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  3. Raisin In The Sunms. Schroll's Ela Classes
  • A Raisin in the Sun is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that debuted on Broadway in 1959. The title comes from the poem 'Harlem' (also known as 'A Dream Deferred') by Langston Hughes.The story tells of a Black family's experiences in south Chicago, as they attempt to improve their financial circumstances with an insurance payout following the death of the father.
  • Act 1 Scene 1Act 1 Scene 2 Act 1 Scene 3 & Act 2 Scene 1 https://www.youtube.
  • A Raisin In The Sun Analysis

    936 Words | 4 Pages

    having plenty of cash does not make your any more enjoyable then what it is in the present. Happiness depends on how you feel towards your loved ones which in Lorraine Hansberry's Play, 'A Raisin In the Sun' Walter's obsession with money often caused him to act unkindly to his loved ones. In the book Raisin in the Sun a family from the Southside of Chicago they lived in a small apartment trying to find a way out of the community they have lived in. The Younger family was dealing with living in a white

  • A Raisin In The Sun Essay

    1400 Words | 6 Pages

    Cover page: page 1Context page: page 2 Question A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry: page 3 to page 5Bibliography: page 6Plagiarism report: page 73A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry'life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement regardless of social class or circumstances of birth' Throughout Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, we see the positive and negative effects of chasing

  • A Raisin In The Sun Analysis

    739 Words | 3 Pages

    The events of A Raisin in the Sun revolve around the main theme of dreams and manhood. In the story, the Younger family has always had big dreams, but due to racism and prejudice, they unceasingly watch their dreams deferred. Walter's dream throughout the play is to provide for his family by becoming a businessman, but his dreams are postponed after he must work full-time at a menial, trifling, and meaningless job as a chauffeur. When Mama gives him the remaining sixty-five thousand dollars of the

  • Analysis Of A Raisin In The Sun

    1010 Words | 5 Pages

    A Raisin in the Sun, became the first drama written and produced by an African- American to be played on Broadway, reflecting the issues that not only blacks faced but the American people. Lorraine Hansberry, precisely projects the struggle of the Youngers, a poor African American family living on the South Side of Chicago. They live in a one-bedroom apartment where the building is run down, battered, and roach infested. An opportunity to escape from poverty comes from a life insurance check that

  • A Raisin In The Sun Analysis

    784 Words | 4 Pages

    Civil Rights Movement. She was the first woman, the first black person, and the youngest person to get a show on broadway with her hit A Raisin in the Sun. The name comes from Langston Hughes' famous poem Harlem (Dream Deferred) where Lorraine got all of her inspiration from. Harlem is about what happens when you put off a dream for too long. In A Raisin in the Sun Hansberry uses the characters Walter, Beneatha, and Momma to show the consequences of deferring your dreams. The first character Hansberry

  • Assimilation In A Raisin In The Sun

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    In A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry shines a spotlight on Beneatha who reinvigorates the belief that freedom is life, and while the Younger family may be free in some ways, society still attempts to confine them in others. Throughout the play Hansberry depicts the restrictions that society has placed on the hopes and dreams of the family, specifically those of Beneatha, Walter, and Mama. Hansberry thus conveys that assimilating into society is negative because by assimilating one is submitting

  • Summary Of ' A Raisin Of The Sun '

    1052 Words | 5 Pages

    Eric Herrera1103 EnglishProf Nathan CampOctober 13, 2014A Raisin in the Sun The American Dream is the guiding ideology for the United States. A belief that every citizen of this country has an equal opportunity to prosper and achieve his or her personal dreams. A belief that has been constantly scrutinized due to the overwhelming role that race can play to complicate that dream. Although, Lorraine Hansberry's 'A Raisin in the Sun' may have been written in 1959. It's one of the first pieces of

  • Analysis Of A Raisin In The Sun

    1001 Words | 5 Pages

    In A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry many character have dreams. Beneatha's to become a doctor, Mama's to buy a house and Walter's to own a liquor store. These dreams affect each character differently. In A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry illustrates Walter Lee's dream of owning a liquor store affects him negatively by causing him to constantly be thinking about money and causing him to make bad decisions, it also affects him positively, by teaching him an important life lesson. Walter

  • A Raisin in the Sun - 4

    1047 Words | 5 Pages

    Tania Garcia A raisin in the sun Prof. Natalie Sandler November, 27, 2012 A Raisin in the sun In a Raisin in the sun people wondered about Walter Lee's inner journey. A Raisin in the sun is a play that explorer's the struggles of African American people who achieve their desires. It's about an African American family trying to pursue an American dream of owning their own home but in the process they encounter racism

  • Themes In A Raisin In The Sun

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    has been in the hearts of people all over the United States and even worldwide for many years. It is an ideal that is not limited to age, race, or social standing, but represents family, a secure job, and a house with a car in the garage. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry explores the dreams of the Younger family and how these dreams affect their relationships with one another. Along with dreams and family, another major theme of the book is racial discrimination. These themes intertwine

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A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions force students to think critically about the drama and to examine perspectives and biases. I identify four A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions as essential questions in exploring Hansberry's themes.

Raisin in the sun Classes. Browse 500 raisin in the sun classes. Raisin in the sun ENGLISH CLASS. 1 set 1 member CCSU New Britain, CT. A Raisin in the Sun. Bucknor 'A raisin in the sun'.

Part 1: Essential Questions for A Raisin in the Sun

Part 2: Discussion Questions for Each Act

Part 1: The Essential Questions

Essential question #1: What are the different forms of racism in A Raisin in the Sun?

Systemic racism (and sexism) causes the family's financial distress. Walter cannot advance beyond being a chauffeur just as Big Walter could not advance beyond manual labor. Mama has never known any employment besides service, and Ruth can expect the same. The same system (represented by Mr. Lindner) keeps African Americans paying rent in perpetuity.

Internalized racism in A Raisin in the Sun

Internalized racism plays an important role in the play. The family openly discusses how the views of their African American neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, are just are detrimental as oppression that created them.

Despite her experiences, Mama refuses to internalize racism, accept the status quo, or dignify the views of Mrs. Johnson (and Booker T. Washington.)

'Mama, if there are two things we, as a people, have got to overcome, one is the Ku Klux Klan – and the other is Mrs. Johnson.'

Walter's internal conflict forces him to choose between internalizing racism for material gain (humiliating himself for Lindner) or preserving his dignity. If he decides to sacrifice his self-respect, he is acquiescing to his oppression. In the climax of the play, he chooses dignity.

Hansberry explores the prejudice against Africa through many of the characters. Beneatha lauds African heritage and seeks to broaden her understanding whereas George, despite his knowledge, openly dismisses and insults it. The farm spartacus zip. For Mama, people from Africa are completely alien, and she states, 'I ain't never met no African before.' For Walter, his only connection to Africa comes in the form of an alcohol-induced fantasy; For him, Africa is a vague dream.

The three facets of this issue make this an essential question of A Raisin in the Sun.

Essential Question #2: 'What happens to a dream deferred?'

How does an individual respond when they have lost all hope for their dreams? Do they lash out and then submit (Walter)? Do they refuse to let the dream die despite the interminable waiting (Mama)? Do they debase themselves by victimizing others (Willie)?

How does an entire people respond when there is no discernible hope for their dreams?

Exploring this essential question of A Raisin in the Sun requires some context. Reading the poem that inspired the title of the play is obvious, but I also include works by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and others in thinking about different responses to the deferred dreams of African Americans.

Essential question #3: What is the American Dream?

This essential question of A Raisin in the Sun forces students to consider different perspectives. What are the different meanings of this famous term? How has the meaning of this term changed over time? Does it mean different things to different people? What might it mean to an impoverished, urban, underprivileged African American family in the 1950s?

A further examination of this essential question relates to money. What should be the role of money in our hopes and the American Dream? What views does the play offer? What is Hansberry saying about the nature of money in relation to dreams?

Essential question #4: What is identity?

Raisin in the sunms. schroll

Ask students explore what identity means to them. What are the key facets? What views on identity do they reject?

How do the different characters in A Raisin in the Sun think about identity? Is identity based on family? Faith? Values? Money? Prestige? Dignity? Occupation? Personal expression? How do the different characters think about heritage as an aspect of identity?

Hansberry uses Beneatha uniquely regarding this essential question of A Raisin in the Sun. Beneatha is not interested in wealth, faith, or starting a family. For her, identity is about personal truth that comes from within. She seeks to find her identity through personal expression, and later through exploring her African heritage. Although it is never mentioned, Beneatha recognizes that American slavery and racism have robbed her of an essential connection.

Related Post: A Raisin in the Sun Unit Plan: Dreams, Schemes, and Themes

Part 2: A Raisin in the Sun Discussion Questions for Each Act

Raisin in the sunms. scrolls ela classes for beginners

A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions: pre-reading

  • What do we know about the Civil Rights era?
  • What issues were on the minds of African Americans in 1958?
  • Compare racism today to racism in the 1950's. What has changed and what has remained the same? Remind students to be collegial regarding differences of opinion.
  • What does the American Dream mean to you?
  • How can the American Dream mean different things to different people or change over time?
  • Why do some people think that the American Dream is a sham?
  • What are your personal values? What are the most important things in life?

A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions for Act I

  • What is the importance of the stage directions describing the Younger's apartment?
  • What is the significance of Walter's anger at eggs? It may seem silly, but what is really going on?
  • Why is Beneatha the only Younger interested in African heritage?
  • How do the members of the family view their future differently?
  • How does Hansberry introduce the concept dreams?
  • What are the conflicts introduced in Act I? Which are the most important and why?
  • What is Walter so angry about? How does this anger manifest?

A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions for Act II

  • What are the different views on assimilation that Hansberry portrays? Analyze the characters' views.
  • What is the significance of Walter's fantasy of Africa?
  • How does Hansberry develop her motif of dreams in Act II?
  • Is Mrs. Johnson an important character in the play? Explain your answer. Many productions leave her out, but Hansberry argued against her omission.
  • Analyze Walter's character arc in the play so far. How have his views changed from scene to scene?
  • Is Walter a victim or a perpetrator when it comes to destroyed dreams? Explain.
  • How are some of the characters symbols? What do they represent? Think about Hansberry's purposes in including the minor characters.
  • How does Hansberry illustrate what the main characters value?

A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions for Act III

  • Which elements of the play have symbolic significance? How does Hansberry use the symbols?
  • How does Hansberry use ambiguity (when something is left unclear) in the play's conclusion? (Think about Beneatha's subplot and the outcome of the family's move.)
  • Does Joseph Asagai represent wisdom or naivete (lack of understanding) regarding the dreams of African Americans?
  • What is Hansberry's ultimate message regarding the dreams of African Americans?
  • To what degree is the play sexist?
  • Bruce Norris wrote a sequel called Clybourne Park. What do you think Hansberry would want to portray in a sequel to A Raisin in the Sun?
  • How relevant is A Raisin in the Sun in our society today? What is the nature of this relevance?

Related Post: A Raisin in the Sun Unit Plan: Dreams, Schemes, and Themes

Thanks for checking out my A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions

Lorraine Hansberry was both of her time and ahead of her time. A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions help us reflect on life for an impoverished African American family in 1950's Chicago and consider race and opportunity in America generally.

Raisin In The Sunms. Scrolls Ela Classes For Beginners

A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions enable students to approach the essential questions on money, dreams, identity, racism, society, and values. This play offers many engaging learning opportunities, but the discussions are key. In these discussion the students explore the real-life scenarios of A Raisin in the Sun to examine more abstract thematic concepts.

Raisin in the sunms. scrolls ela classes free

Ask students explore what identity means to them. What are the key facets? What views on identity do they reject?

How do the different characters in A Raisin in the Sun think about identity? Is identity based on family? Faith? Values? Money? Prestige? Dignity? Occupation? Personal expression? How do the different characters think about heritage as an aspect of identity?

Hansberry uses Beneatha uniquely regarding this essential question of A Raisin in the Sun. Beneatha is not interested in wealth, faith, or starting a family. For her, identity is about personal truth that comes from within. She seeks to find her identity through personal expression, and later through exploring her African heritage. Although it is never mentioned, Beneatha recognizes that American slavery and racism have robbed her of an essential connection.

Related Post: A Raisin in the Sun Unit Plan: Dreams, Schemes, and Themes

Part 2: A Raisin in the Sun Discussion Questions for Each Act

A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions: pre-reading

  • What do we know about the Civil Rights era?
  • What issues were on the minds of African Americans in 1958?
  • Compare racism today to racism in the 1950's. What has changed and what has remained the same? Remind students to be collegial regarding differences of opinion.
  • What does the American Dream mean to you?
  • How can the American Dream mean different things to different people or change over time?
  • Why do some people think that the American Dream is a sham?
  • What are your personal values? What are the most important things in life?

A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions for Act I

  • What is the importance of the stage directions describing the Younger's apartment?
  • What is the significance of Walter's anger at eggs? It may seem silly, but what is really going on?
  • Why is Beneatha the only Younger interested in African heritage?
  • How do the members of the family view their future differently?
  • How does Hansberry introduce the concept dreams?
  • What are the conflicts introduced in Act I? Which are the most important and why?
  • What is Walter so angry about? How does this anger manifest?

A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions for Act II

  • What are the different views on assimilation that Hansberry portrays? Analyze the characters' views.
  • What is the significance of Walter's fantasy of Africa?
  • How does Hansberry develop her motif of dreams in Act II?
  • Is Mrs. Johnson an important character in the play? Explain your answer. Many productions leave her out, but Hansberry argued against her omission.
  • Analyze Walter's character arc in the play so far. How have his views changed from scene to scene?
  • Is Walter a victim or a perpetrator when it comes to destroyed dreams? Explain.
  • How are some of the characters symbols? What do they represent? Think about Hansberry's purposes in including the minor characters.
  • How does Hansberry illustrate what the main characters value?

A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions for Act III

  • Which elements of the play have symbolic significance? How does Hansberry use the symbols?
  • How does Hansberry use ambiguity (when something is left unclear) in the play's conclusion? (Think about Beneatha's subplot and the outcome of the family's move.)
  • Does Joseph Asagai represent wisdom or naivete (lack of understanding) regarding the dreams of African Americans?
  • What is Hansberry's ultimate message regarding the dreams of African Americans?
  • To what degree is the play sexist?
  • Bruce Norris wrote a sequel called Clybourne Park. What do you think Hansberry would want to portray in a sequel to A Raisin in the Sun?
  • How relevant is A Raisin in the Sun in our society today? What is the nature of this relevance?

Related Post: A Raisin in the Sun Unit Plan: Dreams, Schemes, and Themes

Thanks for checking out my A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions

Lorraine Hansberry was both of her time and ahead of her time. A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions help us reflect on life for an impoverished African American family in 1950's Chicago and consider race and opportunity in America generally.

Raisin In The Sunms. Scrolls Ela Classes For Beginners

A Raisin in the Sun discussion questions enable students to approach the essential questions on money, dreams, identity, racism, society, and values. This play offers many engaging learning opportunities, but the discussions are key. In these discussion the students explore the real-life scenarios of A Raisin in the Sun to examine more abstract thematic concepts.

A Raisin in the Sun is an invaluable text in enabling students to think about prejudice in America – past and present.

Related post: 10 Great A Raisin in the Sun Assignments

Related post: Teaching A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

Raisin In The Sunms. Scrolls Ela Classes List

Related resource: A Raisin in the Sun Unit and Teacher guide

Raisin In The Sunms. Schroll's Ela Classes

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