A Raisin in the Sun: Socratic Seminar Questions

- English 1 Honors

For the Socratic seminar, be prepared to discuss and debate your ideas about the following topics with the rest of the class. Remember you must be able to support all statements with evidence from the novel.

Test grade based on:

ü At least 3 insightful comments added to class discussion making specific references to the play (include quote/page # for full credit)

ü Well-thought out responses to the Socratic Seminar reflection sheet

ü If absent for the Socratic Seminar, you must respond to two of the following questions in essay format (introduction, body, and conclusion) for your test.

1. The play takes its names from a well-known Langston Hughes poem, “Harlem,” which is printed at the beginning of the play and is read at the beginning of the movie. Explain the connection between these two works of literature (besides simply the line “a raisin in the sun” of course!).

2. What role does pride play in the decisions that Walter makes throughout the play?

3. Bennie struggles to “find herself” throughout the play. Why is this important to the development of her character? Does she seem to “find herself?” Explain.

4. Why does Mama not fully share in her family’s excitement about getting the check?

5. What is the difference between what George Murchison wants for Beneatha and what Joseph Asagai wants for her? How do they each reveal the true character of Beneatha?

6. In Act 2, Walter and Beneatha dance and sing and express pride in their heritage. How does this pride inspire both characters again near the end of the play?

7. Early in Act 3, Mama mourns, “Me and Big Walter just didn’t never learn right.” What does she mean? Does the end of the play prove her right or wrong? Explain.

8. What major idea(s) in the play does Mama’s plant represent?

9. Explain how Walter struggles with both internal and external conflicts throughout the play. Which did he seem to struggle with the most? Why?

10. Describe the purpose of having Travis in the play?

11. The four main characters, Mama, Walter, Beneatha and Ruth drive the events of this play; characterization plays an extremely important role. Who would you consider to be the most important character in the play? Why?

12. What is a hero? Identify a character from A Raisin in the Sun who you would describe as a hero? Explain your choice.

13. How did reading A Raisin in the Sun help you understand the world at the time the events took place? How did it help you to understand people and life today? Refer to specific details and incidents from the play to support your answer.

14. Do you think the ideas and themes of A Raisin in the Sun are still relevant in society today – over 50 years later? Explain your response.

15. Explain how the following ideas: resistance, persuasion, and the American dream, are represented in A Raisin in the Sun.

16. Explain the significance and the impact W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington have on the play .