John Locke, the English philosopher credited to laying down the foundation of modern day American democracy, as well as influencing our very constitution, once wrote, "All mankind. being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions." He explains that the natural rights of man include the right to keep and protect his or her property. However, when the line that separates who actually owns something becomes blurred, complications tend to arise. In The Piano Lesson, August Wilson provides this exact situation when Boy Willie arrives in Philadelphia, where he hopes to sell the family piano in order to purchase Sutter's land. Although Berniece, who refuses to sell the piano, correctly explains that the piano holds sentimental value, Boy Willie's argument towards selling it is the stronger one.
Boy Willie uses logos to support the argument that because Berniece doesn't use the piano and sees it as a burden, he should be able to sell the piano. When Boy Willie approaches Berniece about selling the piano, he explains to her his reasoning. "Alright now, if you say to me, Boy Willie, I'm using that piano.I'd have to go on and say, well, Berniece using that piano.I got to find another way to get Sutter's land.But Doaker say you ain't touched that piano the whole time it's been up here" (Wilson 51). Boy Willie wouldn't be trying to sell the piano if Berniece was actually using it. Instead, it only collects dust, when it could be being used to help Boy Willie make a life for himself, for that's the only true reason he wants it. After telling Berniece his philosophies on life, Boy Willie tries to explain to her that he's not selling the piano just because he wants to, but because he wants to make his life worthwhile. "That's all I'm trying to do with that piano. Trying to put my mark on the road.My heart tell me to sell that piano and get me some land so I can make a life for myself to live in my own way" (Wilson 94).