A Raisin in the Sun Act I Symbolic Staging: Lorraine Hansberry meticulously drafted some of the most detailed stage directions ever written. Why do you think Hansberry takes such care in describing the apartment?

Doilies “Now the once loved pattern of the couch upholstery has to fight to show itself from under acres of crocheted doilies and couch covers which have themselves finally come to be more important than to disguise the worn places…” What are the Doilies a symbol of?

Mama’s Little Plant “The slow natural light the family may enjoy in the course of a day is only that which fights its way through this little window.” How is the plant representative of Mama? What do Mama’s Plant and her family have in common? How is the plant a symbol of Mama’s dreams?

“Eat Your Eggs” Walter continuously shares his dreams with his wife over breakfast and all she tells him is to calm down and eat his eggs which he asked her not to scramble. What does Ruth really mean when she tells Walter to eat his eggs? Why would she scramble them when he specifically asked her not to?

“The Rat Trap” “ Well, Lord knows we’ve put enough rent into this here rat trap to pay for four houses by now…” How is the apartment a rat trap? Who are the rats? What is the family’s plan to escape the trap?

Beneatha What does her name mean? What is the significance of her straight hair? Why do you think Asagai calls Beneatha “Alaiyo: One for Whom Bread– Food Is Not Enough?” How does that nickname apply to The American Dream?

Walter Lee “So now it’s life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life– now its money. I guess the world really do change…” What does Mama mean when she says “freedom used to be life?” Do you agree with Walter Lee? Is money really life?

Act II “Good Night Prometheus!” Prometheus was a Titan who stole fire from Olympus and gave it to mankind, in defiance of Zeus. For his punishment, he was chained to a rock where an eagle ate at his liver. Who is George? Why does George call Walter Prometheus? If Walter Lee is Prometheus, who is Zeus? Who is the Eagle?

George “Oh, it’s just a college girl’s way of calling people Uncle Toms– but that isn’t what it means at all.” The definition of the phrase “Uncle Tom” is an African American who is abjectly servile to whites, so called after the leading character in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Why does George say that an “assimilationist Negro” is not an Uncle Tom? Why do you think George puts up with Beneatha even after she insults him and yells at him?

Walter Lee “Why? You want to know why? Cause we all tied up in a race of people that don’t know how to do nothing but moan, pray and have babies!” These are strong words, even for a drunk Walter Lee. What does he mean by them? Is Walter Lee making a general statement about “his people” (African Americans) or is he addressing someone specifically?

Mamma “Them houses they put up for colored in them areas way out all seem to cost twice as much as other houses.” Why do you think houses built for African Americans in nice neighborhoods cost twice as much as houses for white people in the same area?

A Raisin in the Sun Act II, Scene ii Housing Discrimination. In the late 1950s, the U.S. Civil Rights Commission called Chicago "the most residentially segregated large city in the nation." In 1966, Rev. Dr. Martin L. King Jr. initiated a campaign to end discrimination in housing, employment, and schools in Chicago. The attention King and others drew to the situation led to the Federal Fair Housing Act.

Mrs. Johnson “I bet this time next month y’all’s names will have been in the papers plenty– NEGROES INVADE CLYBOURNE PARK– BOMBED!” What is Mrs. Johnson implying? What do George and Mrs. Johnson have in common? Based on Mrs. Johnson’s visit, what opinion does Mrs. Johnson have of her neighbors?

“Education has spoiled many a good plow hand.” Quoted by Mrs. Johnson, this is a statement actually made by Booker T. Washington. Booker T. Washington was an educator of African Americans and founder of the first all black teacher’s college. He believed in education, but promised the government he would never pursue the black man’s right to vote; sacrificing civil rights for educational resources. He had MANY critics. What do you think Mrs. Johnson meant by this statement? How does it apply to the Younger family?

Mr. Lindner “Our association is prepared, through the collective effort of our people, to buy the house from you at a financial gain to your family.” Walter Lee is insulted when Mr. Lindner offers to buy their house. Do you think he should have accepted the offer?

Walter Lee and Travis Walter Lee is 15 years older than his sister. Just as his parents were ready to address certain opportunities, Beneatha was born. How is Travis being put in the same position?

What does Walter Lee mean when he pauses before opening the door and says that “its hard to let the future begin?”

Who is Bobo? What was supposed to happen in Springfield? What did Willy do? How much did Walter Lee lose? And how will this affect the family?

How does Act II reflect the idea of a dream deferred? Why is this important?

Character Symbolism Lena Younger (Mama) represents a traditional approach to life. If she were a European immigrant, her views might be called "Old World" by the younger generation. Beneatha Younger seems to represent the possibility, through education, of advancement, although some of her attempts to enter into a different world seem whimsical and short lived. Walter Lee Younger, who is 15 years older than his sister, says he feels "trapped" perhaps between the opposing world views of these two women.

Homework In Act I & 2 of A Raisin in the Sun you were introduced to two conflicting characters, Walter Lee and Beneathea. These two characters don’t believe anyone really understands them and their dreams. Pick one of the two characters and write a 4 paragraph letter to an old friend from that character's point of view. Your letter should include what that character is doing now, what they want to do, and what their frustrations are. Over the course of the letter include at least one example of The Magic Three, Simile, Metaphor, Humor, and a Full Circle Ending. All work must be typed and highlight all required examples. Due Monday*

Act III “A household in preparation for a journey! It depresses some people… but for me… it is another feeling. Something full of the flow of life, do you understand?” Can the Younger family still be excited about the move?

The Wisdom of Asagai “Then isn’t there something wrong in a house– in a world– where all dreams, good or bad, must depend on the death of a man?” Asagai comes from a different country and lives by different values. What does this quote say about him? What does it say about how the world views the United States? So you agree with his statement?

Draw an image of your personal American Dream