A Raisin in the Sun

Definition

A Raisin in the Sun is a groundbreaking play written by Lorraine Hansberry that debuted on Broadway in 1959, focusing on an African American family's struggles with poverty, dreams, and identity in Chicago's South Side. The play captures the essence of American Realism by highlighting the social issues faced by marginalized communities and exploring the impact of systemic racism and economic hardship on family dynamics and aspirations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The title 'A Raisin in the Sun' is inspired by Langston Hughes' poem 'Harlem,' which questions what happens to a dream deferred.
2. The play features a strong female lead, Beneatha Younger, who challenges traditional gender roles and explores her identity as a young African American woman.
3. The character Walter Lee Younger embodies the struggle for upward mobility and financial stability, representing the aspirations of many African Americans during the mid-20th century.
4. A Raisin in the Sun was one of the first plays on Broadway to portray a Black family with depth and complexity, paving the way for future works in American theatre.
5. The themes of hope, resilience, and the quest for identity in A Raisin in the Sun resonate with audiences today, highlighting ongoing social issues related to race and class.

Review Questions

• How does A Raisin in the Sun exemplify the principles of American Realism through its characters and themes?
  • A Raisin in the Sun exemplifies American Realism by presenting authentic characters facing real-life struggles in a contemporary setting. The Youngers' pursuit of their dreams amidst economic hardships showcases the socio-economic challenges faced by many families during that era. The play's focus on daily life, personal aspirations, and racial discrimination reflects a commitment to realism by highlighting how these issues shape individual lives and family dynamics.
• Discuss how Lorraine Hansberry's portrayal of family dynamics in A Raisin in the Sun contributes to its critique of societal norms during the 1950s.
  • Hansberry's portrayal of family dynamics reveals tensions between generations as they navigate dreams and identity against societal expectations. For instance, Walter Lee's desire for financial success conflicts with his mother Lena's traditional values and attachment to their family's history. This clash illustrates a critique of societal norms that restrict individual aspirations based on race and gender roles, showcasing how external pressures influence familial relationships.
• Evaluate the significance of dreams in A Raisin in the Sun and their connection to broader societal themes in mid-20th century America.
  • In A Raisin in the Sun, dreams symbolize hope and the pursuit of better lives amidst systemic barriers faced by African Americans. Each character’s dream—whether it’s Walter’s ambition for wealth or Beneatha’s aspiration for education—reflects broader societal themes of aspiration versus reality during mid-20th century America. The struggle for these dreams illustrates how socio-economic conditions and racial discrimination can impact personal ambitions, ultimately serving as a poignant commentary on the American Dream's accessibility for marginalized communities.

Related terms

American Realism: A literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on everyday life and the depiction of ordinary people in realistic settings.

African American Theatre: A genre of theatre that reflects the experiences, struggles, and cultural heritage of African Americans, often addressing themes of race, identity, and social justice.

Dream Deferred: A concept explored in the play that questions what happens to dreams that are postponed or unfulfilled, famously articulated in the poem by Langston Hughes.