How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #7
Avery: "And tomorrow […] I'm gonna come by and bless the house…and show you the power of the Lord." (2.2.53)
Avery believes that the power of God will banish Sutter's ghost from the house. When Berniece first suggests that he attempt this he seems hesitant. What do you think changes his mind?
Quote #8
Avery: "Walk over here and claim it as an instrument of the Lord." (2.2.49)
We wonder what exactly Avery means by this. Does he see the spirits which inhabit the piano as not of God? A lot of preachers might think that, but he says the Ghosts of the Yellow Dog might be the "hand of God" (2.2.39). He doesn't seem to think of spirits as being demonic in anyway. Perhaps he just means that Berniece should use the power of God to help her face her own fears of playing the piano again. We think there are probably other interpretations of this line. What do you think?
Quote #9
Avery: "Berniece, I can't do it." (2.5.202)
For some reason, Avery isn't able to banish Sutter's ghost. We wonder what it is. Is his faith not strong enough? Is he not as connected to God as he thinks he is? Does God not want the ghost banished? Does his God not exist? The pay leaves this pretty open. What do you think?