NAME:_________________________________________________
“A Raisin in the Sun”
Viewing Activities
Part III
Corresponding page numbers in the text (approximate): 110-151
Irony
During this part of the play, the characters encounter situations that are at once
troubling and ironic. Irony occurs at any point in which there is a discrepancy
between what a character says and what a character means (verbal irony – sarcasm), a
discrepancy between what happens and what is expected to happen (situational
irony), or a discrepancy between what a character knows and what other characters or
the audience knows (dramatic irony). Consider the following situations that are listed
below, and then decide whether the situation contains verbal, situational, or dramatic
irony (or some combination) and explain why you have made your choice(s).
Situation: The Youngers discuss Mr. Lindner with Mama (120-21)
CIRCLE ONE: Verbal
Situational
Dramatic
What is said / is expected / is known
The irony: what is meant / happens / is unknown
Situation: Bobo talks to Walter (126-28)
CIRCLE ONE: Verbal
Situational
Dramatic
What is said / is expected / is known
The irony: what is meant / happens / is unknown
Situation: Walter reveals what he did with the money (129)
CIRCLE ONE: Verbal
Situational
Dramatic
What is said / is expected / is known
The irony: what is meant / happens / is unknown
NAME:_________________________________________________
Situation: Beneatha talks to Walter and to Ruth about Walter (137-38)
CIRCLE ONE: Verbal
Situational
Dramatic
What is said / is expected / is known
The irony: what is meant / happens / is unknown
Situation: Mama discusses her plans (139-40)
CIRCLE ONE: Verbal
Situational
Dramatic
What is said / is expected / is known
The irony: what is meant / happens / is unknown
Situation: Walter arranges to talk to Mr. Lindner (141-44)
CIRCLE ONE: Verbal
Situational
Dramatic
What is said / is expected / is known
The irony: what is meant / happens / is unknown
Situation: Walter talks to Mr. Lindner (147-48)
CIRCLE ONE: Verbal
Situational
Dramatic
What is said / is expected / is known
The irony: what is meant / happens / is unknown
II. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Who is the protagonist of “A Raisin in the Sun”? Why/how is this character or these characters
the main character(s)? What is the protagonist’s goal?
Who or what is/are the antagonists of “A Raisin in the Sun”? What complications do these
antagonists create for the protagonist(s)?
What is the central conflict in the play? Where does the conflict reach the climax? How is the
conflict resolved?
Tragic flaw is a term used in drama when the play’s hero (protagonist) has some character defect
(pride, lust, etc.) that ultimately leads to his/her ruin. Apply this term to Walter Lee Younger in
“A Raisin in the Sun” and explain what tragic flaw(s) lead him to ruin.