A Raisin in the Sun s2

A Raisin in the Sun Final Project

Overview: Langston Hughes’ poem poses the question “What happens to a dream deferred?” Lorraine Hansberry uses a line from this poem for the title of her play about a family whose dreams are impacted in various ways by racial prejudice. Hansberry shows what each character dreams of, and she introduces a number of objects to symbolize both the dreams and the disappointments. For example: Mama is frequently shown tending her plant; Travis encounters rats and cockroaches; Beneatha wears an African robe and dances to African music; Ruth continually cooks and offers food to her family; Walter is associated with the liquor store. These concrete objects help to express the abstract dreams and disappointments of the family.

Assignment:

PART ONE:

A. Pick ONE of the CHARACTERS from the play. Write one WELL DEVELOPED body paragraph about the character that explains:

 What does the character dream of (or aspires to be/do)?  What has made this dream difficult to achieve?  What object is associated with either fulfilling the dream or difficulties to be overcome in achieving the dream?

When you write the paragraph, include a direct quote from the play.

B. Create a PICTURE of the object you wrote about. The picture could be an original drawing, an original photograph, a collage (in other words, do more than simply print an image from the internet).

PART TWO:

A. Write a paragraph about YOURSELF and your DREAMS. Answer the following questions in your paragraph:  What is something you dream about for your future?  Why is this dream important to you?  What is something that might make it difficult for you to achieve this dream?  Why do you ultimately think you will succeed in achieving this dream?

C. B. Create a PICTURE of an object that could symbolize (or be associated with) your dream. Again, this could be an original drawing, an original photograph, a collage (in other words, do more than simply print an image from the internet). Assessment of A Raisin in the Sun

PART ONE (WRITING ABOUT CHARACTER):

BODY PARAGRAPH:

Evidence (direct quotes, well integrated, good choice of quotes) Analysis (well developed, interesting ideas, answers all questions) _____ / 20

Follows grammar conventions; academic tone; well written; effort _____ / 15

PICTURE:

Picture was well chosen and showed EFFORT _____ / 15

PART TWO (WRITNG ABOUT SELF)

Answers all the questions. Response was thoughtful and complete. _____ / 20

Follows grammar conventions; tone may be informal, but still appropriate for school; well written; effort _____ / 15

PICTURE:

Picture was well chosen and showed EFFORT _____ / 15

TOTAL: _____ / 50