1. Text: Raisin in the Sun Author: Lorraine Hansberry
Empathic Writing
Text: Raisin in the Sun
Author: Lorraine Hansberry

2. Task Requirements
Assume the ‘voice’ of ONE character in ONE particular moment of the text and describe their thoughts and feelings. Length: 800 words Mark: 25

3. Task Aims To show a critical understanding of the text
To respond sensitively to the way a writer achieves his/ her effects sustaining a convincing voice
To integrate well selected information into the text

4. What to do to get a good grade
Use details from the plot
Show an understanding of the context/background (i.e. 1960s America and the situation for black people in Chicago)
Maintain a believable voice using some dialect (use realistic words, phrases, images)
Show an understanding of the character’s thoughts and feelings (e.g. Walter: frustration, helplessness, regret)
Show appreciation of Hansberry’s use of literary techniques e.g. motif (i.e. mama’s plant); African-American dialect (“Lord have mercy!”)

5. More on the context The context includes: historical (1950s America)
geographical (Chicago, large urban setting, much black poverty)
political ( racial segregation, developing Civil Rights Movement, sexual inequality)
social (lack of job opportunities, gender conflict, generational conflict, ‘Assimilationism’
cultural ( search for ‘black’ identity, concepts of ‘blackness’ in beauty, music)

6. Example: Ruth
I’m so tired, I can’t even think straight right now. That Walter Lee is not the man I married! I thought I married a kind caring man who would put his family first. But this Walter Lee is just down right obsessed with money. He believes that’s the only way a black man can make something of himself. I know it’s hard in this town for a black man but its hard for a black women too, trying to scrap by on nothing. He needs to just put all those dreams of a liquor store out of his mind like his Mama told him to. He should be thinking about his family, that’s what a real man would do. He’s got to do what’s best for Travis and the new baby. And what’s best for them is a new home! Lord, how can I bring a new life into this tiny little rat trap of ours? where there’s no hope, no future. Not even Lena’s little old pot plant can thrive here, how can I expect a child to? I have no choice, I’m just too tired!

7. Walter Lee
Your turn! Attempt writing a paragraph as Walter.