English Literature Play Final

Susan Glaspells

Susan Glaspells

Trifles

Susan Glaspells “Trifles” was first staged in?

1916

Susan Glaspells “Trifles” Genre?

Feminist Drama, Classic Mystery, 1 act play

Susan Glaspells “Trifles” Theme?

Gender Differences, How M vs W see the world around them, Women perspectives are dismissed

Susan Glaspells “Trifles” Events/Characteristics discussed concerning the historical time period in which it is set?

Early 20th century 4 years before the 19th admendment which gave women the right to vote. The play shows how men often dismiss women's roles and concerns as insignificant, The division of labor is also evident, with men working outside and women confined to domestic spaces, This setting also informs us about women's limited participation in the justice system, as their insights are overlooked by the male characters.

Susan Glaspells “Trifles” How the basic elements of drama (character, plot, conflict, setting, symbol, point of view) work together to advance the theme?

Characters: Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, contrast with the men, highlighting gender differences.

Plot: Murder investigation where the men dismiss the kitchen and its contents as irrelevant, while the women find crucial evidence there (Theme of gender bias).

Conflict: Men’s dismissive attitudes and the women’s intuitive understanding. Societal undervaluation of women's roles and insights.

Setting: Rural farmhouse, emphasizes the isolation and domestic sphere of women, reinforcing their “unimportance” in society.

Symbol: Broken birdcage and dead bird represent Mrs. Wright’s lost freedom and joy, highlighting the oppressive nature of her marriage and.

Point of View: 3rd person perspective, focus on the women’s discoveries allows the audience to see the importance of their viewpoints, which the male characters overlook.

These elements work together to underscore the themes of gender inequality and the value of women's experiences and perspectives.

Susan Glaspells “Trifles” What is the significance of Mrs. Hale's declaration at the play's end of "We call it--knot it"?

It symbolizes how the women have "tied" together the clues to understand the motive behind the murder. By saying "knot it," Mrs. Hale is subtly acknowledging their decision to protect Mrs. Wright by withholding the evidence they've discovered. This act of solidarity among the women highlights their understanding and empathy for Mrs. Wright's situation, as well as their silent rebellion against the dismissive attitudes of the men.

3 crimes in Susan Glaspells “Trifles”?

Murder, Domestic abuse, Destruction of evidence

Explain the significance of the play's setting in Trifles?

It's set in a rural farmhouse kitchen, domestic sphere where women were traditionally confined. Crucial because it's where the women find the "trifles" that the men overlook, but which are key to solving the mystery. Highlights women's work and perspectives undervalued but hold significant insights.

In Trifles, Mrs. Hale delivers the last line of the play:"We call it. Knot it, Mr. Henderson." What are the two ways we're meant to understand this line?

Literal Meaning: She's referring to the way Minnie Wright was finishing her quilt, by knotting it instead of quilting it.

Symbolic Meaning: "Knot it" is a play on words that also alludes to how John Wright was killed with a rope. This underscores the women's awareness of the true nature of the crime and their decision to protect Minnie by not revealing the critical evidence they found.

Lorraine Hansberry

A Raisin in the Sun

Lorraine Hansberry “A Raisin in the Sun” was first staged in?

1959

Lorraine Hansberry “A Raisin in the Sun” Genre?

Realist Drama

Lorraine Hansberry “A Raisin in the Sun” Theme?

Pursuit of dreams, racial discrimination, family unity, and the struggle for identity and dignity.

Lorraine Hansberry “A Raisin in the Sun” Events/characteristics discussed concerning the historical time period in which it is set?

Set in the South Side of Chicago in the late 1950s, not long after the end of World War II. It's a time when suburbs were growing and the racially discriminatory practice of redlining prevented Black Americans from sharing equally in the possibility of homeowners.

Lorraine Hansberry “A Raisin in the Sun” Elements of drama (character, plot, conflict, setting, symbol, point of view) work together to advance the theme?

Characters: Each character represents different aspects of the African American experience and their dreams. Walter Lee's desire for financial success, Beneatha's search for identity, Mama's wish for a better home.

Plot: The storyline revolves around the Younger family's struggle to improve their circumstances, highlighting the impact of racism and economic hardship on their dreams.

Conflict: The internal and external conflicts: Walter's frustration with his job and the family's confrontation with racial discrimination, themes of struggle and resilience.

Setting: Apartment in Chicago's South Side emphasizes the family's challenges and their desire for a better life.

Symbols: The insurance check represents hope and possibility, Mama's plant symbolizes her care for her family and her dream for a better future.

POV: Younger family's perspective, their emotions and struggles, making the themes more personal and impactful.

Central themes of dreams, racial discrimination, and family unity.

What does money mean to the characters in A Raisin in the Sun? What does it represent?

Walter Lee: Success, power, and the ability to provide for his family. A way to achieve owning a business and escaping his current socioeconomic status.

Mama: Security and the fulfillment of her husband's hard work. Buy a house and provide a stable home for her family.

Beneatha: Money is a means to an end. Opportunity to pursue her education and become a doctor, breaking free from societal expectations and finding her identity.

Ruth: Way to improve their living conditions and secure a better future for her son.

How is this poem a fitting opening to set the theme of Hansberry's play?

The poem encapsulates the central theme of the play: the impact of postponed dreams. The poem suggests various potential outcomes for deferred dreams, such as drying up "like a raisin in the sun" or festering "like a sore." This imagery parallels the experiences of the Younger family as they grapple with their own deferred dreams due to socioeconomic hardships and racial discrimination. In the play, each character's dream is put off in some way.

The poem's question about the fate of deferred dreams resonates throughout the narrative, highlighting the frustration, bitterness, and resilience of the characters. Reflects the struggle of Black Americans pursuing the American dream amidst the ongoing reality of racism in America.

The play ultimately explores whether these dreams will "explode" into action and change or wither away under the weight of deferred hope.

How might “A Raisin in the Sun” be said to reflect the differences in the desires, need a, aspirations, and Priorities of women and men?

Male dreams are tied to financial success and status, the women's dreams are more connected to family, security, and personal growth.

What "world view" does each character possess in “A Raisin in the Sun”?

Walter Lee: Believes money can solve problems and bring respect.

Mama Lena: Values faith, family, and hard work. Wants to honor her husband's dreams and provide a stable home.

Beneatha: Progressive and values education and self-discovery. Wants to break free from traditional roles and make a difference.

Ruth: Focuses on immediate needs and stability. Supports her husband's dreams while ensuring her family's well-being.

Does any character's view change over the course of the “A Raisin in the Sun”?

Walter Lee's at first, he's all about the money and thinks it's the key to everything. But realizes that his family's dignity and unity are more important. He steps up and refuses Mr. Lindner's offer, showing that he's grown.

What is at the core of the distress or tension between various characters that has caused them to grow apart or to struggle in “A Raisin in the Sun”?

Walter Lee & Mama: They disagree on how to use the insurance money.

Walter Lee & Ruth: They struggle financially. Walter's job frustration and Ruth's practical approach cause misunderstandings.

Walter Lee & Beneatha: They have different dreams and outlooks, leading to conflicts and lack of support for each other's aspirations.

Beneatha & Mama: Beneatha's rejection of religion and desire for a medical career clash with Mama's traditional expectations, creating tension.

What purposes do characters like Joseph Asagai, George Murchison, or Karl Lindner Play?

Joseph Asagai: Pride in African heritage and offers Beneatha a different perspective on identity and dreams. His presence helps Beneatha explore her roots and consider what she truly wants in life.

George Murchison: Contrasts sharply with Asagai. Assimilation and materialism. His interactions with Beneatha highlight her internal conflict between embracing her heritage and fitting into mainstream society.

Karl Lindner: Racial tensions and discrimination of the time.

How does Asagai's philosophy of political struggle for progress clash with other characters' views of how progress is to be made, or if progress is even possible?

Assagai believes progress comes from embracing heritage and fighting for change.

This clashes with:

-Beneatha: Interested but sometimes finds his ideas too idealistic.

Walter: Thinks money and economic success are the keys to progress.

Mama: Focuses on hard work, faith, and family unity for progress.

What values does George Murchison seem to represent? or Karl Lindner?

George Murchison values fitting in with mainstream society and achieving success through wealth. He downplays African heritage and cultural pride.

Karl Lindner values maintaining racial segregation and offers money to keep the Youngers out of a white neighborhood, highlighting the racism they face.

What is the significance of the plant that Lena Younger takes care of throughout the course of the play?

The plant symbolizes Lena's care for her family and her hopes for their future. Even in tough conditions, she nurtures it, just like she nurtures her family, showing her belief in growth and resilience.

Who delivers the following line (A Rasin in the Sun) "You've got to admit that a man, right or wrong, has the right to want to have the neighborhood he lives in a certain kind of way. And at the moment the overwhelming majority of our people out there feel that people get along better, take more of a common interest in the life of the community, when they share a common background."?

Karl Liner

The title of Hansberry's play is taken from a poem by this poet: ?

Langston Hughes

In Hansberry's play, Mama's POV is informed by the experiences of her generation. When she tells her son, Walter Lee, Jr., that something has changed, and that he is "something new," she tells him what she and Walter Lee, Sr. had to worry about-things very different from what her children worry about. What is one of the things she mentions were of concern to her and her husband?

They were concerned with basic rights and the struggle for dignity and respect in a society that discriminated against them.

What are the names of the two men, Beneatha are dating and what does each represent to her that explains the reason for her attraction?

George represents assimilation into mainstream American culture and material success.

Joseph Asagai represents her African heritage and a deeper connection to her roots and identity.

Quiara Alegra Hudes'

Water by the Spoonful

Quiara Alegra Hudes' “Water by the Spoonful” Was first staged in?

2011

Quiara Alegra Hudes' “Water by the Spoonful” Theme?

Addiction, recovery, family dynamics, and the search for identity and connection in a fragmented world.

Quiara Alegra Hudes' “Water by the Spoonful”Events/characteristics discussed concerning the historical time period in which it is set?

Play, was in 2009 during the time of the Iraq war Elliot has been back from the war for six years. Characters are in different locations: Philadelphia, San Diego, Japan and Puerto Rico; the stage setting depicts two worlds: the "real world" and the "online world."

Quiara Alegra Hudes' “Water by the Spoonful“ Elements of drama (character, plot, conflict, setting, symbol, point of view) work together to advance each play's themes?

Characters' struggles highlight addiction and recovery. The plot shows their interconnected lives, with conflict arising from personal battles. The shifting settings emphasize isolation and connection. Symbols, like the title, represent small steps toward healing. The intimate point of view helps us understand each character's journey, all working together to explore resilience and community.

What explains each character's vulnerability and struggle?

Elliot is haunted by his experiences in Iraq and struggles with PTSD. Odessa, his birth mother, battles with her past mistakes and her addiction. Yazmin struggle with family expectations and her own identity, while Fountain grapples with feeling disconnected from his roots.

How does Yaz struggle between the fact of her success as an adjunct professor teaching music at Swarthmore and the roots of her Puerto Rican background marked?

After her divorce, has a tough time balancing her success as a music professor at Swarthmore with her Puerto Rican roots. Her achievements make her proud, but she feels disconnected from her culture and family, which makes her struggle with her identity.

What is Chutes and Ladders' struggle as a father estranged from his son and grandchildren?

Feels really sad and guilty about being separated from his son and grandchildren because of his past addiction. He misses them a lot and hopes to reconnect with them someday, which is why he stays involved in the support group.

What connects characters in the play? What's required for them to connect with one another?

Connected by their struggles with addiction and their search for support and understanding. To truly connect with one another, they need to open up, share their vulnerabilities, and support each other through their recovery journeys. This mutual understanding and empathy help them form a strong bond despite their personal challenges.

How do characters help one another through their struggles?

They help each other by sharing their experiences, listening to each other's problems, and offering encouragement. This support helps them feel less alone in their struggles.

What is the significance of dissonance in the play?

It represents the characters' internal conflicts and struggles. Dissonance, both in music and in their lives, highlights the tension and chaos they experience. It also reflects their journey towards finding harmony and balance despite their challenges.

How do Yaz's statements about dissonance being "a gateway to resolution" and about Coltrane's having "democratized the notes" making them "all equal" provide thematic threads for understanding the characters in the play?

Yaz's statements about dissonance and Coltrane's idea of making all notes equal show that through struggles, characters can find growth and resolution. It highlights the importance of empathy and support among them.

What significance does the repeated phrase "Momken men-fadluck ted-dini gawaz saffari" (translated as "Can I please have my passport back?") have for Elliot but also as a possible theme for the play?

Significant for Elliot because it haunts him as a memory from his time in Iraq, representing his trauma and guilt. As a theme for the play, it symbolizes the characters' desire for freedom and the struggle to reclaim their identities and lives amidst their personal battles.

What is the significance of water in the play, including the significance of the title itself (Water by the Spoonful)?

Water stands for healing and support. The title means giving small amounts of water to help someone recover, showing that patience and little acts of kindness are key in overcoming struggles.

What theme(s) do you see operating in Quiara Alegra Hudes' “Water by the Spoonful”

Struggle for connection and support, as characters face personal battles but find strength in their relationships. Another theme is healing, shown through the metaphor of water and taking small steps towards recovery.

Stage Business

Nonverbal action performed by an actor that engages the audience's attention

Aristotle argued that a good play should observe what three unities?

Action, Time, Place

Which of the following is NOT a way in which Orangutan helps Chutes and Ladders?

Orangutan encourages Chutes and Ladders to look for a new job

What is the significance of the title of Hudes' play? What does the title refer to specifically in the play, and what is its significance thematically?

"Water by the Spoonful" title refers to giving small amounts of water to a sick child. It symbolizes the characters' need for small, consistent efforts to heal and recover, emphasizing patience and persistence.

Yaz expresses regret for not having taken action and done something to help or save someone else (like Mami Ginny, or Odessa does). By the end of the play, Yaz does do something to help save someone else. What does she do?

Yaz decides to buy and take over the family home to provide a stable environment for her cousin Elliot, symbolizing her commitment to helping and supporting her family.

Unities

Unity of action, time of place

Redlining

Discriminatory practice banks, other institutions refuse loans, mortgages, or insurance to people in certain neighborhoods, based on racial or ethnic composition.

Dissonance

lack of harmony or agreement between things. In music, it refers to a combination of notes that sounds unstable or harsh. Also can mean a clash between ideas, beliefs, or values that creates tension.