niece, Ruby, showcases her as a pillar of strength and practicality in the community.

— Ruby is Louise’s niece, who comes to Pittsburgh to escape her past in the South. Her arrival stirs up tension and desires among the men, especially Hedley and Canewell. Ruby’s pregnancy and her views on love and survival highlight the struggles of African American women to secure a better future for themselves and their children.

— Red Carter is Floyd’s drummer and a notorious womanizer. His comedic relief and light-hearted approach to life contrast the heavier themes of the play, though his character also embodies the community’s escapism and desire for joy amidst hardship.

Here’s a summary table for a clearer overview:

Character	Personality	Motivations	Character Development
Floyd Barton	Ambitious, charismatic	To achieve fame and win back Vera	His journey underscores the tragedy of unfulfilled potential and the impact of systemic barriers.
Vera Dotson	Patient, cautious	To find stability and true love	Vera’s growth reflects her struggle between hope and the hard realities of her world.
Canewell	Loyal, realistic	Friendship, unspoken love for Vera	Reveals the complexities of friendship and unrequited love.
Hedley	Delusional, desperate	To fulfill a grandiose destiny	His tragic trajectory highlights themes of legacy and the crushing weight of dreams.
Louise	Wise, supportive	To provide guidance and support	Acts as a stabilizing force, showcasing resilience and wisdom.
Ruby	Determined, searching	To escape her past and find security	Reflects the challenges faced by African American women in seeking a better life.
Red Carter	Light-hearted, escapist	To enjoy life and avoid complications	Provides comic relief while also embodying communal desires for joy and release.

This rich tapestry of characters not only drives the narrative forward but also deepens the play’s exploration of themes like ambition, love, and the quest for dignity within an oppressive society.

Let’s move on to dissect the themes and symbols embedded in Seven Guitars.

Themes and Symbols

Seven Guitars by August Wilson is rich with themes and symbols that weave through its narrative, adding layers of meaning and contributing to the overall impact of the story. Here’s a look at the major themes and symbols that stand out:

— The American Dream and its Elusiveness: This theme is central to the narrative, exploring the pursuit of success and prosperity within the constraints of systemic racism and economic hardship. Floyd’s struggle to achieve his musical dreams and provide for Vera symbolizes the broader African American struggle to attain the American Dream in a society that often denies them equal opportunities.

— Legacy and Ancestry: Hedley’s fixation on fathering a great leader and his reverence for historical African figures highlight the importance of legacy and ancestry. The play suggests that understanding and honoring one’s heritage is crucial for personal and communal identity, offering strength and guidance in the face of adversity.

— Love and Betrayal: The complex relationships between Floyd, Vera, and the other characters explore themes of love, trust, and betrayal. These emotional dynamics reflect the broader human experience, emphasizing the need for connection and the pain that comes with its loss or betrayal.

— Justice and Injustice: Wilson’s depiction of the characters’ lives reflects the larger systemic injustices faced by African Americans. Floyd’s encounters with the law and the characters’ discussions about rights and fairness underscore the play’s critique of racial and social inequities.

— Death and Spirituality: The play opens and closes with scenes surrounding Floyd’s funeral, framing the story with themes of mortality and the spiritual beliefs that provide comfort and meaning in the face of death. The rooster sacrificed by Hedley and Floyd’s guitar symbolize spiritual beliefs and the hope for transcendence beyond earthly struggles.

— Music as Expression and Escape: Music, particularly the blues, is a powerful symbol in the play, representing both the characters’ cultural heritage and a form of expression that transcends their immediate circumstances. Floyd’s guitar and his aspirations embody the power of music to articulate the African American experience and the desire for freedom.

These themes and symbols enrich Seven Guitars, making it not just a story about a group of friends in the 1940s, but a profound exploration of the human condition, the African American experience, and the universal quest for meaning, justice, and fulfillment.

Next, let’s examine the distinctive writing style and tone August Wilson employs in Seven Guitars and how they contribute to the play’s atmosphere and impact.

Style and Tone

August Wilson’s Seven Guitars is a testament to his unique writing style and the distinctive tone he sets throughout the play, which significantly contribute to its mood, atmosphere, and the deeper understanding of its themes and characters. Here’s a closer look at these elements:

— Dialogues and Monologues: Wilson’s use of dialogues and monologues is perhaps the most striking feature of his writing style. The dialogues in Seven Guitars are richly textured, capturing the rhythms and patterns of African American speech in the 1940s. This authenticity brings the characters to life, allowing them to express their deepest fears, desires, and philosophies. The monologues, often poetic and profound, provide insight into the characters’ inner worlds, making their experiences and emotions palpable to the audience.

— Symbolism and Imagery: Wilson’s writing is dense with symbols and imagery that enhance the play’s themes and emotional depth. Objects, actions, and events are imbued with meaning beyond their literal significance, such as Floyd’s guitar symbolizing his dreams and the struggles of African American artists, or the rooster representing sacrifice and the spiritual connections between the characters and their African roots.

— Humor and Tragedy: The tone of Seven Guitars oscillates between humor and tragedy, reflecting the complexities of life and the African American experience. Wilson skillfully uses humor to provide relief from the play’s heavier moments, humanize his characters, and shed light on their resilience in the face of adversity. Yet, the underlying tragic tone, underscored by the characters’ unfulfilled dreams and systemic injustices, lends a poignant depth to the narrative.

— Musicality: The musicality of the language in Seven Guitars is a hallmark of Wilson’s style. The rhythm and flow of the dialogue often mimic musical patterns, particularly the blues, which is central to the play’s themes and setting. This musicality not only enhances the storytelling but also connects the narrative to the broader cultural and historical context of African American music as a form of expression and resistance.

— Realism and Magic: Wilson blends realism with elements of magic and the supernatural, creating a rich tapestry that reflects the spiritual and cultural traditions of African American communities. This blend allows the play to explore themes of destiny, legacy, and the unseen forces that shape our lives, adding a layer of mystique and depth to the realistic portrayal of life in the Hill District of Pittsburgh.

These elements of style and tone are integral to the experience of Seven Guitars, enriching its narrative and deepening its impact. They underscore August Wilson’s mastery as a playwright and his ability to convey the nuances of the African American experience with authenticity, complexity, and profound empathy.

Literary Devices Used in Seven Guitars

August Wilson’s Seven Guitars employs a variety of literary devices that enrich the narrative, deepen the thematic exploration, and enhance the overall dramatic impact of the play. Let’s examine the top 10 literary devices used:

1. Symbolism — Symbols like Floyd’s guitar and Hedley’s knife are used extensively throughout the play. Floyd’s guitar represents his dreams, ambitions, and the struggles of African American artists, while Hedley’s knife symbolizes destiny, violence, and the complex legacy of African heritage.
2. Foreshadowing — Wilson uses foreshadowing to hint at future events, creating suspense and adding layers to the narrative. The frequent references to death and omens, such as the rooster’s sacrifice, subtly foreshadow Floyd’s tragic demise.
3. Flashback — The nonlinear narrative structure relies on flashbacks to reveal the characters’ pasts and the events leading up to Floyd’s death. This device allows the audience to piece together the story and understand the characters’ motivations and histories.
4. Irony — Dramatic and situational irony are present, highlighting the gap between the characters’ aspirations and their realities. Floyd’s relentless pursuit of success, only to be met with an untimely death, is a poignant example of irony in the play.
5. Allusion — Wilson alludes to historical figures and events, particularly those relevant to African American history and culture. These references enrich the characters’ backgrounds and underscore the play’s themes of legacy and identity.
6. Metaphor — Metaphors, such as comparing life to a card game, permeate the dialogue. These metaphors provide insight into the characters’ perspectives on fate, struggle, and resilience.
7. Personification — Wilson personifies elements of nature and inanimate objects to imbue them with spiritual significance. The personification of the rooster, for example, connects the play to themes of sacrifice and foreboding.
8. Hyperbole — Characters often use hyperbole to express their emotions and desires, amplifying the intensity of their experiences and highlighting the dramatic nature of their circumstances.
9. Dialogue — The authentic, rhythmic dialogue serves not just as a means of communication but as a device that reflects character, setting, and cultural identity, embodying the musicality and richness of African American vernacular.
10. Imagery — Vivid imagery in the descriptions and dialogue evokes the senses, painting a detailed picture of the characters’ environment and the emotions they experience. The imagery surrounding the garden, for example, brings to life the setting while symbolizing growth and decay.

These literary devices are integral to Wilson’s storytelling, weaving a complex, multifaceted narrative that captures the essence of the characters’ lives and the broader African American experience. Next, we’ll provide specific examples and explanations for each of these devices used in Seven Guitars.

Literary Devices Examples

Let’s delve into examples and explanations for each of the top 10 literary devices used in Seven Guitars by August Wilson, showcasing how these techniques contribute to the depth and richness of the play.

Symbolism

• Floyd’s Guitar: Represents his dreams and the struggles of African American artists. It’s a symbol of hope, aspiration, and the power of music as a form of expression.
• Hedley’s Knife: Embodies themes of destiny, violence, and the complex legacy of African heritage. It’s a tool of both protection and destruction, reflecting Hedley’s internal struggles and beliefs.
• The Rooster: Symbolizes sacrifice, fertility, and the connection to spiritual or ancestral realms. Its sacrifice by Hedley signifies a plea for divine intervention or a harbinger of death.

Foreshadowing

• References to Death: Early mentions of death and fatalism foreshadow the tragic end for Floyd, setting a tone of inevitability that permeates the play.
• The Rooster’s Sacrifice: Acts as an omen of Floyd’s death, suggesting that sacrifice might be required for the renewal or continuation of life.

Flashback

• Floyd’s Release from Jail: Reveals his past and the source of his aspirations, providing context for his ambitions and his relationship dynamics.
• Vera and Floyd’s History: Offers insight into their complicated relationship, enriching the narrative with their backstory and emotional depth.

Irony

• Floyd’s Aspirations Versus Reality: His dream of musical success contrasted with his untimely death highlights the irony of ambition within a system stacked against him.
• Hedley’s Prophetic Visions: His belief in a grand destiny, juxtaposed with his impoverished and marginalized existence, underscores the tragic irony of his character.

Allusion

• Historical Figures: References to real-life figures like Marcus Garvey connect the characters to a broader historical and cultural context, emphasizing themes of legacy and identity.

Metaphor

• Life as a Card Game: This metaphor, used by the characters, reflects their views on chance, strategy, and the unpredictability of life, highlighting the blend of skill and luck in navigating their world.

Personification

• The Rooster’s Behavior: Giving the rooster human-like qualities or significance beyond its animal nature, it becomes a mediator between the spiritual and the earthly, signaling change or foretelling events.

Hyperbole

• Character Emotions: Exaggerated descriptions of love, hate, or ambition emphasize the intensity of the characters’ feelings and the dramatic stakes of their situations.

Dialogue

• Rhythmic and Musical Language: The dialogue’s flow and cadence mirror musical structures, especially the blues, reflecting the cultural backdrop and the characters’ emotional states.

Imagery

• The Garden’s Vivid Descriptions: Serve not only to set the scene but also symbolize growth, decay, and the cycle of life, enhancing the play’s thematic richness.

These examples demonstrate how August Wilson masterfully uses literary devices to layer meaning, enhance character development, and immerse the audience in the world of Seven Guitars. Each device contributes to the play’s exploration of themes related to the African American experience, legacy, love, and the pursuit of dreams against the backdrop of systemic injustice.

Next, let’s move on to crafting FAQs about Seven Guitars for students in an advanced placement language course.

Seven Guitars – FAQs

What is the main theme of Seven Guitars? The main theme of Seven Guitars is the pursuit of the American Dream and its elusiveness, especially for African Americans in the 1940s. It explores how systemic racism, economic hardship, and social injustices impact the characters’ lives and dreams.

Who is Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton in Seven Guitars? Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton is the central character, a talented blues guitarist with dreams of fame and success. His ambition to make a name for himself in the music industry drives much of the play’s narrative.

How does August Wilson use symbolism in Seven Guitars? Wilson uses symbolism extensively, with objects like Floyd’s guitar symbolizing his dreams and aspirations, Hedley’s knife representing destiny and violence, and the rooster signifying sacrifice and spiritual connection.

What role does music play in Seven Guitars? Music, particularly the blues, plays a critical role in Seven Guitars, serving as a form of expression, escape, and cultural identity for the characters. It reflects their struggles, hopes, and the rich heritage of African American music.

How does Seven Guitars address issues of race and social justice? Seven Guitars addresses issues of race and social justice by highlighting the systemic barriers that the characters face in their pursuit of happiness and success. It delves into themes of racial discrimination, economic inequality, and the impact of these injustices on the characters’ lives and dreams.

Can you explain the significance of the play’s title, Seven Guitars? The title Seven Guitars can be interpreted in several ways, including as a reference to the seven characters who each, metaphorically, play their own “instrument” in the symphony of the narrative. It may also allude to the central role of music and Floyd’s guitar, which symbolizes his dreams and the collective voice of the characters’ experiences.

What is the significance of the play’s setting in the 1940s Pittsburgh? The setting in 1940s Pittsburgh, specifically in the Hill District, is significant as it reflects the historical and social context of African American life during that era. It provides a backdrop for exploring themes of community, racial tension, economic struggle, and the pursuit of the American Dream within a specific cultural and historical landscape.

How does Seven Guitars fit into August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle? Seven Guitars is the fifth play in August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle, a series of ten plays that chronicle the African American experience throughout the 20th century, each set in a different decade. It contributes to the overall narrative of the cycle by exploring the lives, dreams, and struggles of African Americans in the 1940s.

Quiz

Here’s a quiz designed to test your comprehension of August Wilson’s Seven Guitars. Each question is multiple-choice, highlighting key aspects of the play.

Question	A	B	C	D
What is the primary setting of Seven Guitars?	Chicago	New York City	Pittsburgh’s Hill District	Memphis
Who is the protagonist of Seven Guitars?	Vera Dotson	Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton	Canewell	Hedley
What symbolizes Floyd’s hopes and dreams?	A knife	A harmonica	A rooster	A guitar
What is the main theme of Seven Guitars?	Love and betrayal	The pursuit of the American Dream	The significance of heritage	The power of music
How does Floyd Barton die?	In a car accident	From a disease	He is murdered	Natural causes
What literary device is heavily used to reveal character backstories?	Flashback	Alliteration	Onomatopoeia	Simile
Which character believes they are destined to father a great leader?	Red Carter	Louise	Hedley	Canewell
What does the rooster symbolize in the play?	Wealth	Sacrifice and spiritual connection	Loneliness	Freedom
How does Seven Guitars address racial issues?	By ignoring them	Through the characters’ personal stories	With a focus on legal battles	Through a futuristic lens
Which of the following is NOT a theme explored in Seven Guitars?	The impact of technology	The elusiveness of the American Dream	Legacy and ancestry	Justice and injustice

Correct Answers:

1. C – Pittsburgh’s Hill District
2. B – Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton
3. D – A guitar
4. B – The pursuit of the American Dream
5. C – He is murdered
6. A – Flashback
7. C – Hedley
8. B – Sacrifice and spiritual connection
9. B – Through the characters’ personal stories
10. A – The impact of technology

This quiz can help students review key points and themes from Seven Guitars, ensuring a deeper understanding of the play’s complexities and nuances.

Exercise

In this exercise, students will practice identifying literary devices used in a specific passage from August Wilson’s Seven Guitars. Below is a paragraph from the play. Students are tasked with spotting the literary devices present.

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“Vera stands in the fading light, her shadow long and mingling with the shadows of the evening. The air is filled with the distant sound of a blues guitar, its melancholy notes weaving through the stillness. ‘Life,’ she muses, ‘is just like this song—full of sorrow, but somehow beautiful. We’re all just trying to make music with what we’ve got.’ Floyd’s laughter echoes from somewhere unseen, a reminder of dreams unfulfilled and loves lost, yet the garden around her blooms defiantly, a testament to resilience and hope.”

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Exercise: Identify the literary devices in the paragraph above.

Answers:

1. Metaphor – Comparing life to a song highlights the beauty and sorrow intertwined in the characters’ experiences.
2. Personification – The garden is described as blooming “defiantly,” attributing human qualities to it and symbolizing resilience and hope.
3. Imagery – The detailed descriptions of Vera’s shadow, the sound of the blues guitar, and the evening setting create vivid images in the reader’s mind.
4. Allusion – The reference to blues music alludes to the African American cultural heritage and its significance in expressing the community’s struggles and emotions.

This exercise not only helps students recognize literary devices but also deepens their understanding of how these devices contribute to the themes and emotional depth of Seven Guitars.