A Raisin in the Sun + The Wave

Beneatha experiencing coercion:

• Mama's Coercion: Mama forces Beneatha to stay quiet about her non-religious views. Though Beneatha stops talking out of respect, she doesn't change her beliefs.

• Asagai's Persuasion: Asagai offers Beneatha a chance to move to Africa. She doesn’t immediately agree and takes time to think, showing she’s not easily persuaded.

• George's Coercion: George tries to change Beneatha by insulting her interests and encouraging her to act more traditionally. She mocks him and stands up for her identity.

• Walter Lee's Coercion: Walter suggests she give up on becoming a doctor. Beneatha refuses and insists on following her dreams.

• Societal Coercion: Society pressures her to conform, but Beneatha keeps pushing back.

Laurie experiencing coercion

Laurie and Peer Coercion
Laurie is pressured by classmates to support The Wave, even though she feels it’s wrong. Example: After writing an article criticizing The Wave, she’s treated like an outsider and loses friends. Laurie’s Response: Although it hurts, Laurie stands firm in her beliefs and refuses to join just to fit in.

David’s Coercion
David, her boyfriend, tries to make Laurie stop speaking against The Wave. Example: He tells her she’s overreacting and even physically grabs her in frustration. Laurie’s Response: Laurie stays calm and strong, refusing to back down. David later realizes she was right.

The School's Coercive Atmosphere
The school becomes controlled by The Wave, making students feel like they must join or face bullying. Example: Non-members get threatened or left out, and fear spreads through the school. Laurie’s Response: Laurie takes action by speaking to Mr. Ross and helping to bring The Wave to an end.

The Wave Explanation

The Wave is a novel about a high school experiment that spirals out of control when a teacher creates a movement to show how easily people can be influenced by group pressure. It shows the dangers of blindly following authority and giving up individual thinking.

ARITS Explanation

A Raisin in the Sun is a play about a Black family in Chicago chasing their dreams while facing racism, poverty, and conflict over how to use an insurance check. It explores themes of identity, pride, and the struggle for a better life.

Here are 3 dreams Laurie Saunders had in The Wave:

• A school where students think for themselves – Laurie dreams of a place where people are independent and not blindly following others.

• Speaking the truth through journalism – As editor of The Grapevine, Laurie wants to use her voice to expose problems and help people see what’s right.

• A healthy relationship with David – Laurie hopes to have a strong, respectful relationship, but The Wave causes tension and tests their bond.

Here are Walter Lee’s 3 main dreams in A Raisin in the Sun:

• Owning a business – Walter dreams of opening a liquor store to gain financial success, independence, and provide for his family. He believes money will solve their problems and give him respect.

• Being seen as a man – Walter wants to be the decision-maker and feel powerful. He’s tired of being looked down on and wants to prove he’s capable of leading the family.

• Giving his son a better future – Deep down, Walter dreams of a life where his son, Travis, has opportunities and doesn’t face the same struggles he did. This becomes clear when he finally chooses pride over money at the end.

Here are 3 main dreams Beneatha has in A Raisin in the Sun:

1. Becoming a doctor – Beneatha dreams of a career in medicine because she wants to help people and break traditional expectations for women in her family.

2. Finding her identity – She is searching for who she truly is, exploring her African heritage and rejecting assimilation, especially through her relationship with Asagai.

3. Living independently and freely – Beneatha wants to live on her own terms, refusing to conform to society’s expectations about how a woman should behave or aspire in life, seeking to define her own path and purpose.