In a 2,000 word (or four-page) paper, please make an argument about a central idea of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun. You will want to dig deep and combine some of the smaller themes or ideas to create a more nuanced and complex central argument. I have listed some questions below that you might consider as you begin thinking, but you should think about how the answers of a few of these questions might lead you to create your central argument. As you answer these questions, you will want to keep race, gender, and history and the intersection of these three factors at the front of your mind.
How do the housing policies that existed in this particular time period on Chicago (and elsewhere in the US) impact the storyline though they are never overtly mentioned? If you want to learn more about this, you are welcome to visit: https://www.chipublib.org/housing/ This is a wonderful source to better understand the housing policies in this time period. You are welcome to use a little of this information in your essay, but you will need to cite it. In terms of citing, there is not author, so you would use the title (“Housing and Race”).
How do these characters conceptualize their own version of their American Dream? Are their Dreams different from one another? Why might this be important?
How are women represented in the play? Is race part of this representation? How about historical context?
How are men represented in this play? Is race part of this representation? How about historical context?
How do moments that you might analyze using literary devices (symbol, metaphor, etc.) add meaning to your understanding of the play?
Please make sure to add your Works Cited page. You Works Cited should include the play – and only – the Chicago Public Library article (see above) if you depended on it for any information. Also, do not use Schmoop, Academic Master, or any of those sites. If you do, I will consider it academic dishonesty and will give you a zero for your work. Again, your ideas are and will always be enough.
MLA Style Guide: Plays
In-text citations:
In response to Walter’s response to losing all of the money and then wanting to concede to Mr. Lindner’s request, Mama says:
MAMA: You making something inside me cry, son. Some awful pain inside me.
WALTER: Don’t cry, Mama. Understand. That white man is going to walk in that door
able to write checks for more money than we ever had. It’s important to him and
I’m going to help him… I’m going to put on the show, Mama. (Hansberry 143)
In this moment.
Sample Solution
