Many active readers have experienced a time when a work of art has instantly reminded them of another. Best described as artistic deja vu, connections can be drawn between various works of art. In Lorraine Hansberry’s play A Raisin in the sun, numerous themes and ideas shown in the play within the characters not only have a strong correspondence to the Motown songs from the Civil Rights era but also the famous works of poet and writer: Langston Hughes.
Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” displays some of the same themes from the play A Raisin in the Sun and closely relates to some of the characters. Specifically, in the play we are introduce to a humorous character called Mama. She lives with her son, daughter in law, daughter, and grandson. Mama …show more content…
Ball of a Confusion is an spunky, up beat song confronting multiple hardships African Americans were faced with during the 1960s and moving into the 1970s. Some of the problems in the lyrics include: “ The sale of pills at an all time high”, “People moving out, people moving in, all because the color of their skin”, “Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration, aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation”. The Temptations also shed light on a famous metaphor “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”, as many thought physical punishment was suitable for a crime or offense committed by an African American. These themes are also developed throughout the entirety of the play A Raisin in the Sun and some of the lyrics are comparable to Walter’s feelings and mindset. Walter is a very headstrong character and would often be described as a go-getter, as he is often coming up with new ideas for his family to make a bit of money. However, he is faced with a bit of a tough crowd as in the progress of the storyline, he feels as his family will not listen to his dreams and ambitions. The lyrics of Ball of Confusion states, “Great googalooga, can't you hear me talking to you, sayin'... ball of confusion, that's what the world is today, hey, hey.” In the 1960s and 70s, in was difficult for an African American to express his opinions and thoughts. This frustration is shown in the lyrics and song but the speaker quickly changes his mind and becomes content with the way things
Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” displays some of the same themes from the play A Raisin in the Sun and closely relates to some of the characters. Specifically, in the play we are introduce to a humorous character called Mama. She lives with her son, daughter in law, daughter, and grandson. Mama …show more content…
Ball of a Confusion is an spunky, up beat song confronting multiple hardships African Americans were faced with during the 1960s and moving into the 1970s. Some of the problems in the lyrics include: “ The sale of pills at an all time high”, “People moving out, people moving in, all because the color of their skin”, “Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration, aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation”. The Temptations also shed light on a famous metaphor “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”, as many thought physical punishment was suitable for a crime or offense committed by an African American. These themes are also developed throughout the entirety of the play A Raisin in the Sun and some of the lyrics are comparable to Walter’s feelings and mindset. Walter is a very headstrong character and would often be described as a go-getter, as he is often coming up with new ideas for his family to make a bit of money. However, he is faced with a bit of a tough crowd as in the progress of the storyline, he feels as his family will not listen to his dreams and ambitions. The lyrics of Ball of Confusion states, “Great googalooga, can't you hear me talking to you, sayin'... ball of confusion, that's what the world is today, hey, hey.” In the 1960s and 70s, in was difficult for an African American to express his opinions and thoughts. This frustration is shown in the lyrics and song but the speaker quickly changes his mind and becomes content with the way things