A Raisin in the SunA Raisin in the Sun

By Lorraine HansberryBy Lorraine Hansberry

Audio Interview Audio Interview Lorraine HansberryLorraine Hansberry

http://www.wnyc.org/story/86675-today-in-http://www.wnyc.org/story/86675-today-in-history-a-raisin-in-the-sun/history-a-raisin-in-the-sun/

As we listen, answer the following and be ready to discuss:

1.What does Lorraine Hansberry say is the major theme of her play?2.What does Lorraine Hansberry say about dreams?3.Do you agree with her points of view? Why or why not?4.In looking for this interview, it was difficult to find any video or audio clips with Lorraine Hansberry. What are some possible reasons for this?

Describing the Characters

Physical Descriptions Personality Traits Type of character & circle your answer

Dynamic OR Static Flat OR Round

Who’s Who?Who’s Who?Walter YoungerWalter Younger Ruth YoungerRuth Younger

Beneatha YoungerBeneatha Younger Travis Travis YoungerYounger

Who’s Who?Who’s Who?

Ruth Younger

Walter Younger

Mama (Lena) WalterRuthBeneathaTravis

Who’s Who?Who’s Who?Mama (Lena) YoungerMama (Lena) Younger (Joseph) (Joseph)

AsagaiAsagai

Willy HarrisWilly Harris Bobo Bobo

Who’s Who?Who’s Who?George MurchisonGeorge Murchison Mrs. Johnson Mrs. Johnson

Karl LindnerKarl Lindner Two Moving MenTwo Moving Men

GenreGenre

Realist DramaRealist Drama Type of PlayType of Play

Terms – Scene 1

15. crocheted doilies: knit, web-like design – furniture

16. settled woman: married & “settled down”

17. slubbornness: slow + stubborn

18. fly-by-night proposition: business deal that could quickly fail or go downhill

* Walter says that his liquor store business will not be a fly-by-night proposition.

Terms – Scene 1

19. I don’t want that going on my ledger. - Mama said this in reference to Walter’s

liquor store deal. She doesn’t believe in drinking or him opening the store. Ledger = conscience in this scene

20. My girl didn’t come in today. Beneatha doesn’t want to go to work as a maid, however, she can’t risk losing her job. “My girl” is a negative slang term referring to Beneatha.

Keeping track of the drama…Conflicts! TOP 3

Conflict Characters

Involved

Internal or

External

Resolution

Setting: Published Vs. SetSetting: Published Vs. Set Published 1959 – Why is this important?Published 1959 – Why is this important? Set: Between 1945 and 1959Set: Between 1945 and 1959 Set: The South Side of ChicagoSet: The South Side of Chicago

Act I, Scene 1: Review Walter and Beneatha’s father (Big Walter)

is dead. The Younger family is waiting for the

$10,000 life insurance check to come. Walter wants to buy a liquor store. Beneatha wants to go to college and

become a doctor. Her hobbies have cost the family a lot of money.

Mama wants to buy a new home and garden.

Act I, Scene 2: Review News that Ruth is pregnant = CONFLICT Visit from Asagai, who is Beneatha’s friend

Asagai talks about Nigeria, Africa and brings traditional African robes to Beneatha.

There is some flirting and romance between Asagai and Beneatha.

Walter and Mama are arguing about money because the $10,000 check comes.

Walter – “Money is life.”

Understanding Scene 2Historical Background

Black pride is a movement indicating pride in being black. Related movements: black nationalism, Black

Panthers, Afrocentrism Slogan used in U.S. – African Americans

to celebrate heritage and personal pride Linked to Civil Rights Movement

• Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and other activists spoke out against segregation.

• Musicians used this theme in their music, as well.

Understanding Scene 2Historical Background

Danny Glover speaks about a documentary called, “The Black Power Mixtape.” (2011)

http://www.democracynow.org/2011/1/24/the_black_power_mixtape_danny_glover

Understanding Scene 2Historical Background

Portmanteau Words

Character Add On – Act I, Scene 2

Add more about Beneatha and Mama, taken from their actions/reactions in Act I, Sc.2.

Describe Joseph Asagai. Add more detail onto Ruth and Walter.

Focus on what each characters’ dreams are and what is happening at this point in the play.• Walter, Mama, Beneatha & Ruth

Act I, Scene 2 Walter and Mama have a conversation

about money towards the end of the scene.

Walter says that “Money is life,” while Mama says that “Freedom used to be life.” What do they mean by each of their

viewpoints? What do you think about society today? Is

money life today? Are money and freedom connected at all?

Explain.

Character Add On – Act II, Scene 1

Ruth Walter Beneatha George Murchison Travis – Explain the relationship he has

with his grandmother (Mama). Mama – Her decisions in this scene.

Act II, Scene 1 Owimoweh = A line from the song, “The

Lion Sleeps Tonight” – the lion awakens What is a reference to a familiar song or art in

literature?allusion

Traditional Nigerian Welcome Song:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMTvyery1vU

Contemporary Nigerian Song:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m3Kt135S-E

Act II, Scene 1 (45-59) Beneatha is wearing the African dress and

her and Ruth start dancing. Walter has been drinking. This is a scene of comic relief to ease the

conflicts of the play and develop the theme of African pride.

George Murchison shares his college lecture info on the African past. George Murchison comes to the house to

take Beneatha on a date to a play. Walter makes fun of George’s clothes and

college studies.

Act II, Scene 1 (45-59) Compare George Murchison to Joseph

Asagai, as far as their beliefs in African culture.

George Murchison vs. Joseph Asagai

Act II, Scene 2 (pgs. 60-70)Character Add on:

George Beneatha Mama Mrs. Johnson Ruth Walter Travis – His relationship with Walter.

• Why is the character of Travis included, even though he doesn’t appear that often?

Act II, Scene 2 - Terms He’s got a conked head.

Booker T. Washington•Most famous black man: 1895-1915

•Most influential black educators of his day

•Born a slave, worked labor as child – determined to get an education

Act II, Scene 2 (pgs. 60-70) Beneatha and George come back from

their date. George does not respect Beneatha’s quest for intelligence or her thoughts. They argue over this. Theme: Search for Identity

Mrs. Johnson visits the Youngers and tells them about black families getting bombed out of their homes.

Walter has been home from work for three days. He will get fired if he doesn’t go back. He doesn’t care about this.

Literary Terms

43. didactic literature = stories that teach values and morals

Ex. Lesson in Raisin:

44. propaganda = advertisements, writing that delivers a biased message

Ex. Propaganda = racism, U.S. problems due to black citizens

45. protagonist = main character in a work of literature – not always one person – not always the “hero”

Ex. Protagonist =

Literary Terms

46. hero – main positive force in a work – provides safety or rescue at times

Ex. Hero in Raisin:

47. antagonist = person/people in conflict with the protagonist

Ex. protagonist =

48. conflict = problems in a story – internal/external; man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. nature, man vs. technology, man vs. society

Ex. Conflict =

Literary Terms

49. Suspense – build up within reader, anticipating events or surprises in story

Ex. Suspense in Raisin:

50. Unity of action - SKIP

51. Significant action: important events that propel and push the plot forward

Ex. Significant action =

Literary Terms

52.

Ex. Suspense in Raisin:

50. Unity of action - SKIP

51. Significant action: important events that propel and push the plot forward

Ex. Significant action =

Act II, Scene 2 (pgs. 60-70) Off – drives around, drinks, listens to music

and is generally depressed. – Mama blames herself

Mama decides to give Walter a portion of the money now. Some is for Beneatha and some was already put down for the house (68).

Mama wants him to be the head of the house. Walter and Travis – about goals and

having bigger dreams – Walter is going to make a “transaction” tonight that will change our lives forever.

George Murchison vs. Joseph Asagai How are these two characters different?

George Murchison Joseph Asagai

Act II, Scene 3 (71-86)

Act III, Scene 1 (87-102) Up to pg. 94

Act III, Scene 1 (87-102)

95-102

Study Guide

2. Travis: Ruth & Walter’s son – young (10-11); grandson of Mama/Lena – Beneatha’s nephew – emphasizes the crowded, poor living conditions – relationships between the generations

8. Mrs. Johnson: neighbor of the Youngers; share a bathroom.

9. Karl Lindner: man who represents the neighborhood of Clybourne Park – tries to buy the Youngers’ house

Study Guide

14. Setting: Southside Chicago – after WWII to the present (pick the time) Most of the action takes place in the

Youngers’ apartment. Play itself was published at the height of the

Civil Rights Movement. 26. Owimoweh: welcoming song from

Nigeria – part of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”

ProtagonistProtagonist

Walter Lee YoungerWalter Lee Younger

Major Conflict: Major Conflict:

The Youngers, a working-class black The Youngers, a working-class black family, struggle against economic hardship family, struggle against economic hardship and racial prejudice.and racial prejudice.

Rising ActionRising Action

Ruth discovers that she is pregnant.Ruth discovers that she is pregnant. Mama makes a down payment on a Mama makes a down payment on a

house.house. Mama gives Walter the remaining Mama gives Walter the remaining

insurance money.insurance money. Walter invests the money in the liquor Walter invests the money in the liquor

store venture.store venture.

ClimaxClimax

Bobo tells the Youngers that Willy has run Bobo tells the Youngers that Willy has run off with all of Walter’s invested insurance off with all of Walter’s invested insurance money.money.

Asagai makes Beneatha realize that she is Asagai makes Beneatha realize that she is not as independent as she thinks.not as independent as she thinks.

Falling ActionFalling Action

Walter refuses Mr. Lindner’s offer to not Walter refuses Mr. Lindner’s offer to not move.move.

The Youngers move out of the apartment The Youngers move out of the apartment to their new house in the white to their new house in the white neighborhood.neighborhood.

Beneatha finds new strength in Asagai.Beneatha finds new strength in Asagai.

ThemesThemes

The value and purpose of dreamsThe value and purpose of dreams The need to fight racial discriminationThe need to fight racial discrimination The importance of familyThe importance of family

MotifsMotifs

Racial IdentityRacial Identity

The homeThe home

SymbolsSymbols

Mama’s plantMama’s plant Beneatha’s hairBeneatha’s hair

ForeshadowingForeshadowing

Mrs. Johnson’s news that a black family’s Mrs. Johnson’s news that a black family’s house has been bombed foreshadows the house has been bombed foreshadows the objections that the Clybourne Park objections that the Clybourne Park Improvement Association will raise to the idea Improvement Association will raise to the idea of the Youngers moving in.of the Youngers moving in.

Walter hints to Travis that he is investing the Walter hints to Travis that he is investing the insurance money foreshadow the insurance money foreshadow the disappearance of the money.disappearance of the money.

Act II, Scene 1 – Main eventsAct II, Scene 1 – Main events Beneatha, dressed in Nigerian clothes, goes Beneatha, dressed in Nigerian clothes, goes

to a play with George Murchison (1to a play with George Murchison (1stst appearance like this on American stage)appearance like this on American stage)

Walter comes home drunk and acts like a Walter comes home drunk and acts like a Nigerian king.Nigerian king.

Beneatha cut off all of her hair and is keeping Beneatha cut off all of her hair and is keeping it natural now.it natural now.

Walter talks to George about business plans Walter talks to George about business plans and George talks down to Walter.and George talks down to Walter.

Ruth and Walter fight: drinking, Willy Harris, Ruth and Walter fight: drinking, Willy Harris, liquor store ventureliquor store venture

Mama comes home – down payment on house with Mama comes home – down payment on house with some of the insurance money – American dreamsome of the insurance money – American dream African Americans left out of ideas of American dream up African Americans left out of ideas of American dream up

until Hansberry’s time…until Hansberry’s time…

Ruth – excited – dreams of moving out of apartment Ruth – excited – dreams of moving out of apartment into respectable homeinto respectable home

Walter – upset – wants all of the money in the liquor Walter – upset – wants all of the money in the liquor store venturestore venture

House in Clybourne Park – all white neighborhood – House in Clybourne Park – all white neighborhood – Mama says only house they could affordMama says only house they could afford

This scene = struggle in African American community This scene = struggle in African American community whether to embrace own heritage OR join white whether to embrace own heritage OR join white cultureculture George = assimilationist (joining) – Asagai = rejects joining George = assimilationist (joining) – Asagai = rejects joining

or assimilationor assimilation

Act II – Scene 2: Main EventsAct II – Scene 2: Main Events

Beneatha and George come home from a date. Beneatha and George come home from a date. Beneatha wants to discuss the plight of African Beneatha wants to discuss the plight of African Americans.Americans.

George wants to marry a “nice…simple…George wants to marry a “nice…simple…sophisticated” girl. sophisticated” girl.

Beneatha kicks him out – tells Mama George is Beneatha kicks him out – tells Mama George is a fool – Mama supports hera fool – Mama supports her

Mrs. Johnson (neighbor) visits – tells Mama Mrs. Johnson (neighbor) visits – tells Mama and Ruth about a black family bombed out of and Ruth about a black family bombed out of their house in a white neighborhoodtheir house in a white neighborhood

Mrs. Johnson: insensitive, disrespectful, temperMrs. Johnson: insensitive, disrespectful, temper

Mrs. Johnson insults the Youngers: “proud-Mrs. Johnson insults the Youngers: “proud-acting bunch of colored folks;” quotes Booker T. acting bunch of colored folks;” quotes Booker T. Washington (famous African American thinker Washington (famous African American thinker and assimilationist)and assimilationist)

Walter’s boss calls – Ruth – Walter hasn’t been Walter’s boss calls – Ruth – Walter hasn’t been to work in 3 daysto work in 3 days

Walter has been wandering bar to bar…Walter has been wandering bar to bar…listening to jazz music and feels worthless as listening to jazz music and feels worthless as the man of the housethe man of the house

Mama feels guilty – never wanted to hurt her Mama feels guilty – never wanted to hurt her children – gives him the rest of the insurance $children – gives him the rest of the insurance $$ - $6500 –deposit $3000 for Beneatha’s $ - $6500 –deposit $3000 for Beneatha’s education – Walter gets $3500education – Walter gets $3500

Mama: “With this $ Walter should become and Mama: “With this $ Walter should become and act like the head of the household now.”act like the head of the household now.”

Walter: confident, energizedWalter: confident, energized Tells Travis: “I have a transaction that will make Tells Travis: “I have a transaction that will make

us rich.”us rich.” Walter talks about dreams of future house Walter talks about dreams of future house

and cars, and Travis’ potential college ed.and cars, and Travis’ potential college ed.

Beneatha vs. George about educationBeneatha vs. George about education Mama agrees with Beneatha more than the Mama agrees with Beneatha more than the

audience would expect.audience would expect. Search for identity as seen through Beneatha Search for identity as seen through Beneatha

and the Youngers, George and Mrs. Johnsonand the Youngers, George and Mrs. Johnson Assimilationist views, such as Booker T. Assimilationist views, such as Booker T.

WashingtonWashington Making your mark and finding yourself in your own Making your mark and finding yourself in your own

cultureculture Walter wants a better life, at any cost.Walter wants a better life, at any cost.

Literary TermsLiterary Terms 50. Unity of action: If the plot of a drama has unity of action it is 50. Unity of action: If the plot of a drama has unity of action it is

complete and orderly.complete and orderly. 51. Significant action: For perfect unity of action, all of the action 51. Significant action: For perfect unity of action, all of the action

must be significant or important.must be significant or important. Ex. Are all of the events in Ex. Are all of the events in RaisinRaisin

necessary to the development of the necessary to the development of the plot and characters? YES!plot and characters? YES!

52. Rising action, climax, falling action, resolution (list these out for 52. Rising action, climax, falling action, resolution (list these out for the play)the play)

53. peripety or reversal: When a hero’s fortunes change for the 53. peripety or reversal: When a hero’s fortunes change for the better or the worse.better or the worse. Ex. Does Walter’s fortunes change for Ex. Does Walter’s fortunes change for

the better or worse? Why?the better or worse? Why?

Act I, Scene 1Act I, Scene 115. crocheted doilies15. crocheted doilies

40s furniture protected/hide worn 40s furniture protected/hide worn places – shows povertyplaces – shows poverty

16. a settled woman16. a settled womanWoman looks older than her Woman looks older than her actual years, resigned to her life.actual years, resigned to her life.

17. slubbornness17. slubbornnessRuth to Travis: sloppy + stubborn Ruth to Travis: sloppy + stubborn – Ruth thinks real word– Ruth thinks real word

18. fly-by-night proposition18. fly-by-night propositionRefers to Walter Lee’s interest in Refers to Walter Lee’s interest in liquor store business – risky, liquor store business – risky, irresponsible and reliableirresponsible and reliable

19. I don’t want that on my ledger.19. I don’t want that on my ledger.Mama, religious, “list” that allows Mama, religious, “list” that allows her to get into Heaven or nother to get into Heaven or not

20. My girl didn’t come today.20. My girl didn’t come today.Ruth is cleaning woman for Ruth is cleaning woman for wealthy whites. Degrading term wealthy whites. Degrading term for them…”girl” refers to the for them…”girl” refers to the cleaning cleaning womenwomen..

Act I, Scene 2Act I, Scene 221. Hay-lo21. Hay-lo

Beneatha answers phone – Beneatha answers phone – combo of “Hey” and “Hello”combo of “Hey” and “Hello”

22. We’ve all got acute ghetto-it is.22. We’ve all got acute ghetto-it is.Beneatha to Asagai: depressing Beneatha to Asagai: depressing times – Younger’s $ situation and times – Younger’s $ situation and Ruth’s pregnancy – as if it was a Ruth’s pregnancy – as if it was a diseasedisease

23. Mr. Asagai, I am looking for my 23. Mr. Asagai, I am looking for my identity.identity.

Asagai repeats Beneatha’s words Asagai repeats Beneatha’s words – poking fun at her desperation to – poking fun at her desperation to connect with her African heritage. connect with her African heritage.

24. You don’t have to ride to work on 24. You don’t have to ride to work on the back of nobody’s streetcar.the back of nobody’s streetcar.

Mama’s generation worked hard Mama’s generation worked hard so her children could have a so her children could have a “better life.” reference to the Jim “better life.” reference to the Jim Crow laws (South/legal), prior to Crow laws (South/legal), prior to the civil rights movement. the civil rights movement. 30s and 40s blacks fled to the 30s and 40s blacks fled to the North to try to get away from North to try to get away from segregation.segregation.Mama believes Walter shouldn’t Mama believes Walter shouldn’t want more than his own seat on want more than his own seat on the bus.the bus.

25. The lion is waking. African countries were 25. The lion is waking. African countries were beginning to demand their independence. beginning to demand their independence. Walter is also like this lion in terms of his family Walter is also like this lion in terms of his family power.power.

26. Owimoweh: title of an African chant – 26. Owimoweh: title of an African chant – refers to the waking of the lionrefers to the waking of the lion

27. Prometheus: George calls Walter this – fits 27. Prometheus: George calls Walter this – fits his fiery personality – god who stole fire to bring his fiery personality – god who stole fire to bring it to man – George is showing off his it to man – George is showing off his knowledgeknowledge

28. Gimme some sugar then: Southern 28. Gimme some sugar then: Southern expression – give me a hug/kiss (Mama to expression – give me a hug/kiss (Mama to Travis)Travis)

29. never been ‘fraid of no crackers: Ruth 29. never been ‘fraid of no crackers: Ruth is using the term to refer to all white racists is using the term to refer to all white racists – in discussions with Mama over house– in discussions with Mama over house

30. Drop the Garbo routine. George to Beneatha: 30. Drop the Garbo routine. George to Beneatha: “know your place as a woman” – start acting “know your place as a woman” – start acting submissive rather than intelligentsubmissive rather than intelligent

31. He’s got a conked head. Conked head = 31. He’s got a conked head. Conked head = chemical straightening of hair – many musicians did chemical straightening of hair – many musicians did this to fit into white culturethis to fit into white culture

32. the nature of quiet desperation: taken from 32. the nature of quiet desperation: taken from Thoreau’s Thoreau’s WaldenWalden: George says this – characters in : George says this – characters in the play live like this…the play live like this…

33. peckerwoods: riff-raff, poor, racist whites33. peckerwoods: riff-raff, poor, racist whites 34. Booker T. Washington: felt that blacks should 34. Booker T. Washington: felt that blacks should

develop their talents in trade schools – would allow develop their talents in trade schools – would allow them to rise above and gain equalitythem to rise above and gain equality

35. hand-turned hems: sewing done by hand, 35. hand-turned hems: sewing done by hand, rather than at a factory – Ruth’s curtains for rather than at a factory – Ruth’s curtains for househouse

36. Thirty pieces and not a coin less. Thirty 36. Thirty pieces and not a coin less. Thirty pieces of silver was standard price for a slave. pieces of silver was standard price for a slave. Judas betrays Jesus with this amount; Judas betrays Jesus with this amount; Beneatha taunts Lindner with this when he Beneatha taunts Lindner with this when he offers to keep the Youngers out of the offers to keep the Youngers out of the neighborhood.neighborhood.

37. Scarlett O’Hara: from 37. Scarlett O’Hara: from Gone With the WindGone With the Wind: : fall of South after Civil War; hat from Travis fall of South after Civil War; hat from Travis makes Mama look like her.makes Mama look like her.

38. spread some money ‘round: Walter 38. spread some money ‘round: Walter uses this phrase to refer to the required uses this phrase to refer to the required graft that must be paid. Bobo uses this graft that must be paid. Bobo uses this phrase casually not understanding it’s a phrase casually not understanding it’s a private matter.private matter.

39. 39. Monsieur le petit bourgeois noirMonsieur le petit bourgeois noir: : “Mister “Mister (black) small businessman.”(black) small businessman.” BeneathaBeneatha calls calls WalterWalter this since he trusted Willy with the this since he trusted Willy with the money. (French phrase)money. (French phrase)

40. 40. peachy keen, as the ofay kids saypeachy keen, as the ofay kids say: : racial racial differences in language, esp. slang…peachy differences in language, esp. slang…peachy keen = good, slang of the times; ofaykeen = good, slang of the times; ofay = slang in = slang in black communities, at the time, to refer to a black communities, at the time, to refer to a white person – foewhite person – foe – climate of the times – climate of the times

41. 41. sharecropperssharecroppers: : Many blacks in the SouthMany blacks in the South were sharecroppers before they moved to the were sharecroppers before they moved to the cities. cities. Paid for someone else’s farm by giving Paid for someone else’s farm by giving the crops from this land – large debtsthe crops from this land – large debts

42. You done write his epitaph too. Mama to 42. You done write his epitaph too. Mama to Beneatha: Beneatha is so relentlessly Beneatha: Beneatha is so relentlessly unforgiving that Mama has to defend him. unforgiving that Mama has to defend him. Mama: Who is Beneatha to write him off as if Mama: Who is Beneatha to write him off as if he was dead already?he was dead already?

55. Motivation: Walter is motivated to get the 55. Motivation: Walter is motivated to get the insurance $$ b/c of the liquor store.insurance $$ b/c of the liquor store.

58. Hamartia and hubris: characters learn 58. Hamartia and hubris: characters learn through their mistakes and come to a better through their mistakes and come to a better understanding…Walter learns to not trust understanding…Walter learns to not trust people with money so easily.people with money so easily.

59. Rhetorical question: A question that is not 59. Rhetorical question: A question that is not really supposed to be answered…really supposed to be answered…

54. Portmanteau word: 2 words combined into 54. Portmanteau word: 2 words combined into one – Hay-lo, slubbornone – Hay-lo, slubborn

Dramatic irony: reader knows something before Dramatic irony: reader knows something before the characters do – Ex. Ruth’s pregnancy, what the characters do – Ex. Ruth’s pregnancy, what she’s going to do with the baby, Walter’s money she’s going to do with the baby, Walter’s money being takenbeing taken