Theodore Slattery - Raisin Outline - Thematic Analysis Paragraph

.docx

School

Arizona State University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

6359

Subject

English

Date

Jun 21, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

3

Uploaded by MagistrateWren9381

A Raisin in the Sun Thematic Analysis Essay Outline Writing Prompt: Choose a theme from the play (use your theme tracker) and analyze how Hansberry uses characterization to develop the theme (use your character chart). Write a well-developed essay in which you analyze how the character’s experience illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole (theme idea) - focus on the author’s use of characterization . Do not merely summarize the plot. Sample thesis statement: In her play A Raisin in the Sun , Lorraine Hansberry uses the characterization of ______Bennie______________________ in order to develop the theme of/that __failed dreams can alter one’s perception on life____ (character that develops this theme) ______________________________________________________________________________. (theme) 1. Hook and background: (introduce your chosen theme in an interesting way, then give background about the play Raisin in the Sun /author , as well as a brief plot summary) Hook: Going through life we are met with ups and downs that begin to influence how one thinks and acts. Background: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is a play that follows the Younger family, a working-class family in Chicago and their life as they inherit $10,000 and struggle to figure out what to do with the money. 2. Thesis statement: (Include author and title of play, theme, and character.) In her play A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry uses the character Beneatha (Bennie) in order to develop the theme that failed dreams can alter one’s perception on life. 3. WWH Set #1 (try to choose one from Act 1 to start with) a. What: (What device does the author use to characterize this character? Imagery? Dialogue? Stage Directions? Indirect characterization (details about the character that are inferred from the text)?)
In Act one, Hansberry characterizes Bennie using dialogue to introduce the theme surrounding dreams and aspirations. b. Where: (Where is this device used? TEXTUAL EVIDENCE. First, give background about the scene (summarize), state who is speaking to who, with a power verb (not “says”)) In a banter about Bennie’s college experience she states, “... you know, biology is the greatest. I dissected something that looked like you yesterday”(Hansberry 36). c. How: (How does this character and this scene help develop the theme?) During Walter Lee and Bennie’s playful banter, Bennie goes on to describe what activities she does in her biology class at college. And based on Bennie’s diction she expresses her enjoyment for the class. 4. WWH Set #2 (Try to choose from Act 2, to show the development of the theme) a. What: (What device does the author use to characterize? Imagery? Dialogue? Stage Directions? Indirect characterization?) In Act three of A Raisin in the Sun , Hansberry continues to characterize Bennie using dialogue to develop the theme surrounding how failed dreams alter one’s view. b. Where: (Where is this device used? TEXTUAL EVIDENCE. First, give background about the scene (summarize), state who is speaking to who, with a power verb (not “says”)) In a dispute between Bennie and Asagai, Bennie asserts that, “Don’t you see there isn't any real progress, Asagai, there is only one large circle that we march in, around and around, each of us with our own little picture in front of us–our own little mirage that we think is the future” (Hanberry 134). c. How: (How does this character and this scene help develop the theme?) During this disagreement Bennie expresses her current view on life and how “each of us has our own mirage of what we think is the future”. Based on this it seems that Bennie has lost hope in her dream to become a doctor.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help