Pursuing Dreams: A Raisin in the Sun

Lesson 14
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ELA

Unit 3

7th Grade

Lesson 14 of 26

Objective


Analyze how the playwright structures A Raisin in the Sun to develop character perspectives.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry  pp. 96 – 109

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A Note for Teachers


  • Page 101 of A Raisin in the Sun contains the N-word. Before starting the text, it is imperative that teachers prepare students for its use in the text. BIPOC students, in particular, can be harmed by seeing the word in the text without any warning. Teachers should understand the history of the word and unpack and facilitate discussions with students about the history and usage of the word. In your classroom communities, establish that the word should never be said aloud in class. If reading the text aloud, teachers should replace its use with "N-word." When citing the text in classroom materials or in writing, replace it with "N-word" or "n—" as seen in our lesson plans. Below are some resources to further prepare yourself and your students for its use in the text:
  • Mrs. Johnson also refers to "crackers" on page 101 and "peckerwoods" on page 102. These are both derogatory terms for a white person.

Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

Analyze the structural decisions that Hansberry makes in Act II Scene Two. What effect do these decisions have on character development and meaning in the play? Provide examples to support your answer.

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Key Questions

  • What does Beneatha's conversation with George reveal about the differences in their perspectives of the world? Cite evidence to support your answer.

  • Why does Hansberry introduce a new character in this scene? What role does this new character play?

  • Why does Hansberry include longer monologues in this scene? What is the effect of these longer monologues?

  • How and why has Mama's perspective on the importance of the life insurance money changed? How does Hansberry communicate this change in perspective? Provide examples to support your answer.

  • How does receiving the money change Walter's perspective of his self worth? Cite evidence to support your answer.

Exit Ticket

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Vocabulary


Text-based

undaunted

adj.

(p. 101)

not intimidated or discouraged

Homework


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. 110 – 124 — ending with "(the bell rings)"

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • How has Ruth and Walter's relationship changed since Mama gave him the money?

  • How does Walter and Beneatha's relationship seem different? Explain your thinking.

  • Who is Mr. Lindner? 

  • Why does he come to the Younger apartment? What does he offer them?

  • How does the Younger family respond to his offer?

Enhanced Lesson Plan

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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.

Supporting Standards

L.7.6
RL.7.1
RL.7.2
RL.7.3
RL.7.4
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
W.7.10

Next

Compare and contrast the film version of A Raisin in the Sun with the original text by identifying techniques used by the filmmakers and their impact on mood and meaning.

Lesson 15
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