TL;DR
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is a powerful play that explores the struggles and dreams of a Black family in 1950s Chicago, addressing issues of racism, housing discrimination, and family unity.
What is A Raisin in the Sun about
A Raisin in the Sun, written by Lorraine Hansberry, is a seminal drama that portrays the aspirations and struggles of a Black family living in the South Side of Chicago during the 1950s. The play revolves around the Younger family who, after the death of the father, stand to receive a $10,000 insurance payout. As each member of the family envisions different ways to use the money, conflicts arise, revealing deep-seated issues of race, identity, and societal expectations. Hansberry's work, inspired by Langston Hughes's poem 'Harlem,' offers a poignant exploration of deferred dreams and the resilience needed to pursue them in the face of systemic oppression. This play not only resonated with the Black community but also brought vital social issues to the forefront of American theater.
A Raisin in the Sun 6 Key Takeaways
Introduction of the Younger Family
The play begins with the Younger family awaiting a $10,000 insurance check following the death of the father, Big Walter.
Dreams and Conflicts
Each family member has different dreams for the money: Mama wants a house, Walter Lee wants to invest in a liquor store, and Beneatha wants to fund her medical school education.
Racial Tensions
The family faces racial discrimination when they plan to move into a predominantly white neighborhood, leading to conflicts within and outside of the family.
Financial Setback
Walter Lee invests in a liquor store scheme that fails, losing a significant portion of the insurance money.
Decision to Move
Despite the financial loss, the family decides to move into the new house, symbolizing their hope and resilience.
Conclusion
The play ends on a hopeful note with the Younger family ready to face future challenges together as they move into their new home.
Top A Raisin in the Sun Quotes
- "What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?"
- "We have decided to move into our house because my father—my father—he earned it for us brick by brick."
- "There is always something left to love. And if you ain't learned that, you ain't learned nothing."
Who should read A Raisin in the Sun?
A Raisin in the Sun is ideal for readers interested in social issues, particularly those relating to race, identity, and family dynamics. It offers profound insights into the Black experience in America and serves as an important cultural and historical artifact.
A Raisin in the Sun Best Reviews
- "Never before, in the entire history of the American theater, has so much of the truth of Black people's lives been seen on the stage." - James Baldwin
- "The events of every passing year add resonance to A Raisin in the Sun. It is as if history is conspiring to make the play a classic." - The New York Times
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A Raisin in the Sun FAQs
What is the main message of A Raisin in the Sun?
The main message is that while dreams may be deferred, they can still be realized through resilience, unity, and determination despite societal oppression and financial struggles.
What happens at the end of A Raisin in the Sun?
The play ends with the Younger family deciding to move into their new house, symbolizing their hope and fresh start despite the financial setbacks they have faced.