Threads of a Dream

This theme-based worksheet is designed for students in Grades 8 and 9 to strengthen literary analysis, critical reading, and understanding of central ideas in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun. Learners examine ten short scenarios inspired by moments in the play and determine which of the three major themes-Dreams, Race, or Family-each scenario best represents, reinforcing how individual actions and dialogue reveal deeper meaning.

Learning Goals

• Theme Recognition & Analysis (Grades 8-9)
  Students identify how specific situations connect to the play’s central themes.
• Text-Based Reasoning
  Learners analyze scenarios using knowledge of characters, dialogue, and plot context.
• Literature & Social Context Connections
  Activities highlight how personal dreams and family relationships intersect with racial and social realities.
• Critical Reading & Interpretation
  Students practice moving beyond surface details to interpret underlying meaning.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with middle school and early high school ELA standards.
• Clear, Accessible Format
  Circling the correct theme allows focus on analysis rather than lengthy writing.
• Builds Big-Picture Understanding
  Helps students see how themes recur across different moments in the play.
• Supports Discussion & Writing Prep
  Works well as a precursor to thematic paragraphs or class discussion.
• Printable & No-Prep
  Easy to implement in classroom or homeschool settings.

This Threads of a Dream worksheet helps students understand how A Raisin in the Sun weaves together aspirations, family bonds, and racial challenges. By connecting specific scenarios to broader themes, learners strengthen literary comprehension, thematic awareness, and critical thinking-skills essential for deeper analysis of the play.

This worksheet is part of our A Raisin in the Sun collection.