A Raisin in the Sun Study Guide

Overview

Lorraine Hansberry’s seminal play, “A Raisin in the Sun”, premiered in 1959. It offers a powerful exploration of African American life in the mid-20th century. This text is a vital resource for Leaving Certificate English students. It provides deep insights into themes of family, dreams, and racial discrimination.

Hansberry, a groundbreaking playwright, brilliantly captures the struggles and aspirations of the Younger family. Their pursuit of the American Dream forms the core of the narrative. This play remains profoundly relevant today.

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Explore our comprehensive resources for “A Raisin in the Sun”:

• A Raisin in the Sun Summary
• Themes in A Raisin in the Sun
• Key Moments in A Raisin in the Sun
• Key Quotes in A Raisin in the Sun
• Character Analysis in A Raisin in the Sun
• Setting and Context of A Raisin in the Sun
• Literary Devices in A Raisin in the Sun
• Critical Reception of A Raisin in the Sun
• General Vision and Viewpoint in A Raisin in the Sun
• Sample Essay Questions for A Raisin in the Sun
• Historical Background of A Raisin in the Sun
• Lorraine Hansberry Biography
• Film Adaptations of A Raisin in the Sun

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How to Use This Guide for Exam Preparation

This guide provides a structured approach to studying “A Raisin in the Sun”. Focus on understanding the characters’ motivations and thematic developments. Link textual evidence to your analytical points. This strengthens your arguments.

Active Reading and Note-Taking

• Read the play actively, highlighting key dialogues and stage directions.
• Make notes on character development, particularly Mama, Walter, and Beneatha.
• Track the evolution of central themes like dreams, family, and racial prejudice.

Essay Planning and Practice

• Familiarise yourself with common essay questions on the play.
• Practice structuring your essays with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions.
• Develop strong topic sentences and integrate textual references effectively.

Key Exam Question Types

Leaving Certificate questions on “A Raisin in the Sun” often focus on specific aspects. Expect questions on character analysis, thematic exploration, and the general vision and viewpoint. You might also encounter questions about Hansberry’s dramatic techniques.

Character-Based Questions

These questions require you to analyse individual characters. For example, discuss Walter Lee’s journey or Beneatha’s aspirations. Reference their actions and dialogue throughout the play.

Thematic Questions

You will be asked to explore major themes. Consider the destructive nature of deferred dreams or the resilience of family. Provide specific examples from the text, such as Mama’s plant or Beneatha’s African attire.

General Vision and Viewpoint Questions

These questions ask about the overall outlook presented in the play. Discuss whether the play offers a hopeful or pessimistic general vision. Consider the ending, where the Youngers move to Clybourne Park.

Suggested Study Timeline

Allocate 6-8 weeks for thorough preparation before your Leaving Certificate exams. This allows for deep engagement with the text. It also provides ample time for revision.

• Weeks 1-2: Read the play twice. Understand the plot and main characters.
• Weeks 3-4: Focus on themes and literary devices. Consult character analyses and theme guides.
• Weeks 5-6: Practice essay writing. Answer past exam questions. Refine your arguments.
• Weeks 7-8: Revise key quotes and textual references. Focus on areas of weakness.

Quick Reference

Main Characters

• Mama (Lena Younger): The matriarch, deeply religious, holds the family together.
• Walter Lee Younger: Mama’s son, ambitious, dreams of financial success.
• Beneatha Younger: Mama’s daughter, intelligent, aspires to be a doctor.
• Ruth Younger: Walter’s wife, practical, seeks stability for her family.
• Travis Younger: Walter and Ruth’s son, represents the family’s future.
• Joseph Asagai: Beneatha’s Nigerian suitor, encourages her African identity.
• George Murchison: Beneatha’s wealthy, assimilationist suitor, contrasts with Asagai.

Setting and Time Period

The play is set in the South Side of Chicago during the 1950s. This period was marked by significant racial segregation and economic hardship for African Americans. The Younger family’s cramped apartment reflects their socio-economic status.

Related Pages

• A Raisin in the Sun Summary
• Themes in A Raisin in the Sun
• Key Moments in A Raisin in the Sun
• Key Quotes in A Raisin in the Sun