Why Walter?

After making the down payment on the house, Mama gives Walter the rest of the money. Why does she chose to do so? What message is she trying to send?

How do Walter and Ruth feel about Mama's purchase of the house? What new problems does the purchase create?

Walter

What's the story with Walter/ Beneatha's Ethiopian King dance? Why does the mood go from comical to deadly serious- what do you think the author is trying to accomplish?

Usagi's complaint

Do you think Usagi is justified in suggesting that Beneatha tries to be too white? Explain your answer.

Ruth's baby

In Act I, Scene ii we find out Ruth is pregnant. Will she keep the baby? Why or why not?

Rat

We hear that Travis is part of a group of boys who beat a rat to death with sticks. Why do you think that this episode upsets Mama so much?

Plant

What do you think that the wilted, stunted plant that Mama tends to with such care represents?

What is mama's dream?

How do you think Mama (Walter and Beneatha's mother) will chose to use the life insurance money she is to receive for the death of her husband?

Make a prediction: Walter's store

In "Raisin in the Sun", Walter seeks money from Mama to open a liquor store. Make a predicition as to whether or not he'll get the money, and if his venture to open the liquor store will be successful.

Beneatha vs. Walter

Compare Beneatha's career aspirations with Walter. Which character's plan do you think is more likely to lift the family out of poverty?

Doubt

In Act I, Scene I of "Raisin in the Sun", Walter is upset because he feels that Ruth is not supporting him in his ambition to open a liquor store. Reflect on a time when you have wanted to do something, and someone you care about hasn't approved, or supported you. This could be job, a friendship, or anything.

Example:

"When I was young, I wanted to play guitar, but my parents insisted I play piano. I played piano for a couple of years because they forced me to, and finally, after a couple of years, they bought me my first guitar."

Small business

Think about yesterday's post, where you inherit $10,000. Pretend you have decided to open a small business in your community with 3 of your closest friends. What type of business would it be? What problems would you face working with another person?

English 301/401

Reflect on a time when you had too stay/ sleep in a place that was too crowded/ had too many people. How did it effect your mood? They way you acted? Did it bring the people in the situation closer together or did it make it difficult for those individuals to get along?

What would you do?

You just found out your family inherited $10,000. How would you spend the money? Would you blow it or think about the future?

Segregated Chicago

Publish Post
Fact: Chicago is the most segregated city in the nation.

What does that mean? What is your understanding of how it got that way?

Raisin in the Sun

Today we will begin working with the film "A Raisin in the Sun". Make a prediction on what this play will be about. Also, explain how a play is different from a poem or a novel.