NOTES: A RAISIN IN THE SUN
1) The myth of the American Dream is the most enduring theme in American drama. Americans went West to find fortune and fame. Immigrants came to America expecting streets "paved with gold." The founding fathers first enunciated these ideas with the words, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Walter Lee wants his piece of the pie. Explore the myth of the American Dream in this play. Does Raisin reinforce the myth or criticize it? (Note: We will return to this theme in Death of a Salesman.)2) Who/What represents the forces of materialism/cynicism (life-denying forces) in this play?
3) Who/What represents the forces of spirituality/love (life-affirming)?
4) Is Walter Lee entirely wrong in his desire for economic betterment in the here and now?
5) How do Benny's boyfriends (George Murchison and Joseph Asagai) present opposite images of black identity and politics?
6) The play presents a Quest -- a Journey on many levels. Write about the Quest for self-Identity.
7) Write about the Quest for Spiritual growth.
8) Write about the Quest for Racial Advancement.
9) What is Moma's (Lena) dream?
10) What is Walter Lee's dream?
11) What is Ruth's dream?
12) What is Bennie's dream?
13) Is Moma a traditionalist and thus an impediment to social advancement or is she a progressive and liberating force?
14) What thematic role does Mr. Linder serve?
15) What dramatic role does Mrs. Johnson serve? (Note -- Mrs. Johnson appears only on Danny Glover video. Her scene was cut in Sidney Poitier version.)
16) Does this play present sentimentalized stereotypes or authentic, psychologically complex characters typical of good realistic theater?
17) In the era of O.J., Kobe Bryant and Puff Daddy, how is this play dated?
18) Despite some historical wear and tear, in what ways is the play enduring?
19) Does the play condemn or condone reacial stereotypes?
20) In what ways is the play not about race at all?
21) Show how Walter Lee sees himself as emasculated and how the play is about the re-attainment of his manhood.
22) How does the play re-define the notion of "manhood"?
23) What is the significance of the off-stage character of the grandfather (Walter Lee's father. Moma's late husband) whose picture hangs in the living room?
24) Mr. Linder is the visable representation of the white majority. Why isn't he portrayed more as a villain?
25) Who is the real rebel in this play?
26) Realism is an illusion -- an artificiality created on stage. The illusion here is well done, but since this is a crafted piece, where in the play is the craft evident? Where can on see the "seams"? What is obviously coincidental? Obviously symbolic?
27) George Murchison has dreams too, but in what ways are his dreams flawed?
28) What does Asagai mean when he tells Bennie that she is a woman "for whom bread is not enough."
29) What is the political and thematic significance of Asagai's prediction of his own assassination?
30) What devices does Hansberry use to make the audience aware of the larger world beyond the Younger living room?