About This Lesson
REVISED 05/04/23
Raison in the Sun and Natura Rights: this unit explores the ideas of natural rights (e.g. property rights) and the consequences when those rights are denied. The play is analyzed using the Author's Toolbox: Characterization.
Other issues explored: Hair and personal identity, happiness, redlining (i.e., property rights), and racism.
Unit includes a multi-paragraph essay unit final exam and Research Project.
A Raisin in the Sun examines the effects of racial prejudice on the fulfillment of an African-American family’s dreams. The play centers on the Youngers, a working-class family that lives in Chicago’s South Side during the mid-twentieth century. Shortly before the play begins, the head of the Younger family, Big Walter, dies, leaving the family to inherit a $10,000 life insurance payment. The family eagerly awaits the arrival of the insurance check, which has the potential to make the family’s long-deferred dreams into reality. However, the members of the Younger family have conflicting ideas—conflicting dreams—regarding the best use for the money, which causes tension. - https://www.litcharts.com/lit/a-raisin-in-the-sun/summary
