A Raisin in the Sun

Definition

A Raisin in the Sun is a groundbreaking play written by Lorraine Hansberry that premiered in 1959, focusing on the struggles of a Black family in Chicago as they aspire to improve their lives. The play explores themes such as racial discrimination, family dynamics, dreams, and identity, reflecting the socio-economic challenges faced by African Americans during the mid-20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The title of the play is inspired by the Langston Hughes poem 'Harlem,' which questions what happens to dreams deferred, suggesting they may dry up like a raisin in the sun.
2. A Raisin in the Sun was the first play written by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway, marking a significant moment in American theater history.
3. The character of Walter Lee Younger represents the struggle for identity and financial security within the constraints of systemic racism and poverty.
4. The play highlights generational conflict within the Younger family, particularly between Mama (Lena) and her children, as they have different views on how to achieve their dreams.
5. The production faced challenges regarding casting and reception due to its portrayal of African American life, but it ultimately received critical acclaim and continues to be relevant today.

Review Questions

• How does A Raisin in the Sun portray the aspirations and dreams of its characters amidst societal challenges?
  • A Raisin in the Sun showcases the aspirations of its characters through their individual dreams, such as Walter's desire for financial success and Beneatha's pursuit of education and identity. These dreams are often met with societal challenges like racism and economic hardship. The tension between their hopes and harsh realities illustrates the broader struggles faced by many African Americans during this period, making their experiences relatable and poignant.
• Discuss the significance of the character Mama (Lena) in A Raisin in the Sun and her role in shaping the family's future.
  • Mama (Lena) serves as the moral center of A Raisin in the Sun, embodying strength, resilience, and traditional values. Her desire to purchase a house represents not only a dream for better living conditions but also a legacy she wishes to pass down to her children. Mama's decisions often reflect her deep connection to her family's history and her hopes for their future, illustrating how individual actions can impact collective family dynamics amidst societal pressures.
• Evaluate how A Raisin in the Sun critiques the concept of the American Dream through its characters' experiences.
  • A Raisin in the Sun critiques the American Dream by highlighting its accessibility barriers for African Americans. While characters like Walter Lee Younger aspire to achieve economic success and social mobility, they encounter systemic racism that hinders their progress. This critique is evident in Walter's ultimate realization that wealth alone cannot define his identity or fulfillment. By showcasing these struggles, Hansberry challenges traditional notions of success and urges audiences to reconsider who is entitled to pursue the American Dream.

Related terms

Lorraine Hansberry: An African American playwright and civil rights activist, known for her work in theater and her exploration of race and gender issues.

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural movement in the 1920s and 1930s that celebrated African American art, literature, and music, laying the groundwork for later works like A Raisin in the Sun.

American Dream: The national ethos of the United States that emphasizes the ideals of democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality, which is critically examined in the play.