Dream Deferred Assignment Name______
English 5/6 Date______Period_____
A Dream Deferred
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?
In this context deferred means…
There are 5 different possibilities in this poem for what happens when a dream is deferred. Explain what it means for each one giving examples to support your answer.
Dry up like a raisin in the sun-
Fester like a sore—and then run –
Stink like rotten meat -
Crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet -
Sags like a heavy load -
Explode –
(continue on the back)
· What is the mood of the poem? How does the poet feel about dreams?
· What simile does the poet use? What does it mean? How might it relate to what is likely to occur in the screenplay A Raisin in the Sun?
· Do you agree with Hughes? Give examples from personal experiences, books, and television or film plots about what happens when dreams are lost.
· Write a paragraph (6-8 sentences) about your personal dreams (goals, aspirations). You might include why the dream is important, why you are likely to succeed, what could cause you to fail, and what you can do to avoid failure.
A Raisin in the Sun Name______
English 5/6 Date______Period_____
Directions: As you read the play determine which character you think will have which reaction to losing their dream. Place a P in the box for your predicted reaction. Then when we are finished with the play pace an A in the box for the characters actual reaction.
Reaction →Character ↓ / Dry Up / Fester / Stink / Crust & Sugar / Sag / Explode
Mama
Ruth
Walter
Travis
Beneatha
Explain your prediction for at least two of the characters. Why do you think they will react that way?
Explain the actual reaction of two of the characters. How did you know that was their reaction? What did it look like that fit the line from the poem?