Overall, I have really liked this book. I think the thing I like best about it is that none of the characters are annoying. There are some I don't like (cough WALTER cough cough) but I can definitely tolerate reading about them and I can sympathize with them regardless. The book is so real and honest, but it also incorporates life's lighthearted, humorous moments too. I feel like there have been a lot of really good movies set in this era (20'a to 60's) that are focused on the Civil Rights Movement, slavery, and on African -American families in general.
We read Their Eyes Were Watching God last year in Sander's class, and it wasn't too bad. Not my favorite though, personally. (I don't have a video for this one; I couldn't find a good one :( )
I've never seen The Color Purple, but I've heard it's a great play and movie.
I read The Secret Life of Bees a couple years ago for a book report, and it turned out to be really good, even though I had to write several papers on it.
The Help is the newest movie about the Civil Rights Movement Era, and it evokes a whole gamut of emotion from hatred to humor to fervor for justice and change. It's fantastic.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Surroundings - Drama Blog 2 (A Raisin in the Sun)
"MAMA: What is it you want to express?
BENEATHA: Me! Don't worry - I don't expect you to understand."
~A Raisin in the Sun, page 48
Our environment is what shapes and defines our personalities not only when we are younger and developing, but also when we are older. Setting can effect people so much, even to the point that is changes their dispositions. In Raisin in the Sun, the setting particularly affects both Mama and Beneatha.
Mama is affected by the setting because she feels trapped. The apartment she lives in must be shared with many of her extended family members - her grandson Travis even sleeps on the couch every night. The tiny apartment just isn't enough room for her, which is why she puts the down payment on the house. She also probably feels trapped in a stereotype. Throughout the play, the family members (aside from Beneatha) are trying to assimilate into the middle-class American culture. The apartment is a symbol of not being able to escape the "black" ways of life, when all Mama wants is to have a good, rich life for her family. (I'm not saying they are oppressed in the apartment... but they are oppressed in the apartment.)
Beneatha is different from all the other family members. She is the most educated and has the most experience with travel. Beneatha considers moving all the way to Africa during the play. This already shows a contrast in her and her family - while her family is trying to integrate into "white society," Beneatha is completely embracing her culture. Beneatha, like Mama, feels trapped in her setting; however, she feels trapped in an environment full of ignorance and desire to assume a false, "better" identity.
BENEATHA: Me! Don't worry - I don't expect you to understand."
~A Raisin in the Sun, page 48
Our environment is what shapes and defines our personalities not only when we are younger and developing, but also when we are older. Setting can effect people so much, even to the point that is changes their dispositions. In Raisin in the Sun, the setting particularly affects both Mama and Beneatha.
Mama is affected by the setting because she feels trapped. The apartment she lives in must be shared with many of her extended family members - her grandson Travis even sleeps on the couch every night. The tiny apartment just isn't enough room for her, which is why she puts the down payment on the house. She also probably feels trapped in a stereotype. Throughout the play, the family members (aside from Beneatha) are trying to assimilate into the middle-class American culture. The apartment is a symbol of not being able to escape the "black" ways of life, when all Mama wants is to have a good, rich life for her family. (I'm not saying they are oppressed in the apartment... but they are oppressed in the apartment.)
Beneatha is different from all the other family members. She is the most educated and has the most experience with travel. Beneatha considers moving all the way to Africa during the play. This already shows a contrast in her and her family - while her family is trying to integrate into "white society," Beneatha is completely embracing her culture. Beneatha, like Mama, feels trapped in her setting; however, she feels trapped in an environment full of ignorance and desire to assume a false, "better" identity.
My Generation - Drama Blog 1 (A Raisin in the Sun)
"Now - you say after me, in my mother's house there is still God."
~ A Raisin in the Sun, page 51
It's natural for people to mature when they age and then become out of touch with younger generations - the things they used to care about seem insignificant compared to their present values, and this is consistent with most everyone in general. There are several different examples you can pull from A Raisin in the Sun.
One is between Mama and Beneatha. One of the fights they had revolved around religion. Spirituality is definitely an ongoing struggle and personal journey for each individual person. It seems that with age, people in general become more devout and religious. Beneatha renounces the existence of God, but Mama will not have it in her house. I think that when people are younger, they doubt and they want to explore and learn new things about the world. Beneatha's denial of God isn't necessarily lasting - she will probably recognize those values as she ages.
Another is between Mama and Walter. They both want to invest the money into something that will help the whole family, but there are definitely different motives for each one. Mama wants to buy a new house - the house will give all of them space to live and feel more liberated than in their tiny apartment; ultimately, it would benefit the whole family and improve the family dynamic. Walter wants to invest the money in a liquor store. While this would give the family more opportunities, Walter considers the fastest, easiest way to get what he wants (instant gratification), and the main goal is more money. Mama values hard work and a reward that would be helpful to everyone; this shows how family-oriented older generations are.
~ A Raisin in the Sun, page 51
It's natural for people to mature when they age and then become out of touch with younger generations - the things they used to care about seem insignificant compared to their present values, and this is consistent with most everyone in general. There are several different examples you can pull from A Raisin in the Sun.
One is between Mama and Beneatha. One of the fights they had revolved around religion. Spirituality is definitely an ongoing struggle and personal journey for each individual person. It seems that with age, people in general become more devout and religious. Beneatha renounces the existence of God, but Mama will not have it in her house. I think that when people are younger, they doubt and they want to explore and learn new things about the world. Beneatha's denial of God isn't necessarily lasting - she will probably recognize those values as she ages.
Another is between Mama and Walter. They both want to invest the money into something that will help the whole family, but there are definitely different motives for each one. Mama wants to buy a new house - the house will give all of them space to live and feel more liberated than in their tiny apartment; ultimately, it would benefit the whole family and improve the family dynamic. Walter wants to invest the money in a liquor store. While this would give the family more opportunities, Walter considers the fastest, easiest way to get what he wants (instant gratification), and the main goal is more money. Mama values hard work and a reward that would be helpful to everyone; this shows how family-oriented older generations are.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)