Posted by Paula Scoggins (165.196.97.34) on June 22, 2005 at 2:44:52 p.m.:
In Reply to: A Raisin in the Sun and "Harlem" Wednesday Discussion posted by Jeanne Guerin on June 21, 2005 at 12:57:24 p.m.:
>Discuss the title of A Raisin in the Sun
>and the connection with Langston Hughes poem
>printed right before the play.
>Read and respond to your classmates
>(8 sentences minimum).
Paula Scoggins
English 301
Jeanne Guerin
Discussion # 2
June 22, 2005
A Raisin in the Sun and “Harlem”
I believe the Langston Hughes poem, “Harlem”, sums up the play completely. A Raisin in the Sun is a play about having a dream to succeed, and never getting a chance, for whatever reason to live the dream you set forth for yourself. This story many have lived and are still living even in this day and age. I believe the poem describes Walter Lee, especially the first four stances. This last stance that say,” Or does it explode?” is what Walter Lee did. I thought this explosion is what he needed to jump start his dream. To kick him into gear to being what and whom he had always wanted to be. A man, someone not only his family could look up to, but someone he could look at. Every character in the play “A raisin in the Sun “had an association to the poem “Harlem”, and each had their own dream which differed in importance, but in the end, each character achieved a dream come true. Where would we be if we didn’t have dreams? What would the world be like? I believe dreams to be a sign of hope. Something that comforts me when I ‘m scared and alone, something to make me rise and shine to face another day. Langston Hughes poem may have spoke of despair in the beginning; however, in the end he spoke of freedom, self-determination and independence. Who can ask for anything else? The foundation has been laid, you can only rise.