“Harlem” from ​A Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes, 1951 What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore­­ And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over­­ like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode? Directions: With your chavrutah, re​read this poem carefully. As you do so, fill in the ​first two columns ​in the chart below. We will return to this poem at the end of the unit to fill in the third column. What is the simile? Dry up like a
raisin in the sun.
Fester like a sore and
then run.
Explain, in your own words, the meaning of this simile as it relates to an unrealized dream. The grape was the dream
and now it is dried up and it
can't be fulfill.
You have this dream for a while, and
your opportunity to do it lasts for a long
time, then it starts to fade, and then it's
gone forever. However, it leaves a
punishment for you.
Stink like rotten meat.
Takes over your life in a
negative way.
Crust and sugar over
like a syrupy sweet?
It still has hope, but it is
fading.
Sags like a heavy load.
Does it explode?
This dream wears you out, it is a
burden and it is always apparent.
To much effort to fulfill.
But is gone forever but
little memories from it
and pieces remain.
Identify a character in the play that reacts to his/her deferred dream in this manner. Find a quote to support your answer.