Wrestling with a Classic: Deconstructing a Tricky Broadway Crossword Clue
Hello, crossword aficionados! Today, we’re diving deep into a particularly juicy clue that’s been making the rounds – a “1959 Broadway drama by Lorraine Hansberry, with “A”.” This clue, while seemingly straightforward at first glance, presents a fascinating challenge. It’s a testament to the puzzle maker’s art, weaving together historical context, theatrical history, and a clever wordplay element.
Let’s break down what we know. The year 1959 provides a solid anchor. This immediately narrows our field of possibilities, allowing us to focus on plays that debuted on Broadway during that specific year. The information that the drama was written by Lorraine Hansberry is another extremely useful, and potentially limiting, factor. We’re talking about a groundbreaking playwright, someone whose contributions to American theatre are both significant and memorable. Considering her body of work will give us an advantageous start.
The inclusion of “Broadway drama” tells us to concentrate on stage productions that garnered serious attention and were likely staged in one of the well-known Broadway theaters. We’re not dealing with a musical, a comedy revue, or an off-Broadway experimental piece. We’re looking for a drama – a play that tackles weighty themes and complex human relationships.
Finally, the “with ‘A'” element is the key. This means that the title of the play, once identified, MUST include the letter “A.” This significantly reduces the number of potentially right solutions. It is also what makes this clue less than totally obvious and more fun to solve.
To crack this crossword clue, a few strategies will prove to be invaluable. First, brush up on your knowledge of 1959 Broadway productions. Consider looking through online theatre archives and databases that document plays that premiered during that time. Some resources will provide details about cast lists, critical reception, and plot synopses. Pay close attention to dramas that garnered critical acclaim or made a significant social impact.
Second, delve into the works of Lorraine Hansberry. Familiarize yourself with the playwright’s style, common themes, and the historical context in which she wrote. Consider her other famous works and look for thematic connections that might provide an insight to this particular play. Are there recurring motifs, character archetypes, or social issues that appear throughout her oeuvre?
Third, once you’ve narrowed down a few potential plays, carefully examine their titles and see if they meet the “A” requirement. Don’t dismiss possibilities simply because the “A” isn’t obviously placed. Consider instances where the “A” may be contained within a longer word.
Solving crossword clues is more than just regurgitating knowledge; it’s about applying critical thinking, historical awareness, and a dash of lateral thought. This specific clue, with its blend of theatrical history and wordplay, perfectly exemplifies the intellectual stimulation that makes crossword puzzles so addictive.
So, put on your thinking caps, gather your resources, and prepare to be transported back to the vibrant world of 1959 Broadway theatre. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
… RAISIN IN THE SUN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0813-25 NY Times Crossword 13 Aug 25, Wednesday