Introduction
Welcome to the world of fiction. Usually when people think of fiction their minds begin to think about magical and made up things. However, you may discover that a little bit of fiction mixed with the truth can be quite enlightening. Throughout this project you will read To be Young, Gifted, and Black in the words of Lorraine Hansberry, analyze the different themes presented in A Raisin in the Sun, and interpret the poem A Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes. Lastly, after gathering all of your information you will write a three page essay analyzing two themes from the story and how they are manifested throughout the story.
Task
You will be reading To be Young, Gifted, and Black in the words of Lorraine Hansberry. As a writer you enjoy writing about the lives of author's and the struggles that have impacted their writing. Then you will write a brief article called the author's corner. After this you will then delve into the world of Harlem's very own Langston Hughes and one of his most famous works of art A Dream Deferred. This is your chance to interpret a great man's words. Lastly, you will use your notes to help decipher the different themes presented in A Raisin in the Sun and create a magnificent essay.
Process
Read To be Young, Gifted and Black in the words of Lorraine Hansberry and answer the questions that follow.
1. How is Lorraine's life explained in this writing and what struggles did she endure?
2. What inspired her to write A Raisin in the Sun?
3. How does Langston Hughes fit into Lorraine Hansberry writing A Raisin in the Sun?
4. What feeling or mood does To be young, Gifted, and Black evoke from the reader?
You will entitle this The Author's Corner and answer these questions in a detailed two paragraph response. Remember to be creative and always have suppport to back up your claims. Opinions along with facts make great entertainment.
Read the poem A Dream Deferred by, Langston Hughes.
1. Go line by line and interpret each line.
2. In a one page response I want you to do the following.
a. Summarize the poem.
b. Explain how the message from the poem relates to the entire idea A Raisin in the Sun is trying to depict.
c. Explain each character's dream and how it was deferred in A Raisin in the Sun.
Bonus: What was the original name of the poem A Dream Deferred and why was it called this. Refer to your class notes.
http://cswnet.com/~menamc/langston.htm
Now since you have gathered all of your information there is one last piece you need to add to your collection to make it complete.
Choose two out of the three themes from the story.
a. Explain the two themes and how both are manifested throughout the story ina three page essay.
b. Use all of your research to help you write a solid essay with evidence and support.
Theme #1 The Value and Purpose of Dreams
Theme # 2 The Importance of Family
Theme# 3 The need to fight Racial Discrimination
All documents must be typed in 12 font and double spaced.
Evaluation
Grade Breakdown
1 = Weak 2pts
2 = Moderately 4pts
Weak 3 = Average 6 pts
4 = Moderately 8 pts
Strong 5 = Strong 10 pts
Max Points Possible 100
90-100 A
80-90 B
70-80 C
60-70D
60 under F
1. The student introduces the topic or experience in a way that draws in the audience.
1 2 3 4 5
2. The student clearly states the topic or experience.
1 2 3 4 5
3. The student focuses on his/her personal thoughts and feelings about the topic or experience.
1 2 3 4 5
4. The student uses memorable sensory description in relaying specific details.
1 2 3 4 5
5. The student presents events in chronological order or in another order that the audience can
follow.
1 2 3 4 5
6. If appropriate, the student compares his/her reactions to the topic or event to his/her
reactions to another topic or event.
1 2 3 4 5
7. The student expresses the personal meaning or value of the topic or event.
1 2 3 4 5
8. The student concludes in a way that reiterates his/her attitude toward the topic or experience.
1 2 3 4 5
9. The spelling, punctuation, and grammar on the writing assignment are accurate.
1 2 3 4 5
10. The writing assignment is neatly typed in 12 font and double spaced.
1 2 3 4 5
Additional Comments: ___________________________________________________________
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Conclusion
Congratulations on a job well done. Happy Writing and May the Odds Be Ever In Your Favor!
Credits
My name is Mrs. Moore and I attended St. John's University. There I obtained my BA in English and Law and my MS in adolescent Education. I am currently pursuing my second MS in Educational Leadership and I enjoy being a teacher. I love reading and writing poetry is my passion.
Teacher Page
This webquest was designed to present fiction through real life situations for 7th grade language arts students.