Pursuing Dreams: A Raisin in the Sun

Lesson 17
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ELA

Unit 3

7th Grade

Lesson 17 of 26

Objective


Identify characters' points of view in A Raisin in the Sun and explain how the playwright develops differences and changes in perspective.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry  pp. 131 – 140 — ending with "MAMA. ...and hold on to what you got…"

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

How has Mama's perspective on her dreams changed since the revelation that the money is gone? How does Hansberry develop her perspective? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • How and why has losing the money changed Beneatha's perspective on being a doctor? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.

  • Why does Hansberry have Asagai return in this scene? What role does he play in Act III?

  • Who is the only character in the Younger family whose perspective has not changed since the news that the money is gone? How does Hansberry develop this character's perspective? Provide examples to support your answer.

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

falling action

the part of the story or play that comes directly after the climax when conflicts introduced earlier begin to be resolved

Text-based

sullen

adj.

(p. 131)

sulky, gloomy

ominous

adj.

(p. 131)

threatening; giving the impression that something bad is going to happen

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. 140 – 151

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • Whom does Walter call?

  • What does Walter tell his family he is going to do?

  • What does Walter eventually decide to do?

  • How do Ruth, Beneatha, and Mama react to Walter's decision?

  • How does Hansberry choose to end the play?

Notes for Teachers

Tonight's reading contains profanity. Walter says the N-word on page 144.

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Common Core Standards


  • 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.7.4
RL.7.10
SL.7.1
SL.7.6
W.7.1
W.7.1.a
W.7.1.b
W.7.4
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 and explain the impact of specific techniques used by the filmmakers to create mood and meaning.

Lesson 18
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