Life presents us with moments of disappointment, where our expectations are not met and our desires go unfulfilled. It is during these trying times that our true character is put to the test. Lorraine Hansberry's 1959 play, "A Raisin in the Sun," is set in 1950s America, a time of social upheaval and racial tension following the Great Depression. Through the story of the Younger family, the play delves into a variety of social issues, including racism, marriage, poverty, education, family dynamics, abortion, and social mobility. It was a groundbreaking piece of work for its time, featuring complex and serious African-American characters struggling with their own dreams and failures. One of the central questions of the play is how we respond when our dreams are put on hold or shattered. The title of this powerful drama was inspired by the renowned Langston Hughes poem, "Harlem" (1951), which vividly explores the consequences of unfulfilled dreams through powerful imagery and a thought-provoking rhetorical question.
In "Harlem," Hughes uses similes to illustrate the fate of dreams that have been abandoned and left to wither. He compares them to a raisin in the sun - shriveled and devoid of vitality. The poem also presents a series of unpleasant scenarios, describing dreams as festering like a sore, stinking like rotten meat, or sagging like a heavy load, to convey the feelings of disappointment and hopelessness that come with unfulfilled dreams. The final line, a powerful question - "Or does it explode?" - highlights the destructive potential of deferred dreams.
"A Raisin in the Sun" is set in 1950s America, a time when societal norms and expectations were rigidly enforced, especially for marginalized groups like women and African-Americans. The play follows the Younger family, who are mourning the loss of their father and facing the challenges of life as African-Americans in a society filled with discrimination and prejudice. Prior to "A Raisin in the Sun," African-American characters in theater were often one-dimensional and portrayed in a comedic manner. Hansberry's work challenged this narrative, creating multi-dimensional characters who struggle with their own racial identity in the face of societal pressure.
The play also touches on the varying responses to oppression within the African-American community. While some, like the character of Walter-Lee, advocate for violent resistance, others, such as civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., believe in the power of non-violent activism to bring about change.
Hansberry's personal experiences undoubtedly influenced the themes of the play. Her father, a real estate developer, used a significant portion of the family's savings to purchase a house in a predominantly white neighborhood. This decision sparked a three-year-long battle in the Supreme Court, with the support of the NAACP, against the discrimination and hostility the family faced in their new home. Hansberry's mother even resorted to keeping a gun to protect her family from harm.
In summary, "A Raisin in the Sun" is a powerful drama that explores the struggles and aspirations of an African-American family in 1950s America. It challenges societal norms and expectations and delves into the consequences of unfulfilled dreams. The title, inspired by Langston Hughes' poignant poem, embodies the play's central theme of the impact of deferred dreams.
The play follows the Younger family as they navigate their cramped living conditions and financial struggles on the Southside of Chicago in the late 1950s. The main plot centers around Walter's risky decision to invest his deceased father's insurance money, while a subplot follows his wife Ruth as she considers abortion due to their dire living situation. The setting of "A Raisin in the Sun" is the Youngers' small two-bedroom apartment, where the matriarch, Mama, shares a room with her daughter Beneatha, and Walter and Ruth share the other bedroom, while their son Travis sleeps on the living room couch. The family's cramped living space reflects their economic struggles, which are further compounded by the lingering effects of the Great Depression.
The untimely death of Mama's husband has left the Younger family eagerly anticipating his life insurance money. However, each member of the family has their own aspirations and plans for the money, causing conflicts within the family as they navigate a post-Depression society.
What sets "A Raisin in the Sun" apart is its portrayal of an all-African American cast at the center of a dramatic story, with characters that are authentic, powerful, and true to life. The dynamics and roles of the characters within the family are crucial in understanding the play's central themes. Big Walter, the deceased patriarch, is the father of Walter and Beneatha and Mama's husband. His passing forces the family to confront their loss and come to a consensus on how to use his life insurance money.
Mama, also known as Lena, is the mother figure in the family and is struggling to cope with the loss of her husband. She is a devout woman with strong morals, who believes that owning a home with a backyard is a symbol of stability. Mama wants to use the insurance money to buy a better home for her family in an all-white neighborhood, but her idea creates tension within the family.
Walter, the play's protagonist, works as a chauffeur but dreams of becoming wealthy. He is often overwhelmed by the family's financial struggles and feels trapped in his low-paying job. Walter's ultimate goal is to open his own liquor store, which he sees as a means to success and financial stability.
Beneatha, Walter's younger sister, is a 20-year-old college student and the most educated member of the family. She represents the changing mentality of the younger, more educated African American generation and often clashes with her mother's traditional beliefs. Beneatha's dream is to become a doctor, but she struggles to balance her education with her cultural identity.
Ruth, Walter's wife, is a devoted mother and wife who works tirelessly to support her family. She has a good relationship with everyone in the apartment, but her marriage with Walter is strained. Her struggles have aged her beyond her years, but she remains a resilient and compassionate woman.
The word "ruth" may not be commonly used today, but it means to have empathy and feel sorrow for one's own mistakes. This definition is reflected in Ruth's character, as she displays compassion for others while dealing with her own challenges. "A Raisin in the Sun" is a powerful depiction of an African American family's struggle to find their place in a society still recovering from the Great Depression.
The Younger family is made up of diverse and multidimensional characters, each representing a unique perspective and experience. Travis Younger, the youngest member of the family, symbolizes innocence and the hope for a better life. He is understanding and enjoys playing with the neighborhood children while also helping his family by carrying grocery bags for shoppers at the grocer.
Joseph Asagai, a Nigerian student, takes pride in his African heritage and is in love with Beneatha. He frequently visits her in the apartment and serves as her guide to learn about her roots. He proposes to Beneatha and invites her to return to Nigeria with him to become a doctor and practice there.
George Muchison, a wealthy African American man, is interested in Beneatha. Although Beneatha is critical of his embrace of white culture, the rest of the Younger family approves of him because of his potential to give her a better life. He serves as a foil character to Joseph Asagai, representing the contrasting ideologies that African Americans grapple with.
Bobo, Walter's acquaintance, aspires to become Walter's business partner. He is a flat character, lacking depth and development. Bobo's lack of intelligence is evident in his actions.
Willy Harris is a con-man who masquerades as a friend to Walter and Bobo. Despite not making an appearance on stage, he orchestrates the business arrangement and profits from the men.
Mrs. Johnson, the Younger family's neighbor, warns them about the challenges they may encounter in a predominantly white neighborhood.
Karl Lindner is the only non-African American character in the play, portraying the residents of Clybourne Park, the neighborhood where the Youngers plan to move. He offers them a deal to dissuade them from moving into his neighborhood, emphasizing the theme of racial tensions.
"A Raisin in the Sun" delves into the Younger family's pursuit of their dreams and the hurdles they face along the way.
"A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry explores the struggles and triumphs of the Younger family as they navigate through racism, difficult financial choices, and their own dreams and aspirations.
One of the central themes of the play is the power of dreams. The Youngers face their fair share of challenges, but their dreams give them hope and the determination to keep going. This is seen in Mama's dream of owning a home for her family, which becomes a unifying force for the Youngers and ultimately leads to a better life for them.
The play also highlights the importance of family. Despite their constant bickering and disagreements, the Younger family ultimately comes together through the guidance of their matriarch, Mama. She reminds them that their worth and honor as a family should not be measured by material possessions, but rather through their culture and heritage.
The following quotes offer insight into the themes of "A Raisin in the Sun".
"[M]oney is life." - Walter (Act I, Scene ii)
Walter's quote highlights his belief that money is the key to happiness and freedom. However, Mama reminds him that their struggles as African-Americans are more significant than his financial concerns. This also shows the generational differences between Mama and Walter, with Mama valuing basic freedoms and health, while Walter's idea of freedom is based on financial and social status.
The character of Walter is driven by his desire for wealth and financial stability, believing it will bring him the respect and freedom he craves. However, Mama reminds him that their family's worth cannot be measured by material possessions, and their pride and heritage are priceless.
In Act III, scene i, the Youngers face a difficult decision when offered money by a white man named Lindner to not move into a white neighborhood. Despite Walter's temptation to take the offer, Mama reminds him of the importance of honoring their family and culture above material possessions. She emphasizes that no amount of money can diminish their value as human beings.
The title of the play, "A Raisin in the Sun," comes from a poem by Langston Hughes called "Harlem." The poem compares deferred dreams to a raisin drying up in the sun, creating strong imagery that reinforces the idea that dreams and aspirations are essential to one's identity and should never be ignored or sacrificed.
"A Raisin in the Sun" teaches us the value of our dreams and heritage, and the consequences of giving up on them. It also sheds light on the damaging effects of racial injustice and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
In the play, Walter makes a bad investment with a con man named Willy, resulting in the loss of the family's money. This serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to be wary of opportunities that promise wealth and success, as they may not always be legitimate.
While "A Raisin in the Sun" is a work of fiction, its themes and messages are grounded in reality, making it a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature. It serves as a reminder to value our families, cultures, and dreams above material desires and to never let anyone diminish our worth.
