A Raisin In The Sun Evidence Retrieval Chart Act 1
Introduction
A Raisin in the Sun is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry that tells the story of an African American family living in a poor neighborhood in Chicago. The play is divided into three acts, and each act deals with a different theme. In this article, we will focus on Act 1 and the evidence retrieval chart that can be used to analyze the themes and characters of the play.
Act 1 Summary
Act 1 of A Raisin in the Sun introduces the Younger family, which consists of Lena (Mama), her son Walter, his wife Ruth, and their son Travis. The family lives in a small apartment and dreams of a better life. Lena receives a check for $10,000 from the life insurance policy of her late husband, and the family must decide how to spend the money. Walter wants to invest in a liquor store, but Lena wants to use the money to buy a house.
Evidence Retrieval Chart
An evidence retrieval chart is a tool that can be used to analyze a play or novel. It involves identifying quotes or lines from the text and categorizing them according to different themes or characters. In A Raisin in the Sun, the following evidence retrieval chart can be used to analyze Act 1:
| Theme/Character | Quote/Line |
|---|---|
| The American Dream | "I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy...I want to get out of this rat race" - Walter |
| Family | "Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most? When they done good and made things easy for everybody? Well then, you ain't through learning-because that ain't the time at all." - Lena |
| Racism | "I seen…him standin' on the corner, trying to look like he wasn't there and wasn't nobody seeing him. Like he wasn't a man..." - Walter |
| Gender Roles | "I'm just tired of hearing about God all the time. What has He got to do with anything? Does He pay tuition?" - Beneatha |
Analysis
The evidence retrieval chart can be used to analyze the themes and characters of the play. In Act 1, the theme of the American Dream is introduced through Walter's desire to get out of the "rat race" and invest in a liquor store. However, Lena's desire to buy a house represents a different interpretation of the American Dream, one that focuses on stability and security rather than material success.
The theme of family is also prominent in Act 1, as Lena's decision to use the money to buy a house reflects her desire to provide a better life for her family. Additionally, Lena's quote about the time to love somebody the most highlights the importance of family and the need to support each other through difficult times.
The theme of racism is introduced through Walter's observation of a black man standing on a street corner, trying to avoid being seen as a threat. This quote highlights the pervasive nature of racism in society and the impact it has on individuals.
The theme of gender roles is introduced through Beneatha's comment about God and tuition. This quote highlights the challenges faced by women in pursuing their dreams and the limitations placed on them by societal expectations.
Conclusion
Act 1 of A Raisin in the Sun introduces the themes and characters that will be developed throughout the play. The evidence retrieval chart can be used to analyze these themes and to gain a deeper understanding of the play's message. By examining quotes and lines from the text, we can identify the key themes and characters and gain insights into the social and cultural context of the play.
