UHS Honors English 9 P2 2017 discussion
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A Raisin in the Sun
Book Review
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This book sounds pretty intense to be honest, but I appreciate your notes that it doesn’t take these topics lightly and depicts them as they were. It also helped that you noted where she got her inspiration for writing the book, which helps a lot if you don’t know the background for the book. The fact that you described the format helped as well, since plays are a bit easier to read for me than regular books, and it makes me a bit more motivated to read it. Thanks for going into a lot of detail, I’ll be sure to pick it up next time I’m at the library!
would certainly say this story gets to the point (inside joke). From this review I am presented with a solid story line, character, etc. and that is a crucial part of a story. It also elaborates on the plot quite well, The metaphorical wisdom is astounding and it ties the book together such as when it said " A lack of money in his family savings forced his dreams to be postponed and dry up, similar to the raisin in the poem". This review has bUHS Honors English 9 P2 2017 discussion great and I have a better understanding of this book as well as a good reason to read it. Well done
Mr. Hilbert
Honors English 9
1 December 2017
A Raisin in the Sun Book Review
Lorraine Hansberry, a devoted civil rights activist and playwright came across important words while reading a classic poem titled, Harlem. “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”(Langston Hughes) The underlying meaning of the poem was in regards to the subject of pondering one’s personal dreams and the significance of delaying those ambitions. This timeless piece of poetry fit seamlessly to her play, A Raisin In The Sun. Hansberry constructed the character of Walter Lee to fit an aspiring black businessman in America. Walter’s devotion to the American dream led to an obsession with wealth that overshadowed his family values. A lack of money in his family savings forced his dreams to be postponed and dry up, similar to the raisin in the poem. Hansberry is portraying Walter’s persona to connect to Hughes’ poem, meaning that he is “the sun” and his dreams are being deferred because of his actions and sacrifices. Hansberry’s book thoroughly displays the hardships of racism and power in America. A Raisin in the Sun is the best piece of literature in its domestic tragedy genre because of it’s realism about African Americans in America and straightforward writing style.
Authenticity is a hallmark of Hansberry’s writing style, showing a realistic perspective on African Americans in the 1950’s. Though her writing is simple and straightforward, her impeccable description of the setting, characters and tone result in a well told story. Hansberry emphasizes intergenerational conflict of values as a main point by creating a family with three generations. After reading and analyzing the book version of the play, I proceeded to watch the movie. Using both of these methods stimulated the discovery of new, obscure ideas relating back to her play. Hansberry has an intense, hard hitting attitude towards the lives of impoverished African American families and how they deal with racism and stereotypes about their behavior.
Hansberry delivered a raw scenario of the 1950’s humdrum colored family and made it relatable to people who lived a similar lifestyle. She neither romanticized nor underestimated the situation of the family but rather delivered a balanced and wholesome view on their predicament. At times, the stage directions seemed extraneous when they took up a whole page, however, these directions helped create a scene in one’s imagination. Her zealous dialogue in the literature made her play worthwhile. The language is efficient and nonetheless, the plot she developed help create substance and intellectual depth. The lives of her fictional characters are nearly identical to many families at that time. Hansberry bases their everyday decisions upon their constructed values of God, unity and unconditional love. At times, they simply had to argue to find a light in their dark situation. The back and forth quarreling between the characters keeps readers turning pages and is perfect for people wanting to expand their knowledge about Black history in an engaging manner.