Question 1:
The title of Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, is drawn directly from Langston Hughes’ poem, “Harlem”, which follows this prompt. In a short essay response (250-400 approximate length), discuss how the poem reflects the dreams of each of the central characters: Mama, Ruth, Beneatha, and Walter.
NB: Do NOT consult the Internet.
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over
Like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
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Question 2:
In an economically-written essay of 250-400 words (with paragraphs, careful editing and proofreading, and appropriate identification of class materials), choose ONE of the poems below. Why has your selection endured as part of the beloved American poetry canon? Why does it still have meaning in 2021 to you? To a broader audience?
