Introduction
As we begin our next unit featuring A Raisin in the Sun, please consider the following statement made by the playwright Lorraine Hansberry:
"I believe that one of the most sound ideas in dramatic writing is that in order to create something universal, you must pay very great attention to the specific. I would very much like to live in a world where some of the monumental problems could at least be solved; I'm thinking, of course, of peace."
What role does art play (poetry, prose, visual art, music) in connecting people? In what ways does art impact society? Does it have the capacity to influence "monumental problems"? Why or why not?
Task
For this unit, you will be synthesizing (combining material to make a coherent whole) texts, art, music, and poetry resulting from The Great Migration (1916-1970). This will include creative works from the cultural renaissance which occurred in Harlem, NY and Chicago, IL. The following material provides background information for you to explore before we begin any literature study. Any notes you take may be used on your final paper to provide context, etc.
Please visit each link and read/annotate the articles provided. Specifically, pay attention to definitions of The Great Migration, Harlem/Chicago Renaissance, key thinkers and ideas, major works, and author background and context for Raisin. Next week we will write and submit a reflection over this material in class.
Process
Links and Resources: visit and explore each link AND read/annotate articles provided
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/great-migration
https://www.chipublib.org/historical-context-of-a-raisin-in-the-sun/
"The Chicago Renaissance" (Printed article from LRC)
"Literature of The Harlem Renaissance" (Printed article from LRC)
"Overview: The Souls of Black Folk" (Printed article from LRC)
Evaluation
I will be reading and evaluating the in-class response and recording it in the classwork category. All notes may become useful on your unit assessment.