Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, is prefaced by a Langston Hughes poem. Please re-read the poem.
“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?
The first part of your essay should address the following question: how does the play illustrate the theme of the poem?
To complete this first part of your essay, explain the ways in which the main characters (Mama, Ruth, Walter, Beneatha) each has a dream that is “deferred.” What are those dreams and how are they deferred? Please do not just write long summaries of the plot, but instead attempt to truly analyze the characters and their desires and how and why they are unable to achieve their dreams.
The second section asks you to identify and analyze one of the major themes of the play.
To complete this second section, consider the following questions about the major themes of this play: How is assimilation treated in the play? To what extent do you think Hansberry is critiquing traditional sex roles in the play? In what ways is Hansberry challenging stereotypes of African Americans in the play?
Choose ONE of these issues to write about. Be thorough in your explanation of how your chosen issue arises in the play and clear in your critical analysis of what you believe Hansberry is trying to say about your chosen issue.
The third and final section should address the following question: To what extent do you think the issue you chose to write about in section two is still relevant? The play was written and produced 60 years ago. Are the issues and conflicts explored in the play still relevant today? Have we made any progress? If so, describe the progress. If not, why not?
