The Symbolism of the Piano in The PianoThe piano has been inextricably linked to the roles and expectations of women in British society since its advent in the mid-1700s until the late 1800s, when rising living standards made it more accessible to middle-class society. Pianos were considered "safe icons of social distinction" 1 and the wife was similarly seen as an asset of "privatization, success and respectability".2 Pianos were instrumental in both reinforcing gender roles and delineating the distinction of class, thus perpetuating the class system. 3While primarily focusing on Ada, this essay will discuss the symbolism of the piano in Piano Lessons expressed through the relationship with each of the film's four main characters. I will also comment on the piano as a colonial representation of conquest. In one of the first scenes of The Piano, Ada awaits with her young daughter the arrival of her new husband and a group of Maori workers who will carry their luggage to the house. On the deserted beach of a new land, alone with her sleeping daughter next to her, she consoles herself by touching her piano, still trapped in her wooden house. Upon Stewart's arrival the next day, he immediately refuses her request to take the piano to Ada's new home or even return to collect it. As the group climbs a ridge behind the beach, Ada stands on a bluff and sees the piano standing alone on the sand below her. Framed in the oppressive and imposing landscape of the harsh and unyielding New Zealand bush, the piano made of wood and iron represents an image of colonialism.4 However, the dominant image conveyed in the scene is that of loss, isolation and separation of world. more......middle of paper......strong and mocking "carnival". (Politics of Voice, p.36).8 The performance of the music was to be "in private company" Music and Image, p.399 Hazel, Valerie The Politics of Voice and Jane Campion's Piano, p.3010 Such as when he offers four keys so they can lie together, she responds with five.11 Gordon, Suzy "I clipped your wing, that's all": autoeroticism and spectatorship, p.20212 "And the wind said 'remember how we used to play?' "Then the wind took her hand and said 'come with me'. "But she refused." This story suggests a change from compliant Flora to independent, free-thinking Flora, whose choice is hers.13 Edmond Abat quoted in Reading Readings14 The piano was not previously in her house, so it cannot be called a return. Baines' comment "I give it back" refers more to possession than location.