A Raisin in the Sun: An In-Depth Analysis, Exams of Literature

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A Raisin in the Sun

By Lorraine Hansberry

Name: _____________________________

Hour: ______________

Harlem By Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Pre-Reading Thoughts:

1. What is Langston Hughes talking about in this poem?
2. Why do you think Lorraine Hansberry titled her play after the 3rd line in this poem?
3. What do you think happens to our forgotten dreams?

A Raisin in The Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

The Setting: The Southside of Chicago, sometime between World War II and the present

Act 1 Scene One: Friday morning Scene Two: The following morning

Act 2: Scene One: Later, the same day Scene Two: Friday night, a few weeks later Scene Three: Moving day, one week later

Act 3: An hour later

Character List: (order of appearance) ● Ruth Younger ● Walter Lee Younger ● Travis Younger ● Beneatha Younger ● Lena Younger (Mama) ● Joseph Asagai ● George Murchison ● Mrs. Johnson ● Karl Linder ● Bobo

Act One Scene One:

1. What does Lorraine Hansberry mean when she describes Ruth by saying “…it is apparent that life has been little that she expected, and disappointment has already begun to hang in her face.”
2. What is Walter’s dream? What’s stopping him from it right now?
3. Walter slams the table and yells, “Damn my eggs - damn all the eggs that ever was!” Why does he get so angry when Ruth tells him to eat his eggs.
4. Describe Beneatha.
5. What’s “the check” that’s supposed to be coming?

Scene Two:

1. What internal conflict does Ruth face? Why is this a conflict for her and what is her resolution?
2. Describe Joseph Asagai.
3. How are Walter and Mama’s views on money different?

Scene Two:

1. What can we learn from Mrs. Johnson’s story about the news?
2. What does Mama realize when talking to Mrs. Johnson?
3. What does Mama do for Walter?
4. What do we learn about Walter through his conversation with Travis?

Scene Three:

1. Describe Karl Lindner. What is his purpose at the Younger house?
2. Why is this a tempting offer?
3. What does Walter’s reaction to Mr. Lindner tell you about Walter?
4. What does Bobo tell Walter? Why does he look at Ruth while he’s talking?

Summary Stop: Reflect on the play thus far. Summarize the important events and information from Act One. Act Two Summary:

Act Three

1. What decision does Beneatha make about her future? What’s her reasoning?
2. What’s the difference between an idealist and a realist?
3. What does Asagai say is wrong with this family?
4. Walter calls Mr. Lindner over to take the money. What changes his mind? 5. What does Mama think it means to “be a man”?