A Raisin in the Sun Building Background: A look at setting

The 1950’s in a glance…

A glance at the 1950’s viewpoints…. O7cEU0 O7cEU0 O7cEU0 O7cEU0

Discussion Questions A frank exploration of cultural/racial stereotyping should “break the ice.” Topics to which you are asked to respond should relate to your personal experiences and observations. A frank exploration of cultural/racial stereotyping should “break the ice.” Topics to which you are asked to respond should relate to your personal experiences and observations.

1. What is a stereotype? Give an example. 1. What is a stereotype? Give an example. 2. Identify the ethnic/racial/religious groups to which you belong. Discuss one way in which one or all of these groups are stereotyped. How does this make you feel? 2. Identify the ethnic/racial/religious groups to which you belong. Discuss one way in which one or all of these groups are stereotyped. How does this make you feel? 3. Give some examples of how African- Americans have been stereotyped. 3. Give some examples of how African- Americans have been stereotyped. 4. Give some examples of stereotyping of white Americans. 4. Give some examples of stereotyping of white Americans. 5. Using any stereotype you have been subjected to; explain the basis for this stereotype. 5. Using any stereotype you have been subjected to; explain the basis for this stereotype.

6. How does this make you feel? How might this stereotype interfere with your ability to be successful or happy? 6. How does this make you feel? How might this stereotype interfere with your ability to be successful or happy? 7. Using any stereotype of an ethnic/racial/religious group of which you are not a member, explain the basis for the stereotype. How do you think this makes the members of this group feel? How might this stereotype impede a group member’s ability to be successful or happy? 7. Using any stereotype of an ethnic/racial/religious group of which you are not a member, explain the basis for the stereotype. How do you think this makes the members of this group feel? How might this stereotype impede a group member’s ability to be successful or happy? 8. Relate a situation in which one of your stereotyped attitudes turned out to be wrong. How do you feel now? 8. Relate a situation in which one of your stereotyped attitudes turned out to be wrong. How do you feel now? 9. What is meant by prejudice? How do stereotypes relate to prejudice? 9. What is meant by prejudice? How do stereotypes relate to prejudice?

The American Dream Why do people from other countries immigrate to America? Why do people from other countries immigrate to America? When we talk about "The American Dream", what do we mean? What are some of the obstacles to achieving the American Dream? When we talk about "The American Dream", what do we mean? What are some of the obstacles to achieving the American Dream?

Which groups of people have had trouble attaining "The American Dream"? There are a variety of acceptable responses to this question. E.g. Native Americans, Irish Americans, African Americans, Chinese Americans, and Japanese Americans, as well as the poor and women. Which groups of people have had trouble attaining "The American Dream"? There are a variety of acceptable responses to this question. E.g. Native Americans, Irish Americans, African Americans, Chinese Americans, and Japanese Americans, as well as the poor and women. Given the obstacles that some Americans have to overcome, what makes the American Dream appealing? Given the obstacles that some Americans have to overcome, what makes the American Dream appealing? DEFINE “THE AMERICAN DREAM” DEFINE “THE AMERICAN DREAM” the american dream the american dream the american dream the american dream

Getting to know the characters…. Each pair will chart a list of physical and personality/character traits as you read the screenplay. Each pair will chart a list of physical and personality/character traits as you read the screenplay. During each meeting, discuss the character traits you learn about your characters to develop a character portrait. During each meeting, discuss the character traits you learn about your characters to develop a character portrait. Once the play is finished, each pair should construct a complete portrait/sketch of their character Once the play is finished, each pair should construct a complete portrait/sketch of their character

Portrait/Sketch The portrait should include: The portrait should include: A collage that will reveal your character’s personality, dreams, struggles, mannerisms, attitudes, etc. through images. To consider: what symbols represent him or her in the play? What colors and shapes do you most associate with your character? What setting do you see your character in? Be creative and take risks, but be prepared to explain your choices. The collage should have a neat design. You may use drawings, pictures from magazines, the internet, etc.

As well as one of the following options: dramatic readings from the play to reveal character’s personality dramatic readings from the play to reveal character’s personality video presentation of the character video presentation of the character Animoto creation to describe character Animoto creation to describe character