Curriculum  /  ELA  /  7th Grade  /  Unit 3: Pursuing Dreams: A Raisin in the Sun  /  Lesson 10

Pursuing Dreams: A Raisin in the Sun

Lesson 10
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ELA

Unit 3

7th Grade

Lesson 10 of 26

Objective

Compare and contrast the film version of A Raisin in the Sun with the original text to explain the impact of specific techniques used by the filmmakers on the meaning and structure of the play.

Readings and Materials

  • Play: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry  pp. 60 – 75 — starting with "BENEATHA. Oh, my god…'' through p. 75

  • Movie: A Raisin in the Sun  — (43:09–54:53)

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A Note for Teachers

  • Though the film is not rated, the film contains offensive language that may be distressing for students. The film also contains depictions of excessive alcohol consumption. For further guidance, review the Parents' Guide to A Raisin in the Sun from Common Sense Media as a part of intellectual preparation.
  • In this scene, Ruth is considering getting an abortion. Abortion is a sensitive and often divisive issue. Students may have questions about this topic. The focus of this discussion should focus on how Ruth, Mama, and Walter feel about Ruth being pregnant, and not the political aspects or history of abortion. For resources on how to support students if they have questions, consult your school or district administrators.

Target Task

Assign

Discussion & Writing Prompt

How and why is Walter's view of what is important in life different from his mother's? How do Hansberry and Petrie structure this scene to develop emotion and meaning? Provide specific evidence from the play and the movie to support your answer. (A Raisin in the Sun & Film: A Raisin in the Sun, 1961)

Sample Response

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Key Questions

  • How is Beneatha and Asagai's relationship impacted by gender and cultural expectations? (A Raisin in the Sun)

  • How does Mama respond to seeing the check? Why does she respond this way? Compare and contrast how Hansberry and the filmmaker depict this scene to reveal Mama's state of mind. Provide specific evidence from the play and the movie to support your answer. (A Raisin in the Sun & Film: A Raisin in the Sun, 1961)

  • How does Walter's response to the check's arrival create tension in his relationship with Mama? What techniques does the filmmaker use to build tension in the scene between Walter and his mother? (A Raisin in the Sun & Film: A Raisin in the Sun, 1961)

  • How does the historical context of the play exacerbate the differences in Mama and Walter's motivations? (A Raisin in the Sun)

  • What does Mama reveal to Walter at the end of the scene? Why does Hansberry choose to end the scene this way? (A Raisin in the Sun)

Vocabulary

Literary Terms

camera movement

the way a camera moves in relation to the characters and setting. Can include techniques like zooming in, zooming out, panning up/down/left/right.

camera angle

the specific location at which the movie camera or video camera is placed to take a shot

cuts

when the image on screen is instantly replaced with another, often in the form of a camera angle change

lighting

the relative lightness or darkness of a scene

sound

sounds that originate from the world of the film or sounds that are added like music or voiceover (doors opening, dogs barking, etc.)

pacing

how quickly or slowly the action in a film progresses

Homework

Assign

To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Play: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry  pp. 76 – 86 — end at "Beneatha and George exit"

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What are Walter and Beneatha doing to open this scene?

  • What is the mood of this opening scene?

  • Who enters the scene?

  • How does George feel about Beneatha's outfit and hair?

  • Describe the interaction between George and Walter.

Notes for Teachers

Tonight's reading contains some sensitive and offensive language. Students should understand that Walter uses the word "faggoty" on page 83 to insult and emasculate George. Walter also says "son-of-a-bitch" on page 85.

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Common Core Standards

  • RL.7.5 — Analyze how a drama's or poem's form or structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its meaning.
  • RL.7.6 — Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
  • RL.7.7 — Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium (e.g., lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film).

Supporting Standards

L.7.6
RL.7.1
RL.7.10
SL.7.1
SL.7.6
W.7.1
W.7.1.a
W.7.1.b
W.7.9
W.7.9.a

Next

Compare and contrast the film version of A Raisin in the Sun with the original text and explain the impact of body language to convey differences in perspective.

Lesson 11
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