Based only on the text of the play, what is Hansberry saying about race relations in America? What issues does the author raise? What does the play do to help bring to light the problem of racism? Biographical: Your job here is to research important background on Hansberry and the play itself. Are facts about the writer’s life relevant to racism in the play? Are characters and incidents in the play versions of the writer’s own experiences? Are they treated factually or imaginatively? How do you think the writer’s view on racism is portrayed in the play? Historical: This perspective focuses on the time period of the play: the 1950’s. How does the play reflect racial tension in America at that time? How important is the historical context to interpreting the play? What historical influences helped to shape the form and content of the play?
