Pursuing Dreams: A Raisin in the Sun

Lesson 17
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ELA

Unit 3

7th Grade

Lesson 17 of 27

Objective


Compare and contrast the film version of A Raisin in the Sun with the original text by identifying techniques used by the filmmakers and their impact on mood and meaning.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry  pp. 110 – 124

  • Movie: A Raisin in the Sun  — 1:21:55-1:33:02

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What kind of camera angles has the filmmaker used from 1:29:00-1:33:00? Select two, and explain why the filmmaker most likely chose this angle and its impact. How does it help communicate meaning?

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • Watch the short scene between 1:21:20-1:21:55, and then 1:21:55-1:23-27. Compare the way that the filmmaker has used lighting in each of these scenes, and how lighting is used to communicate meaning.

  • Watch the short scene between 1:21:20-1:21:55, and then 1:21:55-1:23-27. Compare the way that the filmmaker has used non-diegetic sound in each of these scenes, and how sound is used to communicate meaning.

  • What techniques does the filmmaker use in the backyard scene between 1:23:30 and 1:25:40? Name two and explain the impact of these techniques.

Discussion Questions

  • There is no scene set at the new house in the original play. Why do you think the filmmaker made the decision to have the family visit the house in Clybourne Park? What does this scene add to the movie?

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. 124 – 130

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • Who is Bobo?

  • What does Bobo tell Walter?

  • What has Walter done with the money Mama gave him?

  • How does Mama react to this news?

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.7.7 — Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium (e.g., lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film).

Supporting Standards

L.7.6
RL.7.1
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
W.7.10
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Lesson 16

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Lesson 18

Lesson Map

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