Posted by Kim Mraz (206.111.170.196) on June 24, 2005 at 11:16:22 a.m.:
In Reply to: Essay #2 Rough Draft Peer Review posted by Gary Walmer on June 23, 2005 at 2:52:11 p.m.:
>Gary Walmer
>English 301
>Jeanne Guerin
>Essay #2
>June 23 2005
>Rough Draft Peer Review
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>There are many great works of art in our world. Some are great woks of literature, which inspire and entertain us. Others address cultural and social issues. Some of the best writings can do both. Such is the case with Lorraine Hansberry’s “Raisin in the Sun" written in 1959. In this wonderful story written for the stage the author addresses cultural issues of her time. These issues which deal with prejudices and fears address most of the human race, some more then others. It is in this background that a central thought or two begin to shine as the ultimate hero of the play. Expressed through the characters dialogue and the story’s setting a struggle is presented. This adversity which comes in many forms to all of the characters takes on a personality of its own. Hope is the central ingredient for all of mankind. Now matter the adversity, if we do not have hope we will lose our dreams and stagnate in our fears and oppressions. Examining some of the play’s elements of drama will help us see how this thought is conveyed. (P1)
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>Without a setting one would have no sense of direction. Whether it is on a mountaintop in the wilderness or in an Apartment in the City. A setting allows the reader or viewer to identify a place and time for the story. Introduced in this story is a relatively young black family living in a small apartment in the city of Chicago. Crammed into this little apartment are three generations of this family. Represented as a hard working class Negro family, the obvious struggle with poverty is brought to life in the elements of the setting. A kitchen that is as small as a closet a bathroom which is shared by others on the same floor, and a makeshift bedroom in the living room, show the condition of our characters living experience. Frustration and weariness present themselves as the antagonist to hope for a better future. (P2)
>The story presents a realism, which allows the reader to identify with their circumstances. From this backdrop we see the central thought of hope and achievement develop throughout the play. For the Widowed Mother this is seen in her seeking to fulfill her children’s dreams. For her daughter this is developed in her hope to complete college and become a doctor. For the wife of the play’s protagonist it is in bettering their lives by having a home of their own. For our hero this hope is a dream to big to contain. Having been a servant for others it is his aspiration to become free and have others working for him. Having a room in a house of their own is the request of the youngest generation. All of these expressions are the motivation of dreams. Dreams that dare to hope for things which are not yet manifested. Dreams which present risk. Yet hope that is worth fighting for. (P3)
>The story’s plot is all based upon an insurance check worth a large sum of monies, which is in the mail. The thought of this money brings life to the dreams of this family. Each however with a different view to it’s betterment. It is here that the author’s insight comes alive. It is not the money that will rescue this family, as seen with its demise to the swindler Willy. No it is through the unity to one another and dedication to move forward that the dreams of each will be fulfilled. It is through the conversations of each character that the story develops this banner. (P4)
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>Dialogue is a cornerstone to this play. In each conversation the plot and subplots develop. It is through these conversations we see the struggles and adversities as well as hopes and desires come to life. When Mama has actually purchased a home in an all white neighborhood with some of the insurance monies. Walter Young solemnly states, “ So this is the peace and comfort you went out and bought for us today.” (Act 2 Scene I, pg1405) We are able to sense the broken dreams of Walter, while seeing the contrast of hope and fear established in the purchase of a new life which will be subjected to prejudices beyond their control. When Walter’s wife Ruth hears of this news, we are told she is struck with degrees of goodness and trouble. (Ibid.) Dreams often come with a price tag. Ruth expresses this willingness to pay for her dreams with her life if need be. (Ibid.) Walter’s later reconciliation with family unity and hope for the whole is expressed in his conversation with a foil character Mr. Linder. It is here that Walters dreams of a big business, which were shattered, are replaced with the love and support of his family. Walter speaks with such a conviction and pride that it causes Mama to well up with admiration and agreement. “We have decided to move into our house because my father-my-father- he earned it for us brick by brick." Dreams of freedom and individuality are evidenced in the fulfillment of this house. (Act III pg 1432) (P5)
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>Not all dreams are fulfilled with a purchase of an item. The house is not the fulfillment of the dream, but the freedom it represents. In Walter’s sisters case her dreams started young. Ever since seeing the miracle performed by medicine she desired to have that gift of healing to share with others. Her dedication to school and other temporary pursuits signals a wonderful mind. Somewhat of an idealist she embodies the central themes of this play. Her mentor and pursuer Asagai helps her to see that her desire to heal is needed not only here in this country but in her homeland. This revelation is expressed when she confronts Walters entrepreneurial spirit by her own confession of how she now views the New World. (ACT III pg 1427) Dreams are universal and span the boundaries of geography and time. Her declaration that stupidity is the final outcome to those who seek self gratifying desires is a mission statement of this play. These dreams for a better life are not kept only with a small black family in a large city. No they are kept in the hearts of all men. (P6)
>Through a small families plight of trying to achieve their hopes we see a broader development of a central theme. Often as was in the culture of this play’s setting, prejudice is an ever present reality. This form of prejudice can cause fear and oppression which result in a horrible thing. That horror is the death of the dreams of a man. Without dreams and vision of the future a person has little to live for. Lorraine Hansberry looks at a broad social issue which is as real in our generation as it was for in her time. Oppression and manipulation is not always delivered in the form of race discrimination. Prejudice can be seen in many forms and it almost always has a similar effect. That effect is the suppression of hope. Yet through the history of mankind hope seems to never die where there is love and unity. (P7)
1. I think that your essay does have all the required elements of the assignment. Your essay is about realism and setting. You describe those two elements very well in your beginning paragraph.
2. I am not sure where your thesis is, but I think it is, "Now matter the adversity, if we do not have hope we will lose our dreams and stagnate in our fears and oppressions."
3. I think that your thesis would be able to provide very specific evidence and proof.
4. You write about how setting carries a reader into the characters sort of personality and you described how that happened. Also you told who/what represents what and how it deals with your theme.
5. You did a very good job on explaining about the characters and showed how setting is important for backround information. Without that we can not gather enough information to make a judgement upon the family and their situation.
6. I think that each paragraph does tie into your thesis. Each paragraph either talks about realism or setting. While talking about both elements you describe and show how they are important to the drama.
8. The conclusion does tie up your beginning point. Your ending paragraph is a very good ending to all your points stated in your essay.
9. I would have liked to see more quotes out of the drama showing evidence to your point from the beginning of your essay.