V. TYPES OF QUESTIONS
a. Questions on themes. Such questions are asked around a major idea explored throughout a literary work. Some major themes that could be evaluated in A Raisin in the Sun include: Dreams and hope, Racism and discrimination, Family and unity, Dignity and self-respect, The American Dream, Poverty and economic hardship, Identity, Education and Generational conflict.
SAMPLE QUESTION.
“Discuss the importance of dreams in A Raisin in the Sun.”
The question is asking the candidate to show how important the different dreams of the Younger family are and how these dreams influence the events, conflicts and eventual outcome of the play?
Sample introduction.
In A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry presents dreams as powerful forces that shape the lives, conflicts and decisions of the Younger family. Although the characters have different ambitions, their dreams ultimately contribute to their determination to pursue a better future. In the paragraphs below, we will show how important each person’s dream is and go ahead how these dreams contribute to the advancement of the play.
b. Questions on plot: Plot questions focus on the different events in the text and their significance. However, candidates must remember that a Literature essay is NOT a retelling of the story. If asked “How does Walter’s decision at the end of the play resolve some of the conflicts in A Raisin in the Sun?”, the candidate should avoid narrating the entire story and focus on Walter’s decision, the conflicts leading to it, the effect of the decision and what the resolution of the conflict reveals.
Sample question on plot.
“Examine the significance of the Younger family’s decision to move to Clybourne Park.”
The use of the word “significance” here, compels the candidate to show why this decision is important? Therefore, the answer should discuss consequences and meaning. The candidate should not simply describe the decision.
c. Questions on characterization and character trait: Characterization and character trait refers to the ways in which a writer creates, develops and reveals characters and their traits. A sample question on characterization and character trait may be: “How does Hansberry characterize Walter Younger?”
This question requires more than just listing adjectives such as: ambitious, selfish, frustrated and proud. The candidate must explain how the playwright makes Walter appear this way. To successfully answer a question on characterization and character trait, the candidate should look at what the character says about himself and about other characters, what he does to himself and to other characters and what other characters say about the character
Sample question on characterization and Character traits.
“How does Hansberry present Walter Younger as a changing character?”
Interpretation: The key phrase here is “changing character.” Therefore, the answer should trace Walter’s development from the beginning to the end of the play.
d. Questions on setting: Questions on setting are questions that refer to place and time. These could include the social environment, the economic environment and the historical circumstances. In A Raisin in the Sun, the Younger family lives in a small apartment in Chicago while their move to Clybourne Park becomes central to the dramatic conflict.
Sample Question on setting.
“Examine the importance of setting in A Raisin in the Sun.”
Interpretation: This question is NOT asking the candidate to say where the play takes place. Rather, it is asking them to show how the setting contributes to the meaning, conflict and development of the play.
e. Questions on Literary Devices.
A literary-device question requires candidates to identify how the playwright uses a technique and what effect it produces. If asked to show how symbolic Mama’s Plant is for instance, the candidate should not merely say that “the plant is a symbolism” they must say what the plant symbolizes, why it is important and how this symbolism contributes to the development of the play.
f. Combined Questions: Some examination questions combine more than one area.
For example: “How does Hansberry use Walter’s character to develop the themes of dreams, family responsibility and dignity?”
Interpretation: This question has three thematic requirements: Dreams, Family responsibility and Dignity and the main vehicle for discussing them is Walter’s character. Therefore, the candidate must not write three completely separate essays about the themes. Instead, the candidate should show how Walter’s development connects all three themes.
A Proper question interpretation is the beginning of success in Literature.
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