On Summer

On Summer

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Literary Analysis: Style

An author’s style is his or her unique way of writing. Style includes every feature of a writer’s use of language. Some elements that contribute to an author’s style are

• Diction: the kinds of words the author uses

• Syntax: the way in which the author arranges words in sentences

• Tone: the author’s attitude toward his or her audience or subject

A writer’s diction and syntax might be described as formal or informal, technical or ordinary, sophisticated or down-to-earth. A writer’s tone might be described as serious or playful, friendly or distant, sympathetic or scathing.

Open Ended

The adolescence, admittedly lingering still, brought the traditional passionate commitment to melancholy autumn—and all that.

Open Ended

By duration alone, for instance, a summer’s day seemed maddeningly excessive, an utter overstatement.

Open Ended

And it was also cool and sweet to be on the grass and there was usually the scent of freshly cut lemons or melons in the air.

Open Ended

The woman that I met was as wrinkled as a prune and could hardly hear and barely see and always seemed to be thinking of other times.

Open Ended

I heard later that she did live to see another summer. And I have retained my respect for the noblest of the seasons.

Reading: Generate Prior Questions to Identify Main Idea and Details

The main idea is the central message, insight, or opinion in a work of nonfiction. Supporting details are the pieces of evidence that a writer uses to prove the main idea. These details can include facts, statistics, quotations, or anecdotes. To identify the main idea and supporting details in a work, generate questions prior to reading.

Open Ended

The word on, meaning “concerning” or “about,” has been used in the titles of many essays.

What expectations does Hansberry’s title create in you, the reader?

Open Ended

In her first sentence, Hansberry declares, “It has taken me a good number of years to come to any measure of respect for summer.” What does this opening sentence lead you to expect about the structure of Hansberry’s essay?

Open Ended

A crucial fact about Hansberry’s own life was her struggle against cancer and her premature death from the disease at age thirty-four. How do you think this biographical fact might affect the writer’s attitude toward the seasons and the passage of time?

Multiple Choice

What is Lorraine Hansberry’s earliest memory of summer?

• waking up from a nap and feeling hot

• swimming in a lake

• eating at a cookout with neighbors

• eating a delicious ice cream cone

Multiple Choice

In “On Summer,” why does the author quote the poem about Mary Mack?

• She wants to present an exceptionally fine example of modern poetry.

• She wants to give an example of the street rhymes she chanted as a child.

• She wants to show she can memorize poems easily.

• She wants to show the ways in which young children pick on each other.

Multiple Choice

How did Lorraine Hansberry’s family spend steamy summer nights in Chicago?

• They stayed up all night.

• They camped out in the basement.

• They slept outdoors in the park.

• They listened to music.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes Hansberry’s tone, or attitude toward her audience?

• critical

• sympathetic

• informal

• distant

Multiple Choice

How does Lorraine Hansberry support her main idea in “On Summer”?

• with many facts and statistics

• with quotations from famous people

• with quotations from family members

• with a series of anecdotes, or brief stories

Multiple Choice

Where did Lorraine Hansberry’s mother take her one summer to visit her grandmother?

• Indiana

• Nebraska

• Tennessee

• Georgia

Multiple Choice

Which of the following defines the term diction?

• metaphor

• repetition

• exaggeration

• word choice

Multiple Choice

Hansberry would most likely agree with which of the following statements?

• It is better to grow up in the country than in the city.

• The ideas and feelings of children are not to be trusted.

• People care less about weather as they grow older.

• People should not be afraid to change their opinions.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the character of the woman whom the author meets in Maine?

• forceful

• contented

• harsh

• timid

Multiple Choice

What is the main idea, or central message, in Lorraine Hansberry’s “On

Summer”?

• No one wants to die in summer.

• Life is often unfair.

• Everyone should live life to the fullest.

• Most children have strange ideas.

Multiple Choice

At the end of the essay, how has the author’s attitude toward summer changed?

• from dislike to hatred

• from dislike to respect

• from hope to despair

• from confidence to doubt