Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Periods 2 and 3 - Due Beginning of class 9/28

Pre-Reading

Some of this will be redundant for 2nd period; however, we had some absences and 3rd period is behind you.

1. Analyze the list of characters from the play handout (1st page of pack). 

a. where do you expect to find conflict (overt and covert) among the characters and why?

b. what do you think will be the three primary sources of conflict in the play.

2. Read to page 30 of your handout. Pay particular attention to "The play", "The Setting", and all italicized text (which are Wilson's stage and character directions).

3. Consider the roles status and power in the lives of these characters. Who has it, who doesn't, why don't they, and the litmus test: would these roles be different if the characters lives were different, or to put in another way: would their opportunities be the same if these factors were changed. 

4. Remember to listen to your "Blues Song" and to PRINT a copy of the lyrics