Pursuing Dreams: A Raisin in the Sun

Lesson 20
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ELA

Unit 3

7th Grade

Lesson 20 of 27

Objective


Identify and contrast different characters’ perspectives in A Raisin in the Sun, and explain how they change. 

Readings and Materials


  • Play: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry  pp. 140 – 151

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How has Walter’s perspective on what makes a "man" changed over the course of today’s reading? Provide evidence from pages 143-151 to support your answer. 

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • How has Walter’s perspective of the world changed since his money was stolen, and how does this motivate his decision to call Mr. Lindner? Provide two pieces of evidence from pages 141-144 to support your answer, and carefully explain your thinking.

  • What does taking Mr. Lindner’s money represent to Mama? Provide two pieces of evidence from pages 143-147 to support your answer and carefully explain your thinking.

  • How does Beneatha’s perspective of Walter differ from Mama’s? Provide evidence from pages 144-145 to support your answer and carefully explain your thinking.

Discussion Questions

  • What are your thoughts as we come to the end of the story? Has the Younger family achieved the American Dream?

Notes


  • Today’s reading includes the usage of the N-word. Ask students to consider the significance of Walter’s choice to use this word to describe himself. 
  • On page 144, Walter’s language and behavior evokes stereotypes of African-Americans, particularly during slavery. This is a profoundly tragic monologue, and students may have strong reactions to it. Take time to unpack Walter’s choices during this scene, and what ideas Hansberry is trying to communicate.

Homework


  • Prepare for tomorrow's Socratic Seminar. Review the discussion questions and gather sufficient evidence.

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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
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Lesson 21

Lesson Map

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