Raisin in the sun

A Raisin in the Sun

Author Information

  • Author: Lorraine Hansberry

  • Introduction by: Robert Nemiroff

  • Publication Information: Vintage Books, A Division of Random House, Inc., New York. First Vintage Book edition published in December 1994.

Context

  • Setting: Chicago's South Side, sometime between WWII and the present.

Major Works by Lorraine Hansberry

  • A Raisin in the Sun

  • The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window

  • The Drinking Gourd

  • To Be Young, Gifted, and Black

  • Les Blancs

  • What Use Are Flowers?

  • The Movement

Key Themes and Concepts

  • Dream Deferred: The notion of deferred dreams is introduced through Langston Hughes' poem:

    • "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?"

  • Family Dynamic: The play explores the dynamics within the Younger family, including generational conflict, aspirations, and differing dreams.

  • Identity and Heritage: Discussions around African American identity, cultural heritage, and the relationship to African roots through characters like Beneatha and Asagai.

  • The American Dream: Challenges the concept of the American Dream, particularly as it pertains to African Americans in a racially divided society.

  • Socioeconomic Struggles: Examines the financial challenges faced by the Younger family as they navigate their dreams against the backdrop of systemic inequalities.

The Play's Structure

  • Act I: Introduces characters and setting; focuses on daily life and routine, dreams, and aspirations.

  • Act II: Build-up of tension surrounding the insurance money and the family’s ambitions, leading to conflict.

  • Act III: Peaks with tragic revelations and decisions impacting the future of the family, culminating in themes of resilience and community.

Character List

  • Lena Younger (Mama): The matriarch of the Younger family, strong-willed and symbolic of traditional values.

  • Walter Lee Younger: Mama's son, dreams of business success and struggles with feelings of inadequacy.

  • Ruth Younger: Walter's wife, who balances family struggles with her own desires and concerns over her husband's ambitions.

  • Beneatha Younger: Walter’s sister, an aspiring medical student, seeking to define her identity against family expectations and societal norms.

  • Travis Younger: Walter and Ruth’s son, representing the next generation's hopes and dreams.

  • Asagai: A Nigerian student who represents Beneatha's African heritage and opposing views on identity.

  • George Murchison: Beneatha's wealthy suitor, representing assimilation and the challenges of identity within racially charged contexts.

  • Karl Lindner: A representative from the Clybourne Park Improvement Association who symbolizes the systemic racism the Younger family faces.

Key Plot Points

  • Insurance Check: The arrival of an insurance check of $10,000 becomes the focal point of dreams and aspirations for the family.

  • Conflict: Walter's desire to invest becomes a point of contention within the family, leading to deeper discussions of worth, dreams, and sacrifices.

  • Decision to Move: The decision to move to a better home leads to external pressures from the Clybourne Park Improvement Association.

  • Moral Choices: Walter's moral struggle represents the internal fight of a man trying to assert his dignity amidst societal pressures.

Symbolism

  • The Plant: Mama's plant symbolizes the family's hopes, struggles, and the nurturing of their dreams amidst difficulties.

  • The House: Represents both a literal and metaphorical home for the family; the discrimination faced when moving into a white neighborhood highlights racial tensions.

Themes of Racism and Identity

  • The play poignantly addresses issues of race and identity, contrasting historical oppression with contemporary aspirations.

  • Beneatha's confrontation with her heritage and aspirations reflects broader themes of racial identity within the context of American culture.

Quotes

  • “Ain’t nothing wrong with being a chauffeur.” – Walter Lee, emphasizing the value of honest work despite societal views.

  • “In my mother’s house there is still God.” – A significant exchange showing spiritual and familial obligations.

Conclusion

  • Legacy of Lorraine Hansberry: Before her death in 1965, Hansberry acknowledged the importance of understanding one’s identity against oppression, believing her work would inspire future generations.

  • Cultural Impact: A Raisin in the Sun is heralded as a groundbreaking work that continues to resonate with themes of identity, struggle, family, and resilience.