A Raisin in the SunDiscussion Formative Assessment

Learning Target: I will read and analyze a variety of dramatic selections.

Character:

  1. Who, in your opinion makes all the major decisions in the family?
  2. Are the personalities of Walter and George Murchison similar or different?
  3. Do you think Mr. Linder was a good person? Why or why not?
  4. How is Ruth trying to make a better life for herself? What does she want in life?
  5. Explain how A Raisin in the Sun deals with a generation gap-the problems that the older generation has in dealing with the younger generation and visa versa. Do you think the characters understand each other? Why or why not?
  6. Is there a seemingly unimportant meeting or a casual conversation that brings about a significant change in the life of one of the characters in Raisin? (Hint: think of the interactions with George Murchison, Willy Harris, Mr. Linder, etc.)
  7. In your opinion, which character in Raisin undergoes the biggest transformation?
  8. Most people define loneliness as being alone, but a person might experience loneliness even when surrounded by other people. Which character experiences the most loneliness?

Plot:

  1. In scene 2, Ruth discovered that she was pregnant. She is considering an abortion. In your opinion, why does she want to do this? Do you feel that this is a solution to her problems?
  2. Do you think Lena (Mama) was right in spending the money the way she wanted to? Should she have considered the wishes of Walter?
  3. Lena had a change of heart and turned over the money to Walter. What causes her to make this decision?
  4. How are the dreams of the main characters deferred? Or aren’t’ they?
  5. Do you consider this play contemporary? Why or why not? What does that say about America?

Elements of Drama:

  1. How does the element of spectacle enhance the meaning of the play? (Hint: think about the apartment space)
  2. Theme: How does the idea of assimilation become important in the play?
  3. Theme: What sort of statement does Hansberry seem to be making about race? Does she make more than one statement? If so, do these statements conflict with each other?

Relation to your own life:

  1. How would you feel about moving into a neighborhood where you are not welcome because you have a different skin color or ethnic heritage?
  2. What would you do if you suddenly had $10,000?

Symbolism:

  1. What does Mama’s plant represent? How does this symbol evolve over the course of the play?