Introduction to A Raisin in the Sun

What is the setting of A Raisin in the Sun?

• 1850s Chicago

• 1970s Philadelphia

• 1950s Chicago

• 1920s Harlem

The “Black Belt” of Chicago (between 12th and 79th Streets and

Wentworth and Cottage Grove Avenues):

• housed a majority of African Americans.

• was an affluent area with many attractions.

• was a centralized hub of industry.

• housed a majority of Italian immigrants.

Attitudes, during the 1950s, toward Black citizens were positively changing in America because of (click all that apply):

• desegregation in the armed forces.

• the popularity of African American art and literature.

• the removal of Jim Crow and Black Codes.

• The Civil Rights Movement

An allusion (click all that apply):

• is a literary device that will not be used in A Raisin in the Sun.

• allows Knowledgeable readers to make a deeper

  connection with the work.

• creates a subtle connection to a well-known idea, example, or text.

• includes references to the Bible, classical mythology, historical figures and events.

Symbolism is (click all that apply):

• a literary device that will not be used in A Raisin in the Sun.

• is a reference to another literary work that helps connect the reader.

• a literary device that uses items, events, and people to represent something beyond the literal meaning.

• Builds a deeper understanding in the reader.

What is the difference between a theme and a theme subject (click all that apply)?

• Theme is the author's message while the subject is simply the concept presented.

• Are never used together.

• Theme is the author's chosen concept while the subject is simply the message presented.

• One is a complete sentence, or thought, while the other is simply a word or phrase.

What are some of the theme subjects to look for in A Raisin in the Sun (click all that apply)?

• poverty

• racism

• African heritage

• identity

What are the key literary elements we will discuss while reading A Raisin in the Sun (click all that apply)?

• Symbolism

• Character motivation

• Theme development

• Genre

Symbolism is very important to the development of theme in this story. You pay close attention to the following symbols (click all that apply):

• Beneatha's hair

• The check

• Plants and gardening

• Men

What were some of the impediments that kept African Americans from achieving the American Dream (click all that apply)?

• Racism

• restrictive covenants

• a disparity of income distribution

• Their forced conscription into the armed services