Raisin in The Sun08 Journal Responses

We will read most of the play in class. Every night you will respond in writing to the assigned questions. You also may have to finish a scene we did not finish reading. You will need to turn in your written responses the NEXT class following the day it is assigned. If you miss class--keep reading and writing at home. Call to find out where we are: 916-5140 ext 267.” ABSOLUTELYNO LATE WORK ACCEPTED DURING THIS UNIT.

PREWRITE: Write a rough narrative/fiction story using all the elements of fiction on one of the following:

  • dream deferred or postponed
  • forgiving or being forgiven
  • winning/spending 1 million dollars

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT: (Don’t write on these yet)

  • What is the purpose/function of art?
  • What is the purpose of art according to Lorraine Hansberry, as evidenced by this play, her interview and excerpts from To Be Young Gifted and Black?
  • Is this play only about the African American experience or is it more universal?
  • How is the situation & experience of African Americans similar/different today?
  • What is Hansberry's main point in A Raisin In the Sun?
  • Does the play A Raisin in the Sun have a happy ending?

THEME LIST Write down on a single page until the end of the entire play- each theme as it comes up. Remember: A theme is an issue or thread that runs through the play. NOT the plot. Racism isn’t the only issue.

JOURNAL/ Q & A Respond to Questions EVERY night for HOMEWORK: Answer thoroughly. Prove your points with evidence from the text and/or your life or society.

A. Act I Scene I (23-53) Read in class on 1/10 Responses Due 1/11

  1. Briefly but specifically describe the personality, circumstance, and perspective of Walter, Ruth, Mama, & Beneatha, in this first scene(23-53).
  1. What's Walter's attitude on & approach toward women? Agree or disagree?
  1. Explain ONE "significant" line or quote and whether you agree or disagree. Use examples from life or story to back up your opinion.
  1. Should Mama give Walter the money for the liquor store? Why? Why not?

B. Act I Scene 2 (54-75) Read in class on 1/11 Responses due 1/14

  1. Who is Asagai? Where is he from? What purpose does he serve in play? What point of view does his voice represent?
  1. Why is Walter so obsessed with buying that liquor store? Why is Mama frustrated with Walter's job dissatisfaction?
  1. Write Ruth a letter. Advise her on her difficult decision, given her situation.

C. Act II Scene 1 (76-95)Read in class on 1/14 Responses due 1/15

  1. Explain what Beneatha does to her hair and why. Do you agree with Asagai and Beneatha or not? Explain your point of view.
  1. Why don't Ruth and Walter get along? Why are they always fighting?
  1. What is Ruth's reaction to Mama's news? What worries her? What is Walter's reaction? What bothers him about it?

D. Act II Scene 2 (96-110)Read in class 1/15 Responses due on 1/17

  1. Describe George, his personality and attitudes and role. Refer to both Scene 1 and Scene 2 to prove your points.. Do you like him? Why? Why not? Explain.
  1. Describe the function/purpose of Mrs. Johnson in the play? As an African American woman, what does her voice represent? Why does Beneatha say they must overcome Mrs. Johnson? (104)
  1. Why does Mama decide to give Walter the money? If you were Mama would you have? Why? Why not?

E. Act II Scene 3 (111-130)Read in class on 1/17Responses due on 1/18

  1. Answer Lindner’s question. "Why move where you are not wanted?" Why don't the Youngers take the $? Would you take the money or risk moving?
  1. At the scene’s end write an interior monologue in Walter or Mama’s voice.

F. Act III (131-151)Read in class on 1/22 Responses due 1/24

1a. According to Asagai, what is the difference between the idealist and the realist. What does he mean? Which are you? Explain.

OR

1b. Why does Asagai have the right to lecture Beneatha about keeping faith and determination in the struggle?

2. Why does Walter 1st decide NOT to move ? Why does he later decide to move?

  1. Do you agree with Mama--"There is always something left to love?" Could you be so generous with Walter if you were Mama? Discuss.

FOR EXTRA CREDIT OR MAKE UP- YOU CAN WRITE AN ESSAY ON THE PLAY- MUST HAVE ALL DRAFTS, INCLUDE AT LEAST TWO QUOTES, AND FULFILL THE SAME REQUIREMENTS AS THE OTHER ESSAY ASSIGNMENTS. TO GET CREDIT FOR THE ESSAY YOU MUST HAVE DONE MOST OFTHE Q & A RESPONSES . (can go to this semester or next semester grade)

FINAL EXAM in 4 parts

  • Creative Piece from Taste or Raisin -- 1st rev 1/17; peer edit 1/22; FD 1/25(start of class)
  • Raisin in class short essay test (1/25 in class) & creative response (1/28 start of class)
  • Organized Portfolio (due 1/28 end of period)- instructions later
  • Publishing Party 1/29: share one creative piece from folio

Raisin in the Sun FINAL EXAMINATION 1/25-1/28

Bring your copy of the play, these questions and your past responses to class on 1/25. Bring notebook paper and writing utensil. You can bring an outline of your answer to class. You will use the class period to write THOROUGH & DETAILED response to Part 1. It is due by the end of the period. With time left over you can work on Part 2 due on 1/28 start of class. Any conversation during the final writing will mean you get a 0.

1. You will write on ONE of the Following during class on 1/25 (due at end of period)

  • Pick one more "big" quote from the play( not from scene 1 act 1) and explain it. Use other scenes, events, quotes from the text to fully discuss its meaning. Use history or current events or your life too.
  • Is this primarily a story about oppression or resistance? Explain. Use specific evidence, scenes, examples from the text. Use more than one example to prove point.
  • How has Walter changed from the beginning to the end of the play? Has Walter come into his manhood? How? Use evidence from text to prove your answer.
  • Choose one of the "essential questions" at beginning of this assignment and answer it thoroughly by using examples, evidence from the text to prove point.

2. Start on ONE of the following on 1/25. Finish and polish as homework ( DUE 1/25- start of class)

  • Write a complete text rendered poem or illustrate a key scene/symbol. Write a paragraph explaining the poem or the illustrated symbol
  • Write a short scene a year later that shows what you think life ends up like for the Youngers? -- Don't forget narration for setting & blocking.

Extra Credit: Write on an additional question from Part 1. Due 1/28