“A Raisin in the Sun”
Essay Test – 1
Choose one of the following prompts. Your paper must be three to five pages in length, contain a strong thesis statement, have three direct quotes (each format of direct quoting must be used), two paraphrases, and a Works Cited page. All quoting, paraphrasing, and citing for the Works Cited page must be done in APA format.
How does the idea of assimilationism become important?
What sort of statement does Hanberry seem to be making about race? Does she make more than one statement? If so, do these statements conflict with each other?
The American dream means something different to each character in “A Raisin in the Sun”. Discuss these differences and how they conflict with one another.
Many critics assert that the art of Hansberry’s play is that it is less about race than about humanity. Do you think the play would be equally compelling if the actors were white or come other minority group? Explain why or why not.
In literature, as in life, a character may search for a better way of life. Show how two characters are searching for a better way of life. Explain what each character is hoping to gain through this search and discuss the ways in which each character attempts to bring about a change in his or her life.
Sometimes in one work of literature, we might find two characters who contrast markedly from one another. Discuss two characters who are the opposite of each other in their views, beliefs, and philosophy of life.
In literature, as in life, a character might feel trapped. Discuss a character who feels trapped and gives examples of the ways in which this character chooses to deal with those feelings.
Discuss a character who changes significantly, telling specifically of the forces that bring about this change. How does this character relate to the other characters after the change?