A Raisin in the Sun - Book Report/Review Example

Preeti 31/3/2009 RAISIN IN THE SUN Plot. Page 157 (top) Instead of writing a summary of the two plays mentioned. Write a summary of the whole plot of A Raisin in the Sun. Otherwise follow the guidelines as written. 'Raisin in the Sun' is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry and explores the world of a black family living in a small house, amid financial troubles and individual dreams that need to be fulfilled. It narrates the story of the Younger family, comprising Mama, Walter Lee, Ruth, Beneatha---the main characters in the play. Each member has a particular dream. Mama's dream is to buy a comfortable house in an all-white locality, while Walter Lee's dream is to get into business. Ruth is an independent ntelligent girl, who wants to steer clear of all the Americanisation, and get in touch with her African roots. Mama is scheduled to get the pension amount, and every member of the family has their own dreams, of what to make of it. As the play progresses, Ruth discovers she is pregnant, but decides upon aborting the baby, because of their financial condition. Beneatha is inclined towards Joseph Asagai, her African friend and rejects the proposal of George Murchison. Walter loses $6,500 that he gave his friend to start the liquor shop business. Mama zeroes in on the house to buy and pays the down payment. However, the family receives a threat from the all-white neighbours, as they do not want them to move in. The end of the play sees the family all set to move in and Beneatha accepting Asagai's proposal. 2. Structure, using Remembrance. Page 157 (bottom) Follow the exercise as written for A Raisin in the Sun.Reread at least one of the scenes we have presented, noting moments when the characters are engaged basically in remembrance. Then write a paragraph in which you make and support a claim about the extent to which the scene is concerned with the past rather than with the present or future. When Mama talks about her dream, she slips into the past, wherein she painfully recounts the dream her husband and she shared---to move into a beautiful house of their dreams. This is one instance where she moves to the past. She describes her husband's dream of owning a house, and asserts that it is her dream now----to fulfill her husband's. This dream of hers is more concerned with the past than of the present and the future, because of the sheer feasibility factor. Towards the end of the play, we do see the family sticking to their decision to move into the new house, however, amid threat and scathing hatred and hear. 3. Character Development. Page 159 Follow the exercise as written except choose a scene from A Raisin in the Sun. This paragraph will probably be longer than others, but you do not have to write an informal essay as indicated by the writing prompt. Choose one of the scenes we have excerpted, and write a brief, informal essay in which you examine the scene for signs that either or both of the characters will eventually change. In my opinion, the scene that involves Walter Lee talking about investing money in business and convincing his family about giving him a part of the pension money t get into liquor business with his friend is one that shows some signs that the character of Walter Lee is a round character. His character is one that exhibits signs of change, though the play does not go on into the future, to prove that part. In the beginning, Walter is shown as a person who is a defiant husband and a belittling brother. He is someone who harbours dreams of making it as a businessman, though he is presently not too productive. He takes the step and invests part of the pension money in the liquor business his friend and he propose to begin. However his friend runs off with the money and Walter loses the amount. Towards the end of the play, Walter transforms in a man, by refusing to quit moving into the all-white neighbourhood and thereby, shattering his Mama's dreams. He stands up for what the family believes in and refuses to give in. This reveals his strong mind-set and also proves that Walter Lee's character has undergone a sea-change. 4. Non-traditional Casting. Page 160. Follow the exercise as written for A Raisin in the Sun. This doesn't have to be a short essay, just one paragraph. Do you think there would be significantly different effects and implications if the actors in the scene were of another race Address this issue in brief, informal paragraph. In my belief, 'Raisin in the Sun' is a play inherent with expository information on the problems associated with racism and the treatment of blacks in the then America. Hence, there would definitely be immense difference if the character was of a different race. The character would have been a different person and the story would have progressed in a different mode. For instance, the black family wouldn't have been threatened by the all-white neighbours, in the first place, and hence, Walter Lee's character wouldn't have undergone the transformation and the opportunity to stand up for the family and for his identity! 5.Stage Setting. Page 161. Instead of using the writing exercise given, write a paragraph describing the setting of the play as described extensively in the various stage directions before scenes. The play starts off with a description of the house in which the Youngers live. It is a small house, with a common bathroom. The curtains and upholstery is worn out and faded, but reveals that the decoration had been done with much care years ago. The rooms are untidy, especially when Joseph Asagai goes to their home. The house is the primary setting in the play and plays an important part is symbolizing change, transformation and growth, since towards the end, the family is all set to move into a new house! 6. Imagery. Page 161-2. Instead of using the writing exercise given, write a paragraph about imagery used in A Raisin in the Sun that helps to convey the meaning of the play. The play is laden with imagery. Firstly, the home is an important imagery, that symbolizes poverty, stagnancy and inability to bring about a change. It is the setting that witnesses the various predicaments the family goes through. However, towards the end, the house symbolizes change, growth and ability to translate dreams into reality. Secondly, the plant that Mama grows is symbolic of the dreams that one possesses in one's life. It is symbolic of the growth of dreams, with time. Whether the plant is nurtured and is realized in entirely in one's hands. Thirdly, Beneatha's hair is the symbol of identity crisis and finding solace in discovering one's lineage and identity, coming to peace with the same. 7. Theme(s). Page 163-4. Write a paragraph where you identify and elaborate on the theme(s) in A Raisin in the Sun. You can use various techniques to do this including writing the theme as an observation on larger social issues, or writing about a theme based on recommendations for what should be the remedy for an identified larger issue. Another way is to state a theme as a problem (human, social, emotional, psychological, relationships) that weighs heavily throughout the course of the play. One of the most evident and significant themes of the play, is racism. The sheer strife for equality and for being allowed to retain one's identity is the central theme. Apart from this, the theme of chasing, retaining and attaining one's dream is another theme. The theme of growth and change also flows through the play. The play explores the deep-set apprehensions and emotions of humans by setting the play on the mentioned themes. REFERENCES 'Raisin in the Sun', Lorraine Hansberry, Random House. Read More