Pursuing Dreams: A Raisin in the Sun

Lesson 13
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ELA

Unit 3

7th Grade

Lesson 13 of 27

Objective


Identify characters’ points of view in A Raisin in the Sun and explain what their words and actions reveal about them.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry  pp. 76 – 86 — end at "Beneatha and George exit"

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What does Walter’s interaction with George Murchison reveal about his feelings about himself? Support your answer with at least two pieces of evidence from the text and explain your thinking.

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • What does Beneatha’s haircut mean to her? How does this differ from the reactions of the other characters? Support your answer with two pieces of evidence from the text and explain your thinking.

  • What can be inferred about George Murchison’s opinion of African cultural heritage, and how does that differ from Beneatha’s perspective? Support your answer with two pieces of evidence from the text and explain your thinking.

  • What is George Murchison’s opinion of Walter Lee? How does his behavior reveal this opinion? Support your answer with two pieces of evidence from the text and explain your thinking.

Exit Ticket

Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.

Vocabulary


Text-based

eccentric

adj.

(p. 80)

unconventional and somewhat strange

Notes


  • There are a number of sensitive and offensive words in today’s reading. Students should understand that Walter uses the word "faggoty" to insult and emasculate George, and that you may want to discuss with students whether or not they think it is an appropriate word to read aloud. Walter also says "son-of-a-bitch" on page 85. Additionally, you may wish to provide students with context around the word, "nappy," which Ruth uses to describe Beneatha’s hair on page 80 by providing the following article: "The Racial Roots Behind The Term 'Nappy'" by Michael Paulino (NPR).
  • Walter and Beneatha present a number of stereotypes about Africa and African cultures (remind students that there are over 3,000 different ethnic groups on the continent), especially in the way Walter speaks. Make sure students understand that these are stereotypes!

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Play: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry  pp. 86 – 95 — begin after "Beneatha and George exit"

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What news does Mama share with the family?

  • How does each character react to this news?

Enhanced Lesson Plan

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.7.6 — Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.

Supporting Standards

L.7.6
RL.7.1
RL.7.2
RL.7.4
RL.7.10
SL.7.1
SL.7.6
W.7.1
W.7.1.a
W.7.1.b
W.7.4
W.7.9
W.7.9.a
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Lesson 12

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Lesson 14

Lesson Map

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