Why is It Called a Raisin in The Sun?

Throughout Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun, the title holds significant meaning and serves as a metaphor for the dreams, hopes, and struggles of the Younger family. The phrase "a raisin in the sun" is borrowed from Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem," which asks, "What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?" In this essay, we will explore the reasons behind the title and how it reflects the experiences of the characters in the play.

The Younger family, consisting of Lena (Mama), her son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, and their son Travis, live in a cramped apartment in Chicago's South Side. They are a working-class African American family struggling to make ends meet. The dream of a better life is what keeps them going, but their dreams are constantly deferred and challenged by the harsh realities of racism, poverty, and societal constraints.

The Symbolism of the Raisin

The raisin in the title symbolizes the dreams that have been left unfulfilled and neglected. Just like a raisin, dreams that are not pursued with passion and determination shrink and wither away. The Younger family's dreams, particularly Walter Lee's dream of owning a liquor store and Mama's dream of owning a house, are constantly at risk of being deferred and eventually lost.

Walter Lee's dream of starting his own business represents his desire to escape the limitations of his current life. He believes that becoming a successful businessman will provide him with the financial security and respect that he craves. However, his dream is constantly challenged by the racism and discrimination he faces, as well as his own internal conflicts.

Mama's dream of owning a house represents her longing for stability and a better future for her family. She believes that owning a house will not only provide them with a physical space to call their own but also symbolize their progress and success. However, her dream is also deferred by the lack of financial resources and the limited opportunities available to African Americans in the 1950s.

The Effects of Deferred Dreams

The consequences of deferred dreams are evident throughout the play. When dreams are constantly put on hold or denied, they can lead to frustration, resentment, and even self-destruction. Walter Lee's frustration with his deferred dream leads him to make poor decisions and ultimately threatens to tear the family apart.

Furthermore, the deferred dreams of the Younger family reflect the larger societal issues faced by African Americans during this time period. The play explores the systemic racism and discrimination that prevented many African Americans from achieving their dreams and hindered their progress.

Hope and Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Despite the challenges they face, the Younger family remains hopeful and resilient. They refuse to let their dreams be completely shattered and continue to fight for a better future. The title, "A Raisin in the Sun," encapsulates this sense of hope and resilience, as it suggests that even in the harshest conditions, a small glimmer of hope can still exist.

Ultimately, A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful exploration of the human spirit and the pursuit of dreams. The title serves as a reminder that dreams, like raisins, need to be nurtured and pursued with determination in order to flourish. It also highlights the importance of addressing the societal barriers that prevent individuals from achieving their dreams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the title of A Raisin in the Sun holds significant meaning and serves as a metaphor for the dreams and struggles of the Younger family. The raisin symbolizes the dreams that have been deferred and neglected, while also representing the hope and resilience that exist even in the face of adversity. By exploring the effects of deferred dreams and the importance of hope and resilience, the play highlights the larger societal issues faced by African Americans during this time period. Ultimately, A Raisin in the Sun reminds us of the importance of pursuing our dreams and addressing the barriers that prevent their fulfillment.

Bibliography:

Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Random House, 1959.

Hughes, Langston. "Harlem." The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes. New York: Vintage Books, 1995.