Question

name____ period____ dreams deferred quick - write: what do you think happens to a dream when it gets delayed or never comes true? write 3 - 5 sentences. langston hughes, \harlem\ (1951) what happens to a dream deferred? does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? or fester like a sore - and then run? does it stink like rotten meat? or crust and sugar over - like a syrupy sweet? maybe it just sags like a heavy load. or does it explode? discussion questions: 1. which image stands out to you the most? why? 2. which lines feel hopeful? which feel painful? 3. what might hughes mean by explode? 4. why do you think lorraine hansberry used a raisin in the sun as her title?

Explanation:

1. The image of a dream "exploding" by Hughes could imply a sudden and powerful release of pent - up frustration or energy when a dream is deferred for too long. It might suggest that the built - up disappointment and longing can erupt in a dramatic way.
2. Lorraine Hansberry used 'A Raisin in the Sun' as her title likely because it references Langston Hughes' poem about deferred dreams. A raisin drying in the sun symbolizes a dream that has been put on hold, losing its vitality and freshness over time, which relates to the themes of unfulfilled aspirations in her play.

For the question about which image stands out, it depends on personal interpretation. For example, the image of a dream "drying up like a raisin in the sun" is vivid as it shows the withering and loss of potential of a deferred dream. Regarding hopeful and painful lines, there are no overtly hopeful lines, but the question - nature of the poem leaves room for contemplation. Painful lines include those comparing a deferred dream to festering sores or stinking meat, which convey a sense of decay and suffering.

Answer:

1. Personal response based on individual perception. For example, "The image of a dream drying up like a raisin in the sun stands out because it vividly shows the loss of vitality of a deferred dream."
2. There are no clearly hopeful lines. Painful lines: "Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?", "Or fester like a sore - And then run?", "Does it stink like rotten meat?"
3. It likely means a sudden and powerful outburst of pent - up frustration from long - deferred dreams.
4. She likely used it because it references Hughes' poem about deferred dreams, symbolizing unfulfilled aspirations in her play.