Warm-up“HARLEM”

By Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over--

like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Directions: Copy the poem and note the rhyme scheme.

Poem Meaning

About the black experience of the American Dream.

One of the most powerful images in black literature.

Normally a grape is left in the sun to become a raisin.

In the poem, a raisin is left in the sun. Metaphor echoes slavery of people who have been

“dried out” but are given no rest.

Lorraine Hansberry

Playwright who’s famous play was inspired by her family’s racial struggle in Chicago.

A Raisin in the Sun The first play written by an African American

woman to ever be put on broadway. Died at age 34. Funeral was in Harlem.

The Elements of Drama

Drama

Comes from the Greek Word, “Dran” = “To do” or “To Act”

A story told in front of an audience.

Elements of Drama

Playwright the author of a play

Actors the people who

perform Acts

the units of action Scenes

parts of the acts

Dramatic Speech Dialogue

conversation between or among characters

Monologue long speech by one

single character (private thoughts)

Stage Directions

Found in brackets [ ] Describe scenery and

how characters speak C, Center Stage L, Stage Left R, Stage Right U, Upstage or Rear D, Downstage or

Front

Set

Construction on the stage that shows time/place

Could be called Scenery

Props

Small movable items that the actors use to make actions look real

Types of Drama

Drama is used to describe plays that address a serious subject.

Types of Drama

Comedy is a form of drama that has a happy ending. Humor comes from the dialogue and situations.

Types of Drama Tragedy is a form

of drama in which events lead to the downfall of the main character, often a person of great significance, like a king or hero.