Essays on A Raisin in The Sun

March 11, 1959; Lorraine Hansberry

Play; Domestic drama

Walter Younger, Ruth Younger, Beneatha Younger, Travis Younger, Lena Younger, George Murchison, Joseph Asagai, Karl Lindner, Mrs. Johnson, Moving Men.

"A Raisin in the Sun" is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry and is based on her own experiences and observations of African American life in Chicago during the 1950s. The title of the play is derived from the poem "Harlem" by Langston Hughes, which asks what happens to a dream deferred. Hansberry's play explores the dreams, struggles, and aspirations of the Younger family, an African American family living in a small and cramped apartment on Chicago's South Side.
The play is inspired by Hansberry's own family's fight against racial segregation and discrimination. It delves into themes such as racial identity, social inequality, the pursuit of dreams, and the generational divide within the African American community. Through the characters of the Younger family, Hansberry presents the challenges they face in pursuing their dreams and the sacrifices they must make in the face of racial prejudice and limited opportunities.

The play centers around the struggles and aspirations of the family members as they grapple with poverty, racial discrimination, and their dreams for a better life.
The matriarch of the family, Lena Younger, receives a life insurance check following the death of her husband. The family members have different ideas on how to use the money. Lena dreams of buying a house and creating a better future for her family, while her son Walter dreams of investing in a business opportunity. The tension escalates as the family faces conflicts over their differing ambitions and values.
The play explores themes of identity, family dynamics, the impact of racism, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Through the characters' interactions and struggles, the play delves into the complexities of race, socioeconomic disparities, and the challenges faced by African Americans in their pursuit of upward mobility.
In the end, the Younger family navigates their dreams, aspirations, and the obstacles that come their way, ultimately finding strength and unity as they strive for a brighter future.

"A Raisin in the Sun" is set in the mid-1950s in a small apartment on the South Side of Chicago. The cramped living space serves as a physical representation of the Younger family's limited financial means and their struggle to make ends meet. The apartment, located in a run-down tenement building, becomes a focal point for the family's hopes, dreams, and conflicts.
The setting reflects the larger socio-economic and racial context of the time. The South Side of Chicago was predominantly inhabited by African American communities, who often faced discrimination, limited opportunities, and systemic racism. The neighborhood's dilapidated buildings and overcrowded living conditions further underscore the challenges and limitations faced by the Younger family.
As the story unfolds, the Younger family's apartment becomes a microcosm of their aspirations and the tensions that arise as they confront societal and personal obstacles. The setting of the play not only provides a backdrop for the characters' interactions but also serves as a metaphor for their struggle against racial and economic inequalities, and their quest for a better life.

One of the central themes is the pursuit of dreams and aspirations. The play delves into the dreams of the Younger family members, each with their own desires for a better future. Whether it is Walter's dream of entrepreneurship, Beneatha's ambition to become a doctor, or Mama's hope for a comfortable home, the play delves into the power of dreams and the obstacles that can hinder their realization.
Another significant theme is racial discrimination and its impact on the characters' lives. The play highlights the systemic racism prevalent during the 1950s, with the Younger family facing numerous challenges and prejudices based on their race. The theme of racial identity is also explored through Beneatha's search for her African heritage and her struggle to reconcile her African roots with her American upbringing.
Family dynamics and the importance of unity are also prominent themes in the play. The Younger family experiences conflicts and tensions as they navigate their individual dreams and aspirations. However, they ultimately learn the value of sticking together and supporting each other in the face of adversity.

1. Symbolism: Lorraine Hansberry uses symbolism to add depth and layers to the narrative. For example, the plant that Mama cares for throughout the play symbolizes the family's dreams and aspirations. The plant represents hope and the need for nurturing and growth.
2. Foreshadowing: The play utilizes foreshadowing to hint at future events and create suspense. An example of foreshadowing is when Walter's friend, Willy, disappears with the money he entrusted to him, foreshadowing the challenges and setbacks the family will face on their journey to achieve their dreams.
3. Imagery: Hansberry skillfully employs vivid imagery to evoke powerful emotions and create a visual experience for the readers or audience. For instance, the description of the cramped apartment and its worn-out furnishings conveys the Younger family's economic struggles and the oppressive living conditions they endure.
4. Metaphors: Metaphors are used to convey abstract concepts or ideas in a more tangible way. One notable metaphor in the play is the reference to Walter's dream as a "raisin in the sun." This metaphor captures the idea that dreams, if deferred or neglected, can wither and lose their potential.

Film Adaptation (1961): The play was adapted into a film in 1961, featuring the original Broadway cast. This film, directed by Daniel Petrie, brought the story to the big screen, allowing a wider audience to experience the powerful performances and themes of the play.
Television Adaptation (2008): In 2008, a television adaptation of "A Raisin in the Sun" was produced. This adaptation, starring Sean Combs, Phylicia Rashad, and Audra McDonald, aired on ABC and received critical acclaim for its faithful portrayal of the play's themes of racial inequality and the pursuit of dreams.
Revivals and Stage Productions: "A Raisin in the Sun" continues to be staged in theaters around the world. Notable revivals include the 2014 Broadway production starring Denzel Washington and the 2019 London production featuring a predominantly black British cast. These productions keep the play alive and relevant, allowing new generations to engage with its timeless themes and messages.

Here are some ways in which the play has made an impact:
1. Shifting African-American Narratives: Lorraine Hansberry's play challenged prevailing stereotypes and offered a nuanced portrayal of African-American life. It paved the way for more diverse and authentic representation of black experiences in literature and theater, inspiring subsequent generations of writers to explore themes of race, identity, and social justice.
2. Examining the American Dream: "A Raisin in the Sun" explores the complexities of the American Dream through the experiences of the Younger family. It raises questions about the pursuit of happiness, racial equality, and the limitations faced by marginalized communities. The play has sparked discussions and critical analysis of the American Dream and its implications for different social groups.
3. Impact on Civil Rights Movement: The play was written and first performed during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. It offered a powerful critique of racial discrimination and socioeconomic inequality, resonating with the struggles of the time. "A Raisin in the Sun" provided a platform for African-American voices and contributed to the larger movement for social justice and equal rights.

1. "A Raisin in the Sun" made history as the first play written by an African-American woman (Lorraine Hansberry) to be produced on Broadway. It premiered on March 11, 1959, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre and ran for 530 performances, receiving critical acclaim and introducing a new wave of African-American voices in American theater.
2. The original Broadway production of "A Raisin in the Sun" garnered four Tony Award nominations in 1960, including Best Play. Although it didn't win in the Best Play category, it earned the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for Ruby Dee's powerful performance as Ruth Younger, further highlighting the play's impact and the exceptional talent involved in its production.
3. "A Raisin in the Sun" has been adapted for film and television multiple times. Notably, the 1961 film adaptation featured the original Broadway cast, including Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee. In 2008, a made-for-television adaptation starred Sean Combs, Phylicia Rashad, and Audra McDonald.

A Raisin in the Sun holds immense importance as a subject for academic essays due to its profound exploration of the African-American experience and the timeless themes it tackles. The play delves into issues of racial identity, discrimination, the pursuit of dreams, and the complexities of family dynamics. By examining these themes, students can gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by African-Americans during the mid-20th century and the socio-political climate of the time.
Furthermore, A Raisin in the Sun remains relevant today, making it a rich source for critical analysis and discussion. It prompts readers to reflect on themes of self-identity, the importance of dreams, generational conflicts, and the impact of systemic racism, all of which continue to resonate in contemporary society.
Moreover, the play's historical significance as a groundbreaking work of African-American literature and theater further solidifies its importance for academic study. A Raisin in the Sun broke barriers and paved the way for subsequent generations of African-American playwrights and artists, making it a vital piece to explore in the context of cultural and literary history.

"There is always something left to love. And if you ain’t learned that, you ain’t learned nothing."
"…most of the trouble exists because people just don’t sit down and talk to each other…That we don’t try hard enough in this world to understand the other fellow’s problem. The other guy’s point of view."
"Big Walter used to say, he’d get right wet in the eyes sometimes, lean his head back with the water standing in his eyes and say, ‘Seem like God didn’t see fit to give the black man nothing but dreams - but He did give us children to make them dreams seem worth while."
"That is just what is wrong with the colored woman in this world … Don’t understand about building their men up and making ‘em feel like they somebody. Like they can do something."
"I guess that’s how come that man finally worked hisself to death like he done. Like he was fighting his own war with this here world that took his baby from him."

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2. Matthews, K. L. (2008). The Politics of “Home” in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun. Modern Drama, 51(4), 556-578. (https://moderndrama.utpjournals.press/doi/abs/10.3138/md.51.4.556)
3. Wilkerson, M. B. (1986). " A Raisin in the Sun": Anniversary of an American Classic. Theatre Journal, 38(4), 441-452. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/3208286)
4. Bernstein, R. (1999). Inventing a fishbowl: white supremacy and the critical reception of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun. Modern Drama, 42(1), 16-27. (https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/50/article/499969/summary)
5. Rose, T. (2014). Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun and the “Illegible” Politics of (Inter) personal Justice. Kalfou, 1(1). (https://tupjournals.temple.edu/index.php/kalfou/article/view/9)
6. Mafe, D. A. (2006). Black women on Broadway: the duality of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun and Ntozake Shange's for colored girls. American Drama, 15(2), 30. (https://www.proquest.com/docview/195861574?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true)
7. Chappell, M. F., & Thompson, D. R. (2000). A Raisin in the Sun: Fostering cultural connections with a classic movie. Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, 6(4), 222-235. (https://pubs.nctm.org/view/journals/mtms/6/4/article-p222.xml)
8. Haleem, H. A. (2021). From the" Other" to Matriarch: The Transcending Role of Black Women in Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun. Journal of Women Empowerment and Studies (JWES) ISSN: 2799-1253, 1(01), 32-39. (http://journal.hmjournals.com/index.php/JWES/article/view/1281)