Characters
Who is the main character in The Red Piano?
A young girl who loves to play music.
In which country is The Red Piano set?
China.
What is the girl’s dream?
To play the piano freely.
What is the red piano a symbol of?
Freedom, hope, and self-expression.
Finish this quote: “The red piano was her ______.”
Freedom.
Who secretly helps the girl learn to play the piano?
The old musician.
During what historical period does the story take place?
The Cultural Revolution.
Who gives the girl a chance to play music again?
The old musician.
What theme does the story explore most deeply?
The power of art to bring hope and freedom.
“She played quietly, as if each note could wake the guards.” What emotion does this show?
Fear mixed with bravery.
How do the guards treat the girl?
They punish her and take away her piano because music is forbidden.
What is the main setting where the girl lives?
A work or labour camp.
What happens when the guards discover the piano?
They take it away and punish her.
What does the colour red symbolise in the story?
Passion, courage, and the strength to keep going.
“Even when everything was taken away, the song remained.” What message does this quote give?
Hope and creativity live on inside us, even when things are lost.
What does the old musician represent in the story?
Wisdom, hope, and the importance of sharing art.
Why is the setting important to the story?
It shows how creativity and freedom were controlled or forbidden.
What does the girl do after losing the piano?
She keeps the music in her heart and remembers her songs.
What theme is shown through the girl continuing to hear music even after losing her piano?
Hope and resilience.
“The music echoed beyond the walls” symbolise?
That art and freedom can’t be trapped or contained.
How does the girl’s character change from the beginning to the end?
She grows stronger and more courageous, keeping her love of music alive even after losing her piano.
How does the illustrator use colour to show the setting’s mood?
Dark, muted colours show sadness and control, while red represents hope and passion.
How does the story end?
The piano is gone, but her spirit and hope remain, the music continues inside her.
How do the author and illustrator use symbolism to send a message about freedom?
Through the red piano, music, and color, showing that creativity cannot be silenced even in oppression.
“He taught her not just the notes, but the courage to play them.” What is the deeper meaning of this line?
True learning is not only skill, it’s the bravery to express yourself.