"The Piano" by Anibal Machado

     "The Piano" by Anibal Machado is written in 3rd person omniscient point of view. 

     Joao is the proud owner of an old piano that he views as almost priceless.  This value is defined because it was passed down to him by his family.  Joao's character is structured to show a passionate man who wants to do the right thing for his daughter, and this means he must get rid of the piano to create room in his small house for his newly married daughter and son in law.

     The conflict in this story is Joao versus himself.  He simply needs to get rid of something he greatly treasures.

     Irony is used heavily because Joao dumps the piano in the ocean because he cannot find anyone that will pay him a fair price for it.  After the piano is gone Joao discovers that his new son in law loves to play the piano and would love to own one.  Another irony is when a buyer for the piano comes soon after it is set in the ocean.

     The piano is used symbolically as a representation of freedom and softness while Joao and his family are living through a war which his son in law is a fighter.