a raisin in the sun essay introduction

A Raisin in The Sun

Introduction to a raisin in the sun.

A Raisin in The Sun is a popular play by Lorraine Hansberry . It was performed for the first time in 1959. Hansberry has borrowed the title from a popular poem by Langston Hughes , “ Harlem .” The play revolves around an African American family living in Chicago who wants to bring improvement in its status through the insurance that their widowed mother, Lena Younger, is going to receive after her husband’s death. All the family members are dreaming of having a better lifestyle after having this amount, but their dreams ended in smoke when the money seems to have gone as easily as it has come.

Summary of A Raisin in The Sun

The play presents the story of a few weeks from the life of the Youngers family, an African American family living in the poor neighborhood of Chicago’s Southern area during the 50s. The play starts with the Youngers discussing how to spend the money they are going to receive from an insurance company after the death of their patriarch. The total amount of the policy is $10,000 to be received through a check. As the money is expected to arrive, all the family members are presenting their individual ideas on how to spend the money carefully not to let it go wasted. Each one of them has an idea. Mama, Lena, the mother of the Youngers, knows the importance of a house, the reason that she insists that they must purchase a house in some good neighborhood.

However, Walter Lee, the male member of the family has his own plans; he wants to make an investment in the liquor business with the partnership of his friend Bobo and Willy, the street- smarts . His optimism about the success of his investment has made him gleeful so much so that he hoodwinks the family by giving the money to Willy for the liquor store investment in his hope to reveal it later when he succeeds. Despite his optimism, he is unable to convince even his own wife who conjoins his mother in having a house of their own. Also, Mama disagrees with the plan because it is against religion. However, she gives the rest of the money to Walter for the business investment on the condition of reserving three thousand dollars for her daughter’s education.

During these two supposedly relieving plans, the female member, Beneatha, Walter’s sister has her own plan of pulling the family out of this mess through the money she wants to use in her medical education. She is the representation of ‘new woman’ as against the traditional opinion of a female character . Like her name, everyone is beneath her . She was self-centered at the beginning of the playmaking the family sacrifices their desires to accommodate her expensive hobbies, which keep changing from time to time. Her love interests George Murchison, and Joseph Asagai influences her life choices . George was a wealthy black man who tries to ignore the accomplishments of black people and fit into this white-dominated society and a narcissist who shows off in front of Beneatha by talking about intellectual concepts.

Whereas Joseph, a Yoruba student teaches Beneatha the rich culture and heritage of her ancestors in Africa and embraces her identity as a black woman. He later proposes to marry him and go back to Nigeria and continue her medical practice. Beneatha thinks that as the family does not desire to join the world ruled by the white, she resorts to her identity recognition by recalling African heritage at the end of the play.

The competing dreams of the Younger family members make them unable to reconcile with each other. Meanwhile, Ruth , the wife of Walter Lee, comes to know about her pregnancy that she thinks would add to the family’s financial woes. When both husband and wife are considering the abortion, Mama, the matriarchal figure of the house, pays down payment for the purchase of the house. Her idea of having their own residence in Clybourne Park may help the family pull out of poverty . On the other hand, the local people send their representation, Mr. Lindner with an offer for them to stay away from the area by giving them money. This house is located in Clybourne Park, an entirely white neighborhood. When the Youngers refuse, Walter faces the stark reality of losing his investment through his friend, Willy Haris, who has run away with his money. Albeit, the family learns that they lost the money to Willy they refuse to take money from Mr. Linder.

Beneatha also adds to the family problems by rejecting George Murchison and accepting Joseph Asagai who wants her to complete her medical education first. During the breakup with Beneatha, George says that he didn’t show interest in her because they could talk about ‘quiet desperation. Although the family moves to the new house, the future is not safe but they are optimistic about staying united to win success and live a better life.

Major Themes in A Raisin in The Sun  

• The American Dream: The play shows the theme of the American Dream through the Younger family. Each member of the family has a unique dream that they want to materialize with the insurance money of their patriarch. However, the best dream any of them has is of Mama who thinks that having a good house in a decent, white locality would provide a better future to the next generation. Walter’s dream of having a good liquor store, too, is an American Dream, though, it is another thing that he trusts his partner who runs away with it. Similarly, Beneatha’s dream of having a medical degree could be associated with an individual American Dream. However, it is Mama’s American Dream in which lies the dream of everyone; a better house in a better neighborhood, the reason that Walter flatly refuses to budge from his stand later when facing Mr. Lindner.
• Female Identity: The play presents three towering feminine figures in the play; Mama, who is heading the family after the death of her husband and has a claim over her husband’s insurance money, her daughter Beneatha who sees the family future in her own prospect as a medical professional and Ruth, her daughter-in-law who sees the future of her children. All three of them strive against the patriarchal figure of Walter Lee who dreams of becoming a good investor by investing the insurance money in the liquor business with his partner. Although he wastes the money, Mama’s idea of having a house of their own rules supreme in the end. Beneatha also takes the lead by turning away Murchison and challenges Walter’s narrow-mindedness.
• Masculinity: The play shows the theme of masculinity in the debilitating role of Walter Lee when he shirks from his responsibility of taking the lead and helping the family stand up to face the prejudice prevalent in Chicago and economic challenges. Instead, he squanders away the money of his father’s insurance, he feels that his dream of sending his son to college and purchasing a Cadillac were just wishful thinking of a young man. He comes to the point and ultimately rejects Mr. Lindner’s offer of leaving the neighborhood to find some other place for their house for which her mother has already paid.
• African Identity: The theme of African identity in the play, A Raisin in the Sun, is obvious, for it is a play of the Youngers, an African American family, facing prejudice on fulfilling their Mama’s desire of having a house in the white neighborhood. Even before they shift, Mr. Lindner comes to warn them to stay away and makes an offer. This prejudice reminds the Youngers of their background. The arrival of Asagai and Beneatha’s love for him makes it more prominent when she becomes too eager to learn about African heritage.
• Class Differences: The theme of class differences is accentuated when Mama advises all her children that getting a house in the white neighborhood in the city of Chicago is their key to the future. However, Mr. Lindner’s arrival shows them the reality that they can get more money by not raising their status which, in his words, is not moving to their locality. This class difference, in the words of Mr. Lindner, would cause rift and unease in their neighborhood that they do not want. However, the final refusal of Walter Lee is rather an intransigence when the Youngers see this difference as an obstacle to their efforts for their future improvements.
• Significance of Family: The theme of the significance of family has been shown through Mama’s taking lead in thinking that a permanent place at good locality would rather lead to family’s better future than the success of each individual, though it could be that Walter Lee’s investment could also lead to the same success. However, Walter Lee’s stupidity of trusting every individual without consulting the collective family wisdom leads him to squander money rather quickly. The same goes for Beneatha’s case as she is also thinking on individual lines for her medical success only, for if she succeeds it is only her success, while in Mama’s success lies the success of every individual on account of her centrality in the household.
• Marginalization of African Americans: Before the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans were not seen as equals. Mama sees her efforts after receiving her husband’s insurance coming to fruition. However, she is unaware of the strength of the hatred of the white community that it could be strong enough to hinder their move to a better neighborhood. The final intransigence to Mr. Lindner’s suggestion after some thoughts to his lucrative offer in return for their decision of not moving invites second thought of refusal from Walter Lee. It is because he sees it as an effort of marginalization of their family on the basis of racial difference.
• Hopes and Aspirations: The play shows the theme of hopes and aspirations in the dreams of the Youngers. Every Younger individual harbor a dream ; Mama’s dream of having a house in a good neighborhood, Walter Lee’s dream of having a good business to uplift their status, and Beneatha’s dream of having a medical degree. But the fulfillment of the hopes and aspirations of all the Youngers depends on the insurance money. Once it is squandered by Walter Lee, all of them face frustration and disappointment.
• Pride: The theme of pride rules supreme in the play in that the Youngers have little else to lose except their pride. Therefore, when it comes to their pride in having a house, they furiously turn to intransigence toward Mr. Lindner for making them stay away from the locality.
• Lack of Communication: The theme of communication is significant as every individual in the Younger household is unable to communicate what they want to do. Although Walter Lee takes the lead, he also knows that Mama, Beneatha, and even his wife Ruth have failed to understand his investment. This is a lack of communication that none of them could talk or understand each other’s plans or desires.

Major Characters of A Raisin in The Sun

• Walter Lee Younger: Walter Lee Younger is the only patriarch in the family and also the only person to have tried to materialize his dream though without any tangible success. Son of Mama and her late husband, Walter is married to Ruth with two children. His driving job is assisting the family to make both ends meet, while Beneatha is only a helping hand. His only aspiration is to start his business as a liquor store that would grow and change the family fortune. However, his unpredictable behavior causes the loss of business in which his friend, Willy, steals the invested money, and the only hope of the family of having a patriarch leading the way ends up in smoke.
• Lena Younger (Mama): Mama, the dominating matriarchal figure of the family, is Lena Younger, whose husband, Walter senior, has recently died, leaving for his family a good sum of $10,000 of his insurance policy. Mama’s sanguinity lies in thinking about having a proper house in some good locality that could improve the family fortune. The sanguinity of her suggestion and then the payment of the down payment show significance when Walter Lee sees his money gone with his friend who has fled. Her wisdom has saved them from total failure, and they have something to take a stand against Mr. Lindner’s unjust offer.
• Beneatha Younger: Beneatha Younger is the modern face of the Younger family having innovating thinking and a new philosophical approach toward her own race. She thinks that her medical education could pull the family out of this mess. Her rigors on her speech improvement show its results in her talkativeness. She discusses philosophical ideas of religion, class, race, and education with her fiancé as well as family members. Yet, her American Dream of improving her career seems to be selfish and individualistic.
• Ruth Younger: Ruth is a source of the future generation as Travis’s mother and the wife of Walter Lee. Living in a constant tension of improvised living and poverty has taken years from her life, making her old before her time. Working constantly has kept her busy for a decade yet she does not complain and constantly nudges Walter to do more for their son.
• Joseph Asagai: Asagai is not only the fiancé of Beneatha but he also seems to be her philosophical mentor who fills her mind with new ideas about their rich heritage and racial privilege. His Nigerian roots have made him proud of his race, forcing him to realize Beneatha that she is not from the inferior race. He desires to take her to Nigeria after their marriage.
• George Murchison: Although not superior to Asagai, Murchison is another suiter of Beneatha who constantly courts her and succeeds, too. However, his willingness to be subservient to the white culture does not impress Beneatha much on account of his competitive rather than collaborative approach to life.
• Travis Younger: As the only male child in the household, Travis is suffering from the slackness and stupidity of his father, Walter Lee, who does not have good work and a career. He has had to work to earn money besides playing with the neighboring children. His household life is restricted to the sofa in that dingy, little apartment.
• Mr. Karl Lindner: Mr. Lindner represents not only the white community but also the white thinking about the African American community. His coaxingly threatening warnings fall flat when he confronts Walter and Mama. Although his offer sways his opinion at home, Walter, later, stands up to face him, rejecting his offer.
• Willy Harris: Although Willy Harris is Walter’s friend, he does not appear on the stage and only gets mentioned when he starts a liquor business or runs away with the money.
• Mrs. Johnson: A neighborhood lady, Mrs. Johnson’s significance in the play lies in her persuasion of the family for not leaving the neighborhood.

Writing Style of A Raisin in The Sun

A Raisin in the Sun is written by Lorraine Hansberry. She used the dialect of the African American community that is not only distinct but also pure. The characters speak in their domestic setting and individual style as Beneatha and Asagai show their superior and formal education even in everyday conversation, while Mama, Mrs. Johnson, and Ruth demonstrate their crude language. The diction and tone of the play, too, suit the community, neighborhood as well as main audience . Lorraine mostly turns to irony , sarcasm , and other devices of figurative language to make her dialogs effective.

Analysis of the Literary Devices in A Raisin in The Sun

• Action: The main action of the play comprises the American Dream of the Youngers that they are going to realize on an individual level from the insurance money they are going to get after the death of the patriarch. The rising action occurs when Ruth Walter comes to know about her pregnancy and the falling action occurs when Walter Lee comes to know that his money is gone.
• Anaphora : The play shows examples of anaphora such as, i. Anybody who talks to me has got to be a good-for-nothing loudmouth, ain’t he? And what you know about who is just a good-for-nothing loudmouth? Charlie Atkins was just a “good-for-nothing loudmouth” too, wasn’t he! When he wanted me to go in the dry-cleaning business with him. And now —he’s grossing a hundred thousand a year (Act-I) ii. you just sip your coffee, see, and say easy like that you been thinking ’bout that deal Walter Lee is so interested in, ’bout the store and all, and sip some more coffee, like what you saying ain’t really that important to you— And the next thing you know, she be listening good and asking you questions and when I come home —I can tell her the details. This ain’t no ɻy-by- night proposition, baby. I mean we ɹgured it out, me and Willy and Bobo. iii. You ain’t looked at it and you don’t aim to have to speak on that again? You ain’t even looked at it and you have decided— (Act-II) The examples show the repetitious use of “good-for-nothing”, “sit your coffee” and “You ain’t.”
• Allusion : The play shows good use of different allusions as given in the below examples, i. Asagai—Joseph Asagai. He’s an African boy I met on campus. He’s been studying in Canada all summer. (Act-I) ii. I am from the Clybourne ParkImprovement Association and we have had it brought to our attention at the last meeting that you people—or at least your mother—has bought a piece of residential property at. (Act-II) iii. BENEATHA George Murchison! I wouldn’t marry him if he was Adam and I was Eve! (Act-III) The first example shows the reference to a region, the second to a place in Chicago, and the third to Adam and Eve.
• Antagonist : Walter Lee Younger is the antagonist as well as the protagonist of the play. It is because he not only squanders the money but also becomes a responsible patriarch by the end of the play after he refuses Mr. Lindner’s offer.
• Conflict : The play shows both external and internal conflicts. The external conflict is going on between the Youngers and the economic situation including the white dominance, while the internal conflict is going on in Walter Lee’s mind about his responsibility and his attitude .
• Characters: The play, A Raisin in The Sun, shows both static as well as dynamic characters . Lena Younger and Walter Lee both are dynamic characters as they show a considerable transformation in their behavior and conduct by the end of the play. However, all other characters are static as they do not show or witness any transformation such as Mrs. Johnson, Beneatha, Ruth, Lindner, and even Asagai.
• Climax : The climax in the play occurs when Bobo arrives to inform the Youngers that Willy has run away with their invested money.
• Epigraph : The play shows the use of the epigraph as given in the example below, i. What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a rose – And then run? Does it sink like rotten meat Or crust and sugar over – Like a syrupy sweet? This short extract from the poem of Langston Hughes shows the use of an epigraph.
• Foreshadowing : The play shows many instances of foreshadows as given below, i. You mean you didn’t read ’bout them colored people that was bombed out their place out there. (Act-I) The mention of colored and bombed shows the situation that the Youngers are going to face in the area where they move.
• Hyperbole : The play shows various examples of hyperboles such as, i. So you would rather be Mr. Arnold than be his chauʃeur. So—I would rather be living in Buckingham Palace. (Act-I) ii. I seen one marching out of there like Napoleon yesterday. (Act-I) Both of these examples exaggerate things as Walter cannot be Arnold nor can he live in Buckingham Palace. Also, nobody can be Napoleon.
• Imagery : Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses. For example, i. It is morning dark in the living room, TRAVIS is asleep on the make-down bed at center. An alarm clock sounds from within the bedroom at right, and presently RUTH enters from that room and closes the door behind her. She crosses sleepily toward the window. As she passes her sleeping son she reaches down and shakes him a little. At the window she raises the shade and a dusky Southside morning light comes in feebly. She calls a pot with water and puts it on to boil. She calls to the boy, between yawns, in a slightly muffled voice . (Act-I) ii. She cannot help speaking directly to him. An imploring quality in her voice , her manner, makes her almost like a girl now. (II) These two examples show images of light, color, movement, and sound shown in the instructions of the play.
• Irony : The play shows the use of irony when Bobo comes to the Youngers to inform them that Willy has run away with the money, a fact that the audiences are already aware of but the Youngers are not.
• Metaphor : A Raisin in The Sun shows good use of various metaphors as given in the examples below, i. So you would rather be Mr. Arnold than be his chauʃeur. So—I would rather be living in Buckingham Palace. (Act-I) ii. So you butchered up a dream of mine—you—who always talking ’bout your children’s dreams …. (Act-II) iii. You mean you ain’t read ’bout them colored people that was bombed out their place out there?. (Act-II) These examples show that several things have been compared directly in the novel such as the first shows comparing her husband to Mr. Arnold, the second shows comparing Mama to a butcher, and the third shows white people as soldiers throwing bombs at the colored people.
• Mood : The play, A Raisin in The Sun , shows various moods; it starts with quite a realistic and bitter mood but becomes highly sarcastic and critical with the passage of time until it reaches its end which is depressive and serious.
• Motif : Most important motifs of the play are music, money, Beneatha’s hair, and house.
• Protagonist : Walter Lee is the protagonist of the play, A Raisin in The Sun. The reason is that it is he who shows his patriarchal responsibility by the end despite losing money.
• Setting : The setting of the play, A Raisin in The Sun , is the poor neighborhood of the South Side of Chicago.
• Simile : The play shows good use of various similes as given in the examples below, i. About to march out of here with that head looking just like chickens slept in it. (Act-I) ii. I always thinks like Booker T. Washington said that time— “Education has spoiled many a good plow hand”—. (Act-II) iii. Walter Lee, fix your tie and tuck your shirt in, you look like somebody’s hoodlum! (Act-III) These are similes as the use of the word “like” shows the comparison between different things. For example, the first one shows this comparison between the head and the coop, and then between Walter and Washington, and then between Walter’s appearance and that of hoodlums.

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A Raisin in the Sun Essay

This is an essay over a Raisin in the Sun. It can be used as a one-class exam (with students preparing a notecard in advance) or it can be an essay written over a few days. The essay is over the lessons A Raisin in the Sun teaches. 

This essay may be done over a couple of days or it may be a one-period essay exam. 

If it is an essay exam done over one period (or a limited time frame), I let students prepare a notecard in advance to use when they write their paper. 

Raisin in the Sun Essay Rubric

It is recommended that students turn in their completed essays to turnitin.com.

TOTAL POINTS _______/200

A Raisin in the Sun

Lorraine hansberry, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

In 1959 much of the United States, including Chicago, remained de facto segregated, meaning that racial segregation persisted in education, employment, and housing even though the Supreme Court had overturned segregation that was established by law as unconstitutional. Set in de facto segregated Chicago, Hansberry’s play draws on stories from the author’s own life, such as her family’s experience with housing discrimination in 1930s Chicago. After moving to a house in an all-white neighborhood, Hansberry’s family endured legal battles and physical threats not unlike the “bombs” that Walter , Ruth , and Mrs. Johnson reference in the play. Despite the suggestion by Karl Lindner that “race prejudice simply doesn't enter into” Clybourne Park’s offer to buy back the Youngers’ home, he hints at the very real dangers that accompany the family’s decision to relocate to a white neighborhood.

Certain characters in the play, such as George Murchison , address persistent racial discrimination by directing their efforts toward assimilation, whereby one integrates into the mainstream of society. Beneatha , declaring that she “hate[s] assimilationist Negroes,” condemns George as “ashamed of his heritage” when he initially scoffs at her close-cut, “natural” hair . George retorts that the “heritage” in which Beneatha takes such pride is “nothing but a bunch of raggedy-assed spirituals and some grass huts!” With this argument, Hansberry gives voice to the varied opinions of African-American thinkers, such as Booker T. Washington (who argued in favor of gradual assimilation of African Americans) and Marcus Garvey (who championed pride in African heritage and called for African Americans to return to Africa).

In the same vein as Garvey, Hansberry explores the idea of Africa as a home for African Americans, a view most clearly articulated by Joseph Asagai , a Nigerian student. Following the loss of Walter’s investment Asagai suggests that a disheartened Beneatha “come home with me . . . to Africa.” Asagai’s suggestion that Beneatha move to Nigeria with him to explore her African roots reflected the surge in African studies that gained momentum in the late 1950s. While Beneatha shows genuine interest in her African heritage, she does not answer Asagai’s proposal within the context of the play, hinting that she may not go so far as to think of Africa as her “home.”

Race, Discrimination, and Assimilation ThemeTracker

Race, Discrimination, and Assimilation Quotes in A Raisin in the Sun

That is just what is wrong with the colored women in this world . . . Don’t understand about building their men up and making ‘em feel like they somebody. Like they can do something.

Asagai: You wear it well . . . very well . . . mutilated hair and all. Beneatha: My hair – what’s wrong with my hair? Asagai: Were you born with it like that? Beneatha: No . . . of course not.

Mama: Oh – So now it’s life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life – now it’s money. I guess the world really do change . . . Walter: No – it was always money, Mama. We just didn’t know about it. Mama: No . . . something has changed. You something new, boy. In my time we was worried about not being lynched and getting to the North if we could and how to stay alive and still have a pinch of dignity too . . .

Oh, dear, dear, dear! Here we go! A lecture on the African past! On our Great West African Heritage! In one second we will hear all about the great Ashanti empires; the great Songhay civilizations; and the great sculpture of Bénin – and then some poetry in the Bantu – and the whole monologue will end with the word heritage ! Let’s face it, baby, your heritage is nothing but a bunch of raggedy-assed spirituals and some grass huts!

I say I been wrong, son. That I been doing to you what the rest of the world been doing to you. Walter – what you ain’t never understood is that I ain’t got nothing, don’t own nothing, ain’t never really wanted nothing that wasn’t for you. . . . There ain’t nothing worth holding on to, money, dreams, nothing else – if it means – if it means it’s going to destroy my boy. . . . I’m telling you to be the head of this family from now on like you supposed to be.

But you’ve got to admit that a man, right or wrong, has the right to want to have a neighborhood he lives in a certain kind of way. And at the moment the overwhelming majority of our people out there feel that people get along better, take more of a common interest in the life of the community, when they share a common background. I want you to believe me when I tell you that race prejudice simply doesn’t enter into it. It is a matter of the people of Clybourne Park believing, rightly or wrongly, as I say, that for the happiness of all concerned that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities.

Independence and then what? What about all the crooks and thieves and just plain idiots who will come into power and steal and plunder the same as before – only now they will be black and do it in the name of the new Independence – WHAT ABOUT THEM?!

Don’t you see that they will be young men and women – not British soldiers then, but my own black countrymen – to step out of the shadows some evening and slit my then useless throat? Don’t you see they have always been there . . . that they will always be. And that such a thing as my own death will be an advance?

Talking ‘bout life, Mama. . . . Mama, you know it’s all divided up. Life is. Sure enough. Between the takers and the “tooken.” I’ve figured it out finally. Yeah. Some of us always getting “tooken.”

Son – I come from five generations of people who was slaves and sharecroppers – but ain’t nobody in my family never let nobody pay ‘em no money that was a way of telling us we wasn’t fit to walk the earth. We ain’t never been that poor. We ain’t never been that – dead inside.

Have you cried for that boy today? I don’t mean for yourself and for the family ‘cause we lost the money. I mean for him: what he been through and what it done to him. Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most? When they done good and made things easy for everybody? Well then, you ain’t through learning – because that ain’t the time at all. It’s when he’s at his lowest and can’t believe in hisself ‘cause the world done whipped him so!

And we have decided to move into our house because my father – my father – he earned it for us brick by brick. We don’t want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no causes, and we will try to be good neighbors. And that’s all we got to say about that. We don’t want your money.

104 A Raisin in the Sun Essay Topics & Examples

Below, see A Raisin in the Sun essay topics collected by our team . Use these original titles to examine the themes of poverty and the American dream.

🏆 Best A Raisin in the Sun Essay Topics & Examples

📌 simple & easy essay topics for a raisin in the sun, 🔖 most interesting a raisin in the sun essay prompt, ❓ a raisin in the sun essay questions.

• Walter Lee Younger: Character Analysis Essay This promise is immature; Walter knows very well that getting the money to invest in his business remains a point of contention, yet he promises Willy that he would take the money.
• Racial Discrimination in “A Raisin in the Sun” Racial discrimination is the main theme of the book, strongly reflecting the situation that prevailed during the 1950s in the United States, a time when the story’s Younger family lived in Chicago’s South Side ghetto.
• Comparing A Raisin in the Sun by L. Hansberry and Fences by A. Wilson As the story opens, each person in the family is thinking of what to do with the money they are about to get from an insurance firm as compensation of Mr.
• “Raisin in the Sun” and “Harlem” Hansberry and Hughes introduce the same idea of a dream compared to a raisin dried up in the sun, but explain it in different ways in order to show how the interpretation of a thought […]
• Play Review: “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry The family is living in a shabby South Chicago apartment and each of the family’s members is on the pursuit of his/her dream.
• Compare and Contrast Lena Younger and Walter Lee Younger She seems more concerned about the status of living conditions and the ability to enjoy the freedom as opposed to being in possession of money.
• Beneatha’s Dream Analysis From “A Raisin in the Sun” However, as levelheaded as she is, she still has a dream of her own. Beneatha’s dream of becoming a doctor defines the character’s main decisions, making her more vulnerable and relatable.
• Literature Comparison: A Raisin in the Sun and A Dream Deferred Despite the seeming difference in genre, stylistic choices, characters and settings, the novel Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry and Langston Hughes’ poem A Dream Deferred have a lot in common; in fact, one […]
• Realism in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Hansberry “A Raisin in the Sun” is a play in three acts whose action unfolds sometime between the end of World War II and the 1950s.
• “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorrain Hansberry Review That little plant is the symbol of hope for a family determined to escape the squalor and violence of the ghetto.
• Generations in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Hansberry For instance, in Lorraine Hansberry’s play Raisin in the Sun, the concept is shown via the manifestation of generational parity and its influence on the Youngers family’s characters.
• Deferred Dreams in Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” In the play A Raisin in the Sun, the playwriter uses art to fictionalize encounters of a delayed dream by a family; it is a supposition of the poem by Hughes.
• A Raisin in the Sun: The Play by Lorraine Hansberry Climax in the play is realized when Walter is made to understand by Bobo that Willy, the man entrusted with the money to start a liquor business has run away with the money, this thus […]
• “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” and “A Raisin in the Sun” In this regard, the decisions of Hamlet, Claudius, Walter, and Lena illustrate the character’s commitment to family despite differences of opinion and disagreements.
• The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams and A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry Drama In the play A Raising in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, each member of the Younger family has his/her own idea on how to spend $10,000 that the family received from the insurance cover of […]
• The Play “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry As a result, the educated and intelligent Beneatha chooses the sincere Asagai, with whom she is not shy about leaving her hair curled and dancing to African music. Thus, Beneatha is a strong heroine who […]
• Walter Lee Younger in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Hansberry The story that best exemplifies the traits of the character at the beginning of the play is the opportunity to sell the house.
• Hero or Zero: Analysis of Walter in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Hansberry When his mother gets insurance for ten thousand dollars after his father’s death, he decides to take a risk and invest a part of the money in a liquor store.
• Appearance in “Othello” and “A Raisin in the Sun” The paper under analysis is based on the comparison of Othello by Shakespeare and A Raising in the Sun by Hansberry through the manifesting of the theme of the racial segregation and the nature of […]
• Hanisberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” and Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” The characters in A Raising in the Sun are real in the sense that the reader can have a feel of a mother’s love for her family and for her children to succeed in life.
• My Life and “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry Racial segregation is a core factor which intended many famous American writers, playwrights, social figures in the first half of the twentieth century to show the real state of things in the “democratic and free” […]
• Racial Segregation in Two Books “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansbury and “The Child by Tiger” by Thomas Wolfe In this paper, we will discuss the elements of ‘racism’ portrayed in the two books, “A Raisin in the Sun”, written by Lorraine Hansbury, and “The Child by Tiger”, by Thomas Wolfe.
• A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry: Play Analysis It does well to portray the social features of strong segregation and racial discrimination that prevailed during the 1950s in the United States, a time when the story’s younger family lived in Chicago’s South Side […]
• “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry: Major Full-Length Play Lena expresses misgivings about Walter’s plan to invest in the liquor business, and he, in turn, accuses his mother of destroying his dream of becoming a successful businessman and providing for his family. Hansberry wants […]
• Race Barriers to Dreams. “A Raisin in the Sun” by Hansberry Focusing on the life of a Black American family, the author discusses the problems of race-based prejudice, segregation, historical memory, and the role of generational gaps in racial minorities’ attitudes to injustice.
• A Raisin in the Sun by Jane G. A. Racial discrimination is the main theme of the book, strongly reflecting the situation that prevailed during the 1950s in the United States, a time when the story’s Younger family lived in Chicago’s South Side ghetto.
• “A Raisin in the Sun” Play by Lorraine Hansberry This paper is discussing the character of the relationship between mama and her son Walter together with the problems which are brought up in the interaction of these two characters in the play.
• The Novel “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry Taking a closer look at the way the Youngers family lives, one can see the writer’s concern for the Black American society and the relationships within the Afro-Americans as well as the relations between the […]
• Feminism and Roles in “A Raisin in the Sun” Play These are such questions as: “What does Beneatha’s conduct reveal about her intentions?”, “How does the character treat female’s role in society?”, “How does Beneatha regard poor people?”, “How does the heroine explain her choice […]
• “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry Literature Analysis The book, A Raisin in the Sun, clearly Lorraine Hansberry’s masterpiece, presents a 1950s life of a family- the Youngers; the family is caught up with individualism as they make decisions regarding money acquired from […]
• ‘The Glass Menagerie’ and ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ Drama Analysis The two plays ‘The Glass Menagerie’ and ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ brings out the features of American society. On the other hand, the play ‘The Glass Menagerie’ portrays the American men who ran away […]
• “The Day It Happened” by Rosario Morales and “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry The two characters’ attitude towards their background is also different as Ramon is proud of being Hispanic and he speaks Spanish with his wife when he pleads her to stay, “Si te vas me mato.
• A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry The check is on life insurance and is to be given to Lena due to the death of her husband. Wilter asks for the insurance money in order for him to work with it and […]
• Thematic Analysis of Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” Mama, the head of the family plans to buy a house and fulfill her lifetime dream which she shared with her late husband. Walter’s understanding of this American dream marks the center of the conflict […]
• The Constant Struggle of the African American Family in a White Man’s World in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• Parent-Child Conflict in Lorraine Hansberry’s Play “A Raisin in the Sun”
• An Analysis of Hidden Tensions in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
• Materialism and Manhood in Lorraine Hansberry’s Play “A Raisin in the Sun”
• The Effects of Racial Segregation in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
• Resolving Conflicts in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”
• “A Raisin in the Sun” and African-American Stereotypes
• An Analysis of Family Values and Morals in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
• “A Raisin in the Sun”: African-American Personal and Collective Identity
• The Idea of Black Feminism in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
• The Circumscribed and Tragic Hero: Lena’s Role in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• Male and Female Relationships in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”
• The Important Life Lessons in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
• The Pursuit of Happiness in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• The Suffering of African-Americans in “The Colored Museum” and “A Raisin in the Sun”
• The Ordinary View of the Mid-Twentieth Century African-American Male in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• Concepts of Love and Wealth in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
• An Analysis of Shattered Dreams in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
• A Young Family’s Predicaments in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”
• Money and Its Effects on People’s Lives in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
• Fighting Charges of Assimilation in Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”
• The Struggles of the Racial Minority Groups in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
• Negative Effects of the American Dream in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• The Ways in Which the Setting of “A Raisin in the Sun” Has a Profound Effect Upon Two of the Characters
• Characters Representing Major Ideas and Themes in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• The Changing Roles of Women in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• An Analysis of the Themes in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
• Walter’s Women and His Successes in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• Use of Imagery in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
• The Depiction of Manhood in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• Motherhood in “The Glass Menagerie” and “A Raisin in the Sun”
• The Problems That the Older Generation Has in Dealing With the Younger Generation in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• The Effects of Dreams and Desires in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• How Family Affects Oneself in “The Bean Trees” and “A Raisin in the Sun”
• “Of Mice and Men” and “A Raisin in the Sun”: The American Dream
• Prejudice and Racism: Home Ownership in “A Raisin in the Sun” and in America
• Literary Values in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”
• Story of a Black Family Struggling to Survive in Chicago in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• Difficulities in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
• A Point of No Return After Which the Life of a Person Can Never Be the Same in “A Raisin in the Sun”
• In What Ways Is Hansberry Challenging Stereotypes of African Americans in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Is the Conflict in the Story “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• How Is the Theme of Assimilation Treated in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• Why Is Walter Unhappy in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Does Eat Your Eggs Symbolize in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• Why Is the Play Called “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• How Is Beneatha Different From Other Younger Family Members in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Is the Main Theme of “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Does Africa Symbolize in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Does the New House Signify to Each of the Youngers in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• How Is Money a Symbol in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• How Does Walter Change From the Beginning of “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Does Big Walter Symbolize in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• Who Steals the Money in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Does the Liquor Store Symbolize in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Does “A Raisin in the Sun” Say About Identity?
• What Does the Green Hat Symbolize in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• Why Do You Think Mama Changes Her Mind and Gives Walter the Insurance Money in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Is the Significance of Mama’s Plant in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Are Main Symbols in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• Why Did Walter Open a Liquor Store in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Does the Insurance Money Represent to Mama in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Does the Music Symbolize in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Does the Apartment Symbolize in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• Why Is Mama’s Little Plant So Important to Her in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Does Ruth Symbolize in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• Why Did Mama Give Walter the Money in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Is the Importance of Having Mama Return to the Empty Apartment to Grab Her Plant in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• What Are the Greatest Strains on Walter and Ruth’s Marriage in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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A Raisin In The Sun - List of Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

A Raisin in the Sun is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that explores the themes of racial identity, family, and the American Dream within a black family in 1950s Chicago. Essays on this play might delve into the character analysis, thematic exploration, its historical and social context, or the portrayal of racial dynamics and aspirations of the characters within the play. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to A Raisin In The Sun you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

A Raisin in the Sun American Dream

The play, “A Raisin In The Sun” is staged in 1959 during a time when African-Americans could not be successful in the economy due to the extreme amounts of racism that were present. The constant encounters of prejudices and racism causes them to have to put aside their hopes and dreams to focus on trying to figure out how to overcome the obstacles that are set out in front of them. During these times, the Great Depression had begun. The […]

African-Americans in the a Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun focuses both on the socioeconomic conditions of African-Americans and their journey for identity in a segregated society. The issue of identity is central in the play, materialized through the Younger family, and their failed assimilation into the American society of the late 1950s and early 1960s, and reluctance of Whites to let Blacks into their community. According to Francis Dedmond in A Raisin In The Sun thesis statement, various critics complimented the work`s moving story […]

Escaping the Shackles of Modern Society

Throughout the history of drama production, the underlying message meant to be conveyed has been interpreted in many ways. Terrence Smith and Mike Miller argued that “The purpose of drama is not to define thought but to provoke it,” suggesting that plays are not used to spell out a one-sided topic, but rather are meant to evoke further speculation from all angles upon a specific subject. While witnessing the plot unfold amidst the play’s dynamics, the audience has the opportunity […]

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Discrimination against Blacks in a Raisin in the Sun

Chicago's Southside, like many other towns, suffers considerably post World War II. Racism stretches across the nation and into the Youngers, an African-American family in the play A Raisin in the Sun, home. Lorraine Hansberry, playwright of A Raisin in the Sun, vividly shows people how racism and discrimination can make a family suffer. Since racism will never go away, people need to learn how racism negatively impacts others' lives. Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun demonstrates how racism […]

Racism in a Raisin in the Sun

Chicago's South-side, like other towns, suffered tremendously from racism and discrimination during the Great Depression. Racism has swept across the nation and landed in the Youngers', an African-American family in A Raisin in the Sun, household. Lorraine Hansberry, playwright of A Raisin in the Sun, is vividly portraying life in this low-level town where discrimination explodes into conflict. Since equality among races is not common, the Youngers battle hardship just for being black. Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun […]

Natural Imagery of Plants and Urban Settings

The usage of natural imagery is a part of the major literary device used by Zora Hurston, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Lorraine Hansberry to explore experiences within the story. Both Hurston and Hansberry use symbolism as a figurative language to develop how plants play a crucial role in the development of the fulfillment of dreams. Hansberry uses Mama’s plant in the play A Raisin in the Sun as a motif to show the effects of being racially oppressed by their surroundings. […]

A Raisin in the Sun Mid-Term Essay

A Raisin in the Sun tells the story of the lives of an African-American family living on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s. At the beginning of the play, the family, Youngers, are about to receive an insurance check for $10,000 which they are receiving from the deceased Mr. Younger's life insurance policy. Each of the adult members, Mama, Walter, Ruth, and Beneatha, has an idea as to what he or she would like to do with this […]

A Complex Analysis of the Raisin in the Sun

I: Significance of Title The title "A Raisin in the Sun" comes from the Langston Hughes poem that says, "What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?" Dreams play a major role in the theme of this play. Each individual has some kind of dream or goal that they want to make a reality. Walter wants to open a liquor store and provide for his family, Bennie wants to become a doctor, […]

A Glimpse into the Lives of African Americans

The 1950s was a time for revolutions and the rise of the Civil Rights movement. It made sense that during this time, some revolutionary literature and plays would be produced. A Raisin in the Sun is a perfect example of such plays. Not only is it the first play performed on Broadway written by an African American woman, the play also hosts almost all African American characters."The play earned Hansberry the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for best play […]

A Raisin in the Sun Theme

A Raisin in the Sun, written by Lorraine Hansberry in the 1950’s, is a play that is based on the life of an African-American family known as the Youngers, who live in the South Side of Chicago and are waiting to receive a life insurance check for ten thousand dollars. The play A Raisin In The Sun essay highlights the dreams of each family member and their plans on how they intend to use the money from the death of […]

Younger’s Family in a Raisin in the Sun

A dream deferred is often assumed to be something tragic, devastating, and that can cause an individual to become hopeless. However, unattainable dreams are chances for replenished and better opportunities. Likewise, in the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, the common misconception that a better opportunity cannot sprout from a dream deferred is greatly emphasized through multiple characters within the play when the family is fragmented due to their opposing dreams, and it is not until each […]

A Raisin in the Sun Walters Dream

’A Raisin in the Sun’’ by Lorraine Hansberry. Portrays an African American family living on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950’s. In the story, the family goes through many ups and downs, especially when it comes to money. Walter Lee is the man of the house now and is determined to provide a better life for himself and his family. There is a one hundred thousand dollars check coming from the insurance company for the loss of Walter’s […]

American Dream: a Raisin in the Sun

 A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, introduces the audience to the Youngers, an African-American family living in Chicago. Each member of the Younger family has a particular dream; some are achieved and some are not due to personal and social obstacles. Each of these dreams is representative of the American Dream, which asserts that everyone has the opportunity to improve their own lives as well as provide opportunities for the next generation through hard work. When the raisin […]

The Struggle in a Raisin in the Sun

Chicago's Southside, like many other Northern cities, housed many African Americans in the 1950s. The housing was poor quality and racism was prevalent. Lorraine Hansberry, playwright for A Raisin in the Sun, paints a vivid picture of life in a gloomy city where the struggle of poverty and equality are real. Though the experience of one family, the play A Raisin in the Sun accurately depicts the historical record of African-Americans' lives in the 1950s of the racist relationship between […]

Walter Younger in the Play Raisin in the Sun

Walter Younger, a character in the play “Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry. He’s a tough guy to deal with because he is selfish. He looks after himself and his family, but he only cares about money. This gets in the way of his relationship with his mom, sister and wife. Walter is a good guy doing all the wrong things for the right reasons, but the way he does them aren’t always known or liked by his family. […]

A Raisin in the Sun how Beneatha Struggles

The play A Raisin in The Sun was written by African American writer and play writer Lorraine Hansberry in 1959. The play discusses the life of an African American family and their struggle to acquire the American Dream. Walter goes through hopes, plans, wishes, gains and losses throughout the play that help shape his way towards his final goals. Pride is a great trait in Walter’s personality which can be the reason for him to achieve the American Dream. The […]

A Raisin in the Sun Analysis

The play "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry tells the story of a black family living on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s. The title comes from the poem by Langston Hughes, "Harlem (A Dream Deferred)". The story is all about a lower-class African-American family who trying to gain better lifestyle with an insurance payout because of the death of the father. The play begins, the younger family are about to receive $10,000 check, that comes […]

A Raisin in the Sun Dreams Deferred

James Baldwin first wrote this book in 1957 and it tells the story of two brothers who went down two completely different roads in life. The narrator is an Algebra teacher and his brother Sonny is a drug addict. Even though they grew up in the same home together unfortunately the brothers also grew up in the Harlem Ghetto together. This was a place filled with crime, drugs, and prostitution. This is a great source for me because it is […]

A Raisin in the Sun on Mama

In A Raisin in the Sun, the plot is based on an African American family living in a low-income suburban neighborhood in the 'ghetto' side of Chicago in 1959. In the play, it shows the kind of lives the family Younger's lived in and how colorism was a big part of their lives. In their lifetime it was quite unusual to find an African American not working for a 'white' family. The Younger's family, Ruth, Lena, and Walter all worked […]

A Raisin in the Sun Character Analysis: Asagai and Murchison

In literature, a foil is a character that shows qualities that contrast with another character's qualities. The importance of this is to shed light on the qualities of the other character. Foil characters may, but not always, be antagonists. Sometimes, alongside the protagonist, foils are even other characters. When an author uses a foil, they want to ensure that the reader picks up on important differences between the character’s traits and characteristics. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye […]

‘A Raisin in the Sun’ Gender Roles and Discrimination: then and Now

Gender Inequality in A Raisin in the Sun Despite the fact that boys and girls are encouraged to be whatever they desire at a young age, gender inequality is currently a monumental issue in the workplace. In the past, women were thought to be unfit to perform certain jobs that were deemed to be suited for men. Gender inequality is one prominent conflict out of many continuously seen in the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. The […]

A Raisin in the Sun Money Significance: Chasing Dreams and Unraveling Conflicts

The Younger family from the play A Raisin in The Sun is one of the most well-told stories of a struggling family. The playwright, Lorraine Hansberry, took inspiration from two of Langston Hughes' most famous poems, both of which address issues of poverty. While she considered using 'Mother to Son', about the understanding of the defiance of not giving up, she preferred the poem 'Harlem,' with its underlying message about the outcome of a deferred dream. Both Langston Hughes's poems […]

Empowering Narratives in Literature: a Raisin in the Sun of Feminism and its Insights on Equality

In the world of literature, stories hold essential messages about life and society. “A Raisin in the Sun,” a play by Lorraine Hansberry, is one such narrative. It explores perfectly the dreams, challenges, and significance of equality. In this essay, we'll look into the theme of feminism in the play. We’ll examine how it portrays the determination and resilience of women. You can also find several essays on various educational platforms on the same topic. This can help you understand […]

Beneatha Younger: a Symbol of Hope and Change in ‘A Raisin in the Sun

In Lorraine Hansberry's groundbreaking play "A Raisin in the Sun," Beneatha Younger emerges as a symbol of hope, change, and the struggle for identity amidst the stifling societal norms of the 1950s. As one of the central characters, Beneatha's journey in the play is not just a personal quest for self-identity but also a representation of the broader struggles faced by African American women during the era. This essay explores Beneatha's character, her aspirations, her relationships with other characters, and […]

Raisin in the Sun Dynamic Character Walter

The story “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry portrays a family in conflict against one another when they receive an insurance check of ten thousand dollars from Mr. Younger’s life insurance policy. Each member of the family has their own ideas on how to spend the money, which causes a dispute among them. The play analyzes the outcome when dreams, ambitions, and social issues collide with one another. The majority of the play takes place in the Younger’s […]

The Radiant Resilience in “A Raisin in the Sun”

"A Raisin in the Sun" is not merely a title or a line borrowed from a Langston Hughes poem. It is a question that delves deep into the heart of dreams deferred, dreams shattered, and dreams reborn. Adapted from Lorraine Hansberry's groundbreaking play, the movie, directed with palpable intensity, is an exploration of a black family's aspirations in the face of economic hardships and societal prejudices. The story follows the Younger family, living in a cramped apartment on Chicago's South […]

Reflecting on Dreams Deferred: the Impact of “A Raisin in the Sun” Movie

Lorraine Hansberry's seminal work, "A Raisin in the Sun," transitioned from the stage to the silver screen in 1961, bringing with it a profound narrative that has resonated through the decades. The movie adaptation not only preserved the integrity of Hansberry's play but also amplified its themes of racial tension, poverty, family, and dreams deferred to a broader audience, securing its place as a pivotal piece of American cinema that continues to speak volumes in today's society. At the heart […]

Dynamics of Dreams: ‘Raisin in the Sun’ and the African American Experience

"Raisin in the Sun," a cinematic masterpiece directed by Daniel Petrie and released in 1961, emerges as a compelling exploration of African American life in the aftermath of World War II. Derived from Lorraine Hansberry's groundbreaking play, the film intricately weaves the tapestry of racial identity, socio-economic struggles, and the pursuit of the American Dream against the dynamic backdrop of a transforming America. At the narrative's core is the Younger family, residing within the confines of a South Side Chicago […]

Reflecting on “A Raisin in the Sun”: the 2008 Adaptation’s Impact

The 2008 television adaptation of "A Raisin in the Sun" brought Lorraine Hansberry's iconic play back into the cultural spotlight, offering new generations a lens through which to explore enduring themes of dreams, racial inequality, and the search for identity. This version, directed by Kenny Leon and starring an ensemble cast led by Sean Combs, Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald, and Sanaa Lathan, breathed fresh life into Hansberry's narrative, connecting historical social issues with contemporary resonance. "A Raisin in the Sun" […]

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How To Write an Essay About A Raisin In The Sun

Introduction to lorraine hansberry’s a raisin in the sun.

When starting an essay about Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” it’s important to first establish the play’s historical and cultural context. Written in 1959, this groundbreaking play addresses crucial themes such as racial discrimination, poverty, and the American Dream. In your introduction, outline the main plot, which revolves around the Younger family and their struggles in a racially segregated America. Highlight the significance of the play’s title, derived from a line in Langston Hughes’s poem “Harlem,” which questions what happens to a dream deferred. This introduction should lay the groundwork for your examination of the play’s key themes and the ways in which Hansberry challenges societal norms.

Exploring Themes and Character Development

The body of your essay should delve into the major themes and character development in “A Raisin in the Sun.” Discuss the varied dreams and aspirations of each family member and how their individual desires reflect broader societal issues. Analyze the theme of racial discrimination and its impact on the family, particularly in their pursuit of a better life in a predominantly white neighborhood. Consider Hansberry’s portrayal of gender roles through characters like Mama, Ruth, and Beneatha, and how these characters challenge or conform to the societal expectations of the era. Support your analysis with specific examples from the text, ensuring each paragraph contributes a nuanced understanding of the play’s themes.

The Play’s Cultural and Historical Significance

This section should contextualize “A Raisin in the Sun” within the broader landscape of American theater and its historical period. Discuss how the play reflects the social and political climate of the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in terms of the civil rights movement and the struggle for racial equality. Consider Hansberry’s own experiences and influences, and how they shaped her portrayal of the African American experience. Analyze the impact and reception of the play when it was first performed, and how it has continued to resonate with audiences over the years.

Concluding Reflections on A Raisin In The Sun

Conclude your essay by summarizing the key insights gained from your analysis of “A Raisin in the Sun.” Reflect on the enduring relevance of the play in contemporary discussions about race, identity, and the American Dream. Consider the play’s influence on later works and its place in the canon of American drama. A strong conclusion will not only encapsulate the main themes and significance of Hansberry’s work but also encourage readers to reflect on its impact and relevance to current societal issues.

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A Raisin in The Sun Ending Analysis

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Published: Mar 5, 2024

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Related Essays on A Raisin in The Sun

Setting plays a crucial role in shaping the characters and themes of a literary work. A great example of this can be found in Lorraine Hansberry's classic play, A Raisin in the Sun. Set in the 1950s on the South Side of Chicago, [...]

Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. Vintage Books, 1994.Chekhov, Anton. The Cherry Orchard. Dover Publications, 1991.Fugard, Athol. 'Master Harold'... and the boys. Samuel French, 1984.

Throughout Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun, the themes of dreams, racial discrimination, and family dynamics are prominently featured. This essay will examine how these themes are portrayed in the play and their [...]

Dreams have always been an integral part of human existence, serving as a source of motivation and hope for a better future. In Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun, the theme of dreams and the pursuit of them is [...]

What is it to have hope? We use the term “hope” in our everyday language, no matter, if it is wrong or right, even though the probability of it happening, is slim to none, but it is better to hope than it not happening. Everyone [...]

Raisin in the sun by Lorraine Hansberry is truly moving piece that takes its readers into lives of an African American family in the 1950s. The Younger’s are an impoverished African American family that struggles to make ends [...]

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Teacher Guide

A raisin in the sun lesson plan.

• Introduction to A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun is the most famous play by acclaimed African-American playwright Lorraine Hansberry. Hansberry was the first black playwright, and fifth woman, to win Best Play in the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. Her work was praised by luminaries and black icons of the era, such as James Baldwin and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The play gave theatergoers of the time arguably the most honest portrayal of the lives of African Americans that had ever been seen on the American stage. Hansberry also received an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film version.

A Raisin in the Sun gave predominantly white theater audiences of the time insight into the...

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A Raisin in the Sun Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for A Raisin in the Sun is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

I'm sorry, what passage are you referring to? Please include all information in your posts.

Mama tells Walter that something is eating him up, Something that has to do with more than just money. What do you think it is?

Although Walter has a family, wife, and a job, he continues to live with his mother. As a result, he feels emasculated. Walter believes that nobody listens to his dreams or wants to give him a chance at being a "man".

Walter says that pride is old-time stuff what would Walter consider modern day thinking?

Walter believes that only doing things you can be proud of is old-fashioned. In his eyes, pride has nothing to do with accomplishment, and you do whatever it takes to reach your goal.

Study Guide for A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun study guide contains a biography of Lorraine Hansberry, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About A Raisin in the Sun
• A Raisin in the Sun Summary
• Character List

Essays for A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry.

• The Aspirations of Women in A Raisin in the Sun
• Viewing the World from Different Angles: Generation Gaps in Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun
• Women, Black and Proud
• The Struggle of Finding a Home in African-American Literature
• A Dream Deferred: An Analysis of "A Raisin in the Sun"

Lesson Plan for A Raisin in the Sun

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• A Raisin in the Sun Bibliography

Home / Guides / Citation Guides / Book Citations / Learn how to cite “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry

Learn how to cite “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry

Learn how to create in-text citations and a full citation/reference/note for A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry using the examples below. A Raisin in the Sun  is cited in 14 different citation styles, including MLA, APA, Chicago, Harvard, APA, ACS, and many others.

If you are looking for additional help, try the EasyBib citation generator .

Popular Citation Styles

Here are A Raisin in the Sun citations for five popular citation styles: MLA, APA, Chicago (notes-bibliography), Chicago (author-date), and Harvard style.

Additional Styles

Here are A Raisin in the Sun citations for 14 popular citation styles including Turabian style, the American Medical Association (AMA) style, the Council of Science Editors (CSE) style, IEEE, and more.

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