A Raisin in the Sun

Definition

A Raisin in the Sun is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that premiered in 1959, focusing on a struggling African American family in Chicago's South Side as they dream of better opportunities and a better life. The title is inspired by Langston Hughes' poem 'Harlem,' reflecting the deferred dreams of the characters, particularly Beneatha and Walter, who confront societal and personal obstacles in their pursuit of happiness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The play was groundbreaking as it was one of the first to depict the struggles of a black family on stage, challenging stereotypes prevalent in theater at the time.
2. Walter Lee Younger’s dream to invest in a liquor store symbolizes his desire for financial independence and frustration with systemic oppression.
3. Beneatha Younger represents a new generation of African American women seeking education and identity beyond traditional roles, reflecting feminist themes within the narrative.
4. The family's tension over the use of an insurance check highlights the differing priorities and aspirations within the family unit.
5. A Raisin in the Sun showcases themes of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams against societal limitations, making it a crucial work in understanding African American literature.

Review Questions

• How do the characters in A Raisin in the Sun represent different perspectives on the pursuit of the American Dream?
  • In A Raisin in the Sun, each character embodies distinct views on the American Dream. Walter Lee Younger sees economic success as the key to fulfillment, while Beneatha focuses on education and self-identity. Ruth's pragmatic approach highlights survival amidst struggle. Their conflicting desires create tension that reflects broader societal issues faced by African Americans in their quest for equality and success.
• Discuss how A Raisin in the Sun addresses issues of race and identity within the context of 1950s America.
  • A Raisin in the Sun tackles race and identity by portraying the Younger family's struggles against systemic racism and economic hardship in 1950s America. The play illustrates how societal expectations shape individual aspirations and identities, especially for African Americans. By highlighting personal dreams alongside societal constraints, Hansberry emphasizes the complex intersectionality of race, gender, and class in mid-century America.
• Evaluate how A Raisin in the Sun reflects broader themes of hope and resilience within African American literature.
  • A Raisin in the Sun embodies hope and resilience as it illustrates a family's determination to overcome obstacles despite systemic challenges. The characters' dreams serve as a metaphor for collective aspirations within African American literature, representing a refusal to be defined solely by oppression. Hansberry's portrayal of struggle interwoven with hope captures a crucial aspect of African American experience, inspiring future generations to continue fighting for their rights and dreams.

Related terms

Deferred Dream: A concept often associated with unfulfilled aspirations, symbolizing the struggle for identity and socio-economic advancement faced by individuals, particularly in African American literature.

African American Realism: A literary movement that portrays the authentic experiences and struggles of African Americans, focusing on themes of race, identity, and socio-economic challenges.

Civil Rights Movement: A pivotal social movement aimed at ending racial discrimination and ensuring equal rights for African Americans, which gained momentum during the 1950s and 1960s, influencing many works of literature during that time.