The American Dream in A Raisin in the Sun

Group members: ____________________

Steps to Follow:

1. Get into your groups. Discuss what position best suits you within the group: are you a
good public speaker? Artist? Writer? Note taker? Leader?

2. In your groups, you will focus on one of the following characters: Walter, Ruth,
Beneatha, Mama, Travis, Mr. Lindner, Joseph Asagai, or George Murchison.

3. Write the name of your character at the top of your poster. 4. Brainstorm with your group about all of the dreams your character has. We have
discussed some, but you should go beyond that. Use the characters social position, family roles and responsibilities, relationships to other characters, and their individual personality to help generate the list.

5. On a second poster, once again write the name of your character at the top of the page. 6. Brainstorm about your characters personal worst nightmares. 7. Decide which dreams and nightmares are the most important on your list. Choose two
or three, then illustrate them in some way on both pieces of paper. You should use both words and pictures.

8. Take time to search for and include at least one quote from the play on each poster that
relates to the characters dreams and nightmares. Make sure to give the page number.

9. As a group, come up with an oral presentation explaining your character and the poster
you created and how it relates to the American Dream, which we discussed when we began this play. You can choose one person to present or each take a speaking part. All group members must take some kind of role in the creation of the presentation.

10. As you create your presentation, write notes on one sheet of paper about why you are
doing what you are doing and making the choices youre making. Your group will be asked to discuss your choices and explain them to the class. Be able to justify the dreams and nightmares you chose. You will turn in this sheet of paper for 20 points.