The Convergence of Civil Rights and Left-wing Literary Movements

The historical and literary processes of the second half of the 20th century demonstrate the merging of the civil rights movement with the left-wing literary movement, driven by critical sentiments and a deep desire for social justice. This convergence is exemplified by influential figures such as Lorraine Hansberry, a playwright and publicist who played a major role in the Black revolution (Thomas 77-78). Hansberry was a vocal opponent of possessive morality, economic oppression, and political oppression, and her works resonated with her contemporaries and millions of readers.

Hansberry's plays and journalism reflect her passionate commitment to restoring human dignity. She abhorred the pursuit of wealth, seeing it as the root of social ills in a possessive society, where individuals compromise their consciences and become complicit in the hands of the powerful. Her characters are depicted in a struggle against various realities, advocating for the fight against social evil despite personal circumstances, self-interest, and potential consequences.

In her play A Raisin in the Sun (1959), Hansberry presents her characters with a dilemma: whether to accept racist morality or to resist its blatant injustice. Compared to her previous works, this play introduces new political content and expands the range of issues explored, including individuality, politics, racial discrimination, art, business, and the fate of individuals in a bourgeois world. The way she constructs her characters also differs in this play. Each character in A Raisin in the Sun is driven by a specific purpose, and their determination defines the integrity of their personalities: "I will go home and much of what I will have to say will seem strange to the people of my village… But I will teach and work and things will happen, slowly and swiftly. At times it will seem that nothing changes at all… and then again…" (Hansberry 45).

Hansberry's contributions to black drama after World War II were exceptional. According to Sheader, she can be considered "the mother of modern black drama no less than Eugene O’Neill is the father of national drama" (36). A Raisin in the Sun, in this sense, served a similar function as Richard Wright's novel Native Son. Both Hansberry's characters and Wright's protagonists reside in Chicago's black neighborhood on the South Side, in impoverished living conditions (Perry 138). Walter Lee Younger, the protagonist of A Raisin in the Sun, shares similarities with Wright's Bigger Thomas, as they both work as chauffeurs for white men and aspire to a better life. However, Hansberry's characters belong to a different generation of African Americans who possess a strong desire for a better life and express their self-worth more boldly. It is worth noting that Hansberry's writing style is distinct from Wright's. While Wright tends to use dark and deliberately dramatic language, Hansberry's style is vibrant and infused with humor, relying on subtle psychological nuances inherent in drama.

Unlike Wright, who often starkly contrasts the worlds of blacks and whites, Hansberry depicts not only the conflicts between blacks and whites but also the internal struggles within African American families. She portrays both blacks and whites impartially, without simplification or condescending idealization. While Wright's works primarily depict blacks as victims of racism, Hansberry's characters embody the full richness of their human identities (Perry 138-149).

One of the main themes of A Raisin in the Sun is the struggle to overcome personal ambitions and the rejection of the desire to live without regard to race in a society obsessed with material success. It is interesting to note that the events of the play unfold not in the South, the stronghold of racism, but in the North, where tolerance is traditionally associated with the racial problem. The play captivates readers not only with its sharpness but also with its deep character development. The character of Walter Lee, torn between the traditional values of the black community and the values of American society that prioritize material success, as well as the character of his mother who embodies the best qualities of the black people, are particularly intriguing. Through a careful reading of A Raisin in the Sun, it becomes evident that Hansberry combines an unwavering opposition to racism in all its forms with the belief in the necessity of unity between blacks and whites in the struggle for true freedom and social justice. This idea is consistently present in both her journalism and fiction, reflecting her unwavering faith in transforming the world and her historical optimism. It is important to note that her steadfast position became particularly significant in the 1960s when the Black movement was largely influenced by nationalist sentiments (Sheader 20).

A Raisin in the Sun holds the distinction of being the first play by an African American author on Broadway to receive the New York Theater Critics Circle Award. It is also recognized as one of the greatest dramas in American theater history. The play has been translated into 35 languages and has been performed countless times around the world, making it a testament to the enduring power of Hansberry's message.

In addition to her literary contributions, Hansberry was an active participant in the civil rights movement. She was involved in various organizations and initiatives, including the NAACP and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. She used her platform as a playwright and publicist to raise awareness about racial injustice and advocate for change. Hansberry's activism and her literary work were intertwined, as she believed that art had the power to inspire and mobilize people towards social transformation.

Hansberry's influence on the left-wing literary movement of the 20th century cannot be overstated. Her works, such as A Raisin in the Sun, challenged societal norms and shed light on the experiences of African Americans in a racially divided America. Her characters grapple with complex issues and navigate the tensions between personal ambition and collective struggle. Through her vibrant and nuanced writing style, Hansberry captured the essence of the civil rights movement and offered a powerful critique of the social and economic inequalities that plagued American society.

The merging of the civil rights movement with the left-wing literary movement in the second half of the 20th century was a significant turning point in American history. This convergence brought together the power of activism and the power of art to challenge the status quo and demand justice. Lorraine Hansberry was at the forefront of this movement, using her talents as a playwright and her voice as an activist to bring about social change. Her works continue to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for equality and the power of literature to inspire and transform.