A RAISIN IN THE SUN

Essay

          The works we’ve read this unit all explore the African-American experience in the 20^th century and the obstacles people have faced because of their race and/or culture.

          The speakers/characters in these works are trying to come to terms with events over which they have little or no control.

TASK:  Using A Raisin in the Sun and either “Choices,” “Nikki-Rosa,” “Harlem,” or “The Lesson," write a five paragraph essay analyzing a theme that you find in both works.

Possible thematic topics (you may choose something else, with permission):

·       Stereotyping and prejudice

·       Dreams and dreams deferred

·       The strength of family

·       Selling out

·       Dialect/Use of voice

·       Assimilation

·       Economic Exploitation

·       What it is to be male/female

·       Positive view of African-American culture

Follow the steps below:

1.    Choose a topic from the list above that you are interested in.

2.    Write a thematic statement that expresses what the authors are saying about that topic.  Turn in this statement by Wednesday at the end of class.

3.  All questions for A Raisin in the Sun must be complete by Friday.  That includes Act I, scene i, scene ii, Act II, scene i, ii, and iii, and Act III.  (If you read Fences, all questions must be done for that play).  You should have been doing these for homework last week, so if you're finished, turn them in Monday.

3.  By the end of class on Thursday, turn in a paper topic form that follows the outline below:

4.  If you still have time, start filling out the outline for your paper.

5.  Whatever you don't finish during class time, do for homework.

Paper Topic Form:

Area--What is your thematic statement?

Thesis--What is the claim or point you wish to argue in your paper?

Quotes--Provide three quotes/situations from each work that will support your thesis.

Example:

Area--The opinions of family and community are important in shaping a person's sense of self-worth.

Thesis--Both Sylvia in  "The Lesson" and Walter Lee in A Raisin in the Sun get their sense of self-worth by how others in their families or community see them.  Both need to feel powerful and act arrogantly rather than show weakness.

Quotes--Walter Lee gives Travis extra money when Ruth says they don't have any to give; Walter Lee brags to George about where he's been in the world; Walter Lee yells at Beneatha about how she's just a woman. (Please include page numbers and quotes)

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