Lesson Title:
Define My Own Destiny: Using Arrested Development and Lauryn Hill to Teach Hansberry’s Raisin in the Sun
Rationale:
Within the context of the class study of Lorraine Hansberrys’ play Raisin in the Sun, studying relevant Rock lyrics will enhance the students’ understanding of the play and the selected songs: Arrested Development’s “Fishin’ 4 Religion” and Lauryn Hill’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”. Students will connect these songs’ experiences and themes to the character of Beneatha Younger. The unit will conclude with students finding relevant lyrics from additional songs and resources to connect to other characters, conflicts, or themes of the play.
Objectives:
The student will be able to:
- Recognize and discuss the internal and external conflicts experienced by the character of Beneatha Younger in terms of education, religion, family, racism, duty, and individuality
- Recognize and discuss similar conflicts in the songs of Arrested Development and Lauryn Hill
- Identify the themes of the play and songs
- Ground interpretation and analysis in the texts
- Select a song of their own choosing that reflects the characterization and conflict of another character in the play (optional)
Audience:
Suggested for English Students grades 9-12
Time Frame:
1-2 40-minute periods for song listening, analysis, and discussion
Optional extension activity
2 40-minute classes for small group song research and preparation minute for small and large group presentation.
1 40 minute for small and large group presentation.
Materials:
Class copies of Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
Blackboard
Large Paper (poster size) and Markers
“Fishin’ 4 Religion” written and performed by Arrested Development found on 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 days in the Life of…, Chrysalis, 1992. Also available on Unplugged, Chrysalis, 1993.
“The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” Written and performed by Lauryn Hill. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Sony, 1998.
Computers/internet access
CD Player
Background:
This would be within the context of a unit on the play. It could be done during or after reading the play.
For background and information on Arrested Development or Lauryn Hill please see Enrichment/Additional Resources.
Procedures:
Read Raisin in the Sun.
In small groups, have students brainstorm how Beneatha is characterized in the play. Have each group discuss their ideas and be sure that they understand that they are to find specific textual evidence to support their conclusions. Write important points on the board. Have the groups discuss their findings and report back to the whole class and engage students in a large group discussion about the representation of Beneatha in the play. Each group should divide their large paper into 3 columns and dedicate a column to Arrested Development, Lauryn Hill, and Beneatha Younger.
Distribute lyrics and play “Fishin’ 4 Religion”. Have students determine and discuss the internal and external conflicts presented in the song and select similar conflicts for Beneatha. Each group should record on their large columns, these similar conflicts and specific examples to illustrate them.
Distribute lyrics and play “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” and repeat the process above, adding to their columns.
Evaluation:
Have students share their columns with the entire class and discuss. Hang them up!
Return to the earlier brainstormed ideas about Beneatha’s characterization and have the students determine the connection between conflict and characterization/motivation. This can be done through discussion or writing.
Optional Extension Activity:
Have students in-groups or individually find additional popular songs that they can connect to other members of the Younger family. They can go through the same process above, and share in presentations or essay writing. The extension activity below is also evaluative.
Further Resources:
CD’s:
Arrested Development. Zingalamaduni. Chyrisalis, 1994.
The Fugees. The Score (Clean). Sony, 1996.
Marvin Gaye. What’s Going On. Motown Record Company, 1986.
Sly and the Family Stone. Anthology. Epic, 1981.
Various Artists. Defiance Blues. House of Blues/Platinum Entertainment, 1998. – Very useful for a more historical perspective.
