In this section you can find essay examples relating to ‘A Raisin in the Sun’, the classic play written by Lorraine Hansberry in 1959 telling the story of a black family living in Chicago, and their struggle to fulfill the American Dream. Scroll down for our ‘cliff notes’ guide to writing an essay on this play, including understanding the meaning, theme, imagery and symbolism within the play.
Many people have had many different kinds and types of values become instilled in them from their childhood when their parents taught them the difference from right and wrong and the correct way to treat one another. For me, one of the most important values in life is honesty, and further within honesty, is trust. … Read more
Martin Luther King Jr. felt strongly about wanting to integrate races together, to be one human race together. In doing this, he led many African Americans to change the way they dressed, did their hair and acted in order to assimilate. Since black people began to act more like white people, they started to see … Read more
In American culture, gender discrimination has been presented on many occasions. By analyzing A Streetcar Named Desire written by Tennessee Williams and A Raisin in the Sun written by Lorraine Hansberry, two strong cases of discrimination based on gender are brought to the surface. With A Streetcar Named Desire being produced in 1947 and A … Read more
In the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, the difficulty that the Youngers experience in their life is evident from the start. They live in an apartment that hardly fits their family and barely make enough money to pay for the necessities that come with having a family. Conflict among themselves for … Read more
Throughout Lorraine Hansberry’s, A Raisin in the Sun, the positive and negative effects of chasing the American Dream are explored. A Raisin in the Sun examines the dreams of the Younger family, as the main characters struggle to deal with the oppressive circumstances that rule their lives and impede their respective dreams. Hansberry expresses different … Read more
Like the America’s Playhouse production for television, it restores to the play two scenes unknown to the general public, and a number of other key scenes and passages staged for the first time in twenty-fifth anniversary revivals and most notably, the Roundabout Theatre’s Kennedy Center production on which the television picture is based. America’s history … Read more
Planet Earth… a world full of choices and consequences. A single choice can make a person either feel dignity or disgrace. In A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry shows readers that dignity is a struggle for people because of their race as seen through Beneatha wanting to be a doctor and nobody believing in … Read more
In Lorraine Hansberry’s play “A Raisin in the Sun,” each character harbors individual dreams that encapsulate their desires for a better life amidst the oppression and discrimination they face. The Younger family, comprising Walter, Beneatha, and Mama, all envision different paths to happiness, yet their aspirations are continually thwarted by societal barriers. Central to the … Read more
America has a diversity of cultures because people come to America from all around the world looking for better opportunity in social, educational, and religious lifestyle. The play, A Raisin in The Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, shows the struggle of the Youngers pursuing their dreams. The play takes place in 1950s which was the time … Read more
African Americans have endured persecution for centuries in the form of slavery, racism, and downright hate. In America, African Americans began enduring slavery and forced labor in the early 17th century. These social evils would only transform and evolve as African Americans were eventually liberated from slavery, but still faced with unequal rights. 20th century … Read more
Abstract Many individuals dream about many things that they one day will like to accomplish. A Raisin in the Sun really does a great job showing the different struggles that may occur when trying to live your dreams. Research actually shows that dreams can add a positive concept to our lives and they encourage us … Read more
Look at how Hansberry views success, aspirations, and the American Dream, and explain how her portrayal of these views compare to the reality of that time by examining the curiosities, repetitions, opposites, and links within them. A “Raisin In The Sun”, written by Lorraine Hansberry, is a play that is set in 1959 Chicago. Some … Read more
Creativity of Hansberry played a crucial role in the development of Negro drama since the Second World War. According to one of the researchers, the writer may be called the “mother of the modern drama of black, no less than Eugene O’Neill is the father of the national drama. In this sense,” Raisin in the … Read more
“A Raisin in the Sun” is a seminal work in American theater, written by Lorraine Hansberry and first performed in 1959. The play is a poignant exploration of the struggles of an African-American family, the Youngers, as they navigate the harsh realities of racial discrimination, financial hardship, and the quest for identity in 1950s Chicago. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the key characters, themes, plot, and setting of the play, serving as a valuable resource for students writing essays or seeking a deeper understanding of the work.
1. Walter Lee Younger Walter is the protagonist of the play. Ambitious and desperate for financial independence, he dreams of owning a liquor store to lift his family out of poverty. Walter’s character embodies the frustrations and aspirations of African-American men in a society that marginalizes them. His journey throughout the play highlights the complexities of the American Dream and the personal and familial costs of chasing it.
2. Lena Younger (Mama) Mama is the matriarch of the Younger family, representing strength, faith, and moral integrity. Her dream is to buy a house and provide a better living environment for her family. Mama’s deep sense of family and her moral compass guide her decisions, and she serves as the emotional anchor for her children.
3. Beneatha Younger Beneatha, Walter’s sister, is an intelligent and ambitious young woman who aspires to become a doctor. Her character explores themes of cultural identity and gender roles. Beneatha struggles with her dual identity as an African-American and a woman, and she seeks to connect with her African heritage through her relationship with Joseph Asagai.
4. Ruth Younger Ruth is Walter’s wife, who is practical and hardworking. She supports Walter’s dreams but is also deeply concerned about the welfare of their family. Ruth’s character illustrates the challenges faced by women in maintaining familial stability amidst economic and social pressures.
5. Travis Younger Travis is Walter and Ruth’s young son. He represents the future and the aspirations of the Younger family. His well-being and opportunities are a central concern for the family’s decisions.
6. Joseph Asagai Asagai is a Nigerian student and Beneatha’s suitor. He introduces Beneatha to African culture and ideals, challenging her to think critically about her identity and her assimilation into American society.
7. George Murchison George is Beneatha’s wealthy African-American boyfriend who represents assimilation into mainstream white culture. His character contrasts sharply with Asagai’s and provides a critique of African-Americans who forsake their heritage for social acceptance.
8. Karl Lindner Lindner is a representative of the Clybourne Park Improvement Association. He offers the Youngers money to stay out of the white neighborhood, embodying the racial prejudices and systemic barriers that the family faces.
1. The American Dream The American Dream is a central theme in the play, with each character having their own interpretation of what it means. Walter sees it as financial success and independence, while Mama equates it with owning a home and providing stability for her family. Hansberry critiques the accessibility of the American Dream for African-Americans, highlighting the systemic racism and economic barriers that obstruct their paths.
2. Identity Identity is explored through the characters’ struggles to define themselves within a society that marginalizes them. Beneatha’s journey is particularly poignant as she grapples with her cultural identity and her aspirations to break free from traditional gender roles. The play illustrates the broader African-American struggle for self-acceptance and cultural pride.
3. Family The theme of family is central to the play, emphasizing the Youngers’ reliance on one another for support and strength. The family’s unity and love are depicted as vital to their survival and resilience against external pressures. Mama’s sacrifices and Ruth’s practicality highlight the different ways family members contribute to their collective well-being.
4. Gender Roles Gender roles are scrutinized through the experiences of Mama, Ruth, and Beneatha. Mama and Ruth represent traditional female roles within the family, while Beneatha challenges these conventions with her ambitions and independence. The play critiques the limitations imposed on women and underscores the intersection of gender and racial discrimination.
5. Racial Discrimination Racial discrimination is a pervasive theme in “A Raisin in the Sun,” shaping the characters’ lives and choices. The play addresses the systemic barriers that African-Americans face, from housing discrimination to economic exploitation. Hansberry portrays the resilience and resistance of the Younger family against these injustices.
The plot of “A Raisin in the Sun” revolves around the Youngers’ anticipation and eventual receipt of a $10,000 insurance check following the death of Walter Sr. The money represents different things to each family member and becomes the catalyst for the unfolding drama.
Act I: The play opens in the Youngers’ cramped apartment, revealing the family’s financial struggles and individual dreams. Walter Lee argues with his wife, Ruth, about his plan to invest in a liquor store. Mama intends to use the insurance money to buy a house, fulfilling a long-held dream she shared with her late husband. Beneatha, meanwhile, hopes to use the money for medical school.
Act II: The family’s tensions escalate as each member’s dreams conflict. Ruth discovers she is pregnant and considers an abortion due to their financial instability. Mama buys a house in the predominantly white neighborhood of Clybourne Park, which leads to the arrival of Karl Lindner, who offers the family money to stay away. Walter loses the remaining insurance money to his deceitful friend Willy Harris, jeopardizing Beneatha’s education and the family’s future.
Act III: The family grapples with the fallout from Walter’s loss. Beneatha’s disillusionment with her brother and her future is palpable. However, Walter redeems himself by rejecting Lindner’s offer, affirming the family’s dignity and resolve. The play ends on a hopeful note as the Youngers prepare to move into their new home, symbolizing their resilience and determination to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles.
The play is set in the Youngers’ small, dilapidated apartment on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s. The setting reflects the socioeconomic conditions of many African-American families during this period, highlighting the spatial and economic constraints they faced. The apartment’s limited space and worn-out furnishings symbolize the family’s struggles and their aspirations for a better life.
1. Mama’s Plant Mama’s plant is a powerful symbol of her care and hope for her family. Despite its withered appearance, she nurtures it with unwavering dedication, symbolizing her resilience and optimism. The plant represents the family’s deferred dreams and Mama’s belief in their eventual fulfillment.
2. The Insurance Check The $10,000 insurance check is a symbol of hope and opportunity. It also represents the legacy of Walter Sr.’s hard work and the sacrifices he made for his family. The check becomes a focal point for the characters’ dreams and the source of their conflicts.
3. The House in Clybourne Park The house Mama buys in the white neighborhood symbolizes the promise of a better future and the fight against racial segregation. It stands as a testament to the family’s courage and determination to claim their place in society despite systemic barriers.
4. Beneatha’s Hair Beneatha’s decision to cut her hair and wear it naturally signifies her embrace of African heritage and rejection of assimilation into white culture. Her hair becomes a symbol of identity and pride in her cultural roots.
Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” is a groundbreaking work that addresses the complexities of African-American life with sensitivity and depth. Through its richly developed characters and realistic portrayal of their struggles, the play offers a powerful critique of the American Dream and the social inequities that persist in American society.
Character Development: Each character in the play is meticulously crafted, with their dreams and flaws laid bare. Walter’s journey from desperation to self-realization, Beneatha’s quest for identity, and Mama’s steadfast dedication to her family are portrayed with nuance and empathy. The interplay of these characters’ aspirations and the resulting conflicts drive the narrative forward.
Themes: Hansberry deftly weaves together themes of racial discrimination, family, identity, and gender roles. The play’s exploration of these themes remains relevant today, as it addresses the ongoing struggles for equality and justice. Hansberry’s critique of the American Dream is particularly poignant, highlighting the barriers that prevent marginalized groups from achieving it.
Dialogue and Language: The dialogue in “A Raisin in the Sun” is naturalistic and reflective of the characters’ backgrounds and personalities. Hansberry’s use of language captures the rhythms and cadences of African-American speech, adding authenticity to the characters’ interactions. The play’s language also conveys the emotional intensity of the characters’ experiences, from moments of despair to acts of defiance.
Social Commentary: Hansberry’s play is a powerful social commentary on the racial and economic injustices of mid-20th-century America. By focusing on the experiences of a single family, she sheds light on the broader systemic issues that affect African-Americans. The play’s depiction of housing discrimination, for example, highlights the pervasive racism that confined Black families to impoverished neighborhoods and limited their opportunities for upward mobility.
“A Raisin in the Sun” is a timeless work that continues to resonate with audiences for its honest and moving portrayal of an African-American family’s pursuit of the American Dream. Through its compelling characters and exploration of universal themes, the play offers valuable insights into the human condition and the enduring struggle for justice and equality. For students writing essays on the play, this comprehensive guide provides a detailed analysis of the key elements that make “A Raisin in the Sun” a landmark in American theater.
