Agenda for American Literature Periods 1, 4

Today's agenda is focused on us closely analyzing the first portion of "A Raisin in the Sun" and viewing the biography, Lorraine Hansberry--Sighted Eyes, Feeling heart on PBS.
First, re-read the Introduction and Act I Scene I up to page or so to answer and turn in these questions to Mr. Morris:
1. Why do you think the narrator describes the furniture in the Younger household the way she does?  What might we predict about the Younger family based off the description of the furniture?  What figurative language technique is used? Why do you think the narrator says that the furniture "fights"?
2. Why does the family have to wake up so early? Hint...why cant Travis or Walter Lee go right into the bathroom?
3. Why does Travis want to collect shopping carts? What does this detail reveal about his character?
4.  Why does Travis ask for fifty cents? Why does his mother tell him they didnt have it, but his dad gives him the money he asks for PLUS money for fruit or carfare? What does this reveal about Walter Lee?
5. Walter has a dream. What is it? What does he want Ruth to do to help?
After turning in your answers to the above to Mr. Morris, you will watch and take notes on the film Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart. We will watch as a class on the large screen, however, if the film does not load, try on your phone. You may need to scroll down and click the play button for the film to play. Jot down things you learn about Lorraine and the time period that she wrote. Be sure that you include some sort of response to the following questions: What type of family did Lorraine Hansberry come from? From did her father do? What did he believe? Explain the connection of Lorraine to the Great Migration. Where does Lorraine and her family reside?  What is a covenant restriction? Where does the Hansberry family move? Why doesn't Lorraine go? After her father's death where does Lorraine move?  How do Hansberry's experiences influence her writing? Your responses to THESE questions may be submitted for homework.
Quiz for period 1 tomorrow on Great Migration.  The sketch of the Younger Apartment and How Much do These Items Cost handouts are also due tomorrow for periods 1 and 4.