* Hope and Beauty in a Harsh World: The piano, despite its battered condition, represents a source of beauty and joy for Billie Jo. It offers a way to escape the harsh realities of her life on the dust bowl farm. Playing it brings her comfort and a sense of hope, even amidst the despair and hardship surrounding her.
* The Loss of Innocence: The piano's deterioration mirrors Billie Jo's own loss of innocence and her growing awareness of the harsh realities of life. As the piano is damaged, so too are Billie Jo's dreams and aspirations.
* The Power of Art and Creativity: The piano acts as a symbol of Billie Jo's creativity and artistic spirit. It allows her to express her emotions and find meaning in her struggles. Even in the face of tragedy and loss, music offers Billie Jo a form of solace and escape.
* The Fragility of Life: The piano's eventual destruction underscores the fragility of life and the inevitability of loss. The piano's fate mirrors the fate of Billie Jo's family and community, which are also ravaged by the dust bowl.
Overall, the piano in "Out of the Dust" is a powerful symbol of resilience, beauty, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of hope, creativity, and the ability to find solace even in the darkest of times.