43 pages • 1 hour read
August WilsonSeven Guitars
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1995A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Seven Guitars by August Wilson, set in 1947 Pittsburgh, follows five characters reflecting on the life of jazz musician Floyd Barton who dreams of returning to Chicago for a recording opportunity. The play shifts back to show Floyd's struggles, including conflicts with his fiancée Vera and the challenges he faces in reclaiming his pawned guitar. As his friends and fellow musicians grapple with their own aspirations and problems, tensions rise, leading to an unexpected and tragic conclusion.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
August Wilson's Seven Guitars is widely praised for its rich character development and its authentic portrayal of African American life in the 1940s. The dialogue and period-specific details are highlights, while some critics find the pacing slow and the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it’s a powerful exploration of dreams and disappointments within a tight-knit community.
Who Should Read Seven Guitars?
Readers who enjoy Seven Guitars by August Wilson often appreciate rich, character-driven narratives exploring African American life. Similar to fans of Alice Walker's The Color Purple and Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, they value historical context, vibrant dialogue, and deep emotional resonance.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Play: Drama
Play: Tragedy
Play: Comedy / Satire
Race / Racism
History: World
Life/Time: Mortality & Death
Identity: Race
Identity: Masculinity