Product Overview
A Raisin In The Sun: What Happens To A Dream Deferred?
The play's exploration of racial discrimination, the American Dream, and family dynamics provides valuable lessons that can help shape thoughtful, empathetic, and informed students.
Ordering Books for A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
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About the Play A Raisin in the Sun |
At the heart of A Raisin in the Sun is the Younger family, who live in a cramped apartment in Chicago. The family consists of Mama (Lena Younger), her son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, their son Travis, and Walter’s sister Beneatha. The plot kicks off with the anticipation of a $10,000 insurance check following the death of Lena's husband. Each member of the family has different dreams for the money, symbolizing their hopes and struggles. Walter Lee dreams of investing in a liquor store, believing it will solve their financial problems and elevate their status. Beneatha, on the other hand, aspires to become a doctor and needs the money for medical school. Mama wants to buy a house to provide a stable and dignified environment for her family. Ruth, expecting another child, is caught between supporting her husband and yearning for a better living situation. The climax occurs when Walter Lee loses the money to a fraudulent business partner, devastating the family’s dreams. Nevertheless, Mama decides to buy a house in a predominantly white neighborhood, facing racial tensions head-on. The play concludes with the family moving into their new home, symbolizing resilience and hope amid adversity.
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Themes in the play A Raisin in the Sun |
The American Dream: One of the central themes in A Raisin in the Sun is the pursuit of the American Dream. Each character’s vision reflects their desire for upward mobility and self-actualization. This theme provides a gateway for discussing the broader context of the American Dream and its accessibility to different demographics. Racial Discrimination: Racial discrimination is a prevalent issue in the play. The Youngers face systemic racism that affects their housing, employment opportunities, and societal acceptance. This theme can open discussions on historical and contemporary racism, fostering a deeper understanding of the socio-political landscape students live in today. Gender Roles and Identity: The play also explores gender roles through Beneatha’s character, who challenges traditional expectations by pursuing a career in medicine. Her interactions with her suitors, George Murchison and Joseph Asagai, highlight the societal pressures women face. This theme is instrumental in discussing gender equality and the evolving roles of women in society. |
Activity Ideas for the play A Raisin in the Sun |
Debate on Dreams: Organize a classroom debate where students defend the differing dreams of each Younger family member. This activity fosters critical thinking and public speaking skills. It also invites students to explore the complexities of personal aspirations versus collective family goals. Chicago in the 1950s: Provide students with a background on Chicago during the 1950s, including the Great Migration and the resulting demographic shifts in the city. Understanding the historical setting enriches students’ appreciation of the play’s context and the challenges faced by African American families during this period. Civil Rights Movement: Discuss the Civil Rights Movement and its influence on literature and society. Highlight how A Raisin in the Sun was groundbreaking for its portrayal of African American life and its contribution to the conversation on racial equality. This historical perspective can inspire students to consider the impact of literature on social change. Langston Hughes and Harlem Renaissance: Introduce Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance to show the cultural backdrop against which Hansberry wrote the play. Discuss how Hughes’s poem “Harlem” connects to the play’s themes and title. This connection provides a richer literary context and demonstrates the interplay between different art forms. Film Adaptations: Show clips from the film adaptations of A Raisin in the Sun to illustrate different interpretations of the play. Discuss how directors and actors bring the text to life and the choices they make in portraying the characters and settings. This activity enhances students' visual literacy and analytical skills. Audio Recordings: Use audio recordings of the play to help students appreciate the dialogue and performance elements. Listening to professional actors read the lines can deepen students' understanding of the characters and their emotions. It also caters to auditory learners and diversifies the learning experience.
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