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A Raisin in The Sun: The Foundation of Family

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Published: Jun 13, 2024

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The Importance of Family Support

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Related Essays on A Raisin in The Sun

Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Vintage Books, 2004.Murray, William. 'The Signifying Monkey: Toward a Theory of African-American Literary Criticism.' Callaloo, vol. 20, no. 4, 1997, pp. 761-777.

“What is Walter's dream in A Raisin in the Sun?” This question lies at the core of Lorraine Hansberry's renowned play, "A Raisin in the Sun." Set in 1950s Chicago, the play explores the dreams and aspirations of the Younger [...]

Who stole the money? This question lingers in the minds of the Younger family throughout Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin In The Sun. The theft of the money becomes a central point of conflict and distrust among the [...]

Have you ever read a poem and wondered what the tone of the poem is? The tone of a poem refers to the attitude or feelings expressed by the poet towards the subject matter. It plays a significant role in shaping the reader's [...]

Success/Values: Walter Lee defines success as material and financial gain. Beneatha defines success as self-actualization, or learning about and nurturing oneself. But to their mother, Lena,success is less self-centered and lies [...]

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore -- And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over -- Like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags Like a heavy [...]

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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 […]

The Significance of Dreams and Struggles in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”

Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun," first performed in 1959, is a seminal work in American theater that addresses crucial themes such as racial discrimination, economic hardship, and the pursuit of dreams. Set in Chicago's South Side, the play revolves around the Younger family, who are anticipating a $10,000 insurance check following the death of the family patriarch, Walter Younger Sr. This windfall presents an opportunity for the family to escape their cramped apartment and fulfill their dreams, […]

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" […]

Originally published :March 11, 1959
Setting :South Side, Chicago
Playwright :Lorraine Hansberry
Genre :Domestic drama
Characters :Beneatha Younger, Walter Lee Younger

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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: The Play by Lorraine Hansberry Essay (Review)

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Introduction

The paper is an analysis of the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. This was the first play written by a black woman and first appeared in 1959 and it about the life of Youngers, an African-American family. Youngers resided in a segregated neighborhood in Chicago.

The play through its various well nurtured characters have successfully brought out various themes such as sexuality, American dream, civil rights, culture, poverty, faith, compromise, tolerance and prejudice, primacy of family racism and oppression (Hansberry 55).

The essay will concentrate on the climaxes in the play, faith as well as racial discrimination. Climax in this play has been brought out clearly and successfully by the author. Climax is a situation in which there is a clear twist of events that usually take either form, good or bad.

Similarly, climax is used to refer to the end of the piece of art that is usually captivating and can leave people either happy or sad and mostly in dilemma. On the other hand racial discrimination refers to a situation where an individual or a group of persons are treated in an unfair manner due to their skin color or cultural background (Orlando 7).

Thirdly, the issue of faith comes out clearly in the play. This is true and clearly depicted by mama, after receiving the check, she indeed bought a house and entrusted his son with the remaining some. Additionally, the family of Youngers again confirmed their faith in Walter after he refused to take the offer Mr. Lindler was offering the Youngers’ so that they cannot move to their new apartment.

Racial discrimination has occurred and supported by the fact that the Youngers were unfairly treated by Mr. Lindler who tried to block them from going to their newly bought house.

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 killed Walters dream of becoming a business man. Another climax based on the second definition is when Mr. Lindler the white man was bluntly informed by Walter that the Youngers have not relented on their quest to move to their newly acquired house.

By definition, racial discrimination refers to a situation whereby someone’s skin color is used as a factor to determine a number of issues such as concerning jobs, acquisition of property, and promotion among others. It is generally the unfair treatment of an individual or group of persons on the basis of their skin color. In the play A Raisin in the Sun, there are clear instances where the Youngers have been sidelined as a result of being black (Hansberry 148).

The first case of racial discrimination is depicted when the life style of Youngers is described, a bigger family that only have one bathroom and where one must wait for his turn to get a shower. This kind of life facing the Youngers can be associated with the difficulties of black American to secure employment.

In case they are lucky, they are only capable of working in jobs that have very little earnings that cannot sustain life of an average human being. From the play we are told Walter works as chauffer for a white family, the salary from such kind of work cannot be sufficient enough to sustain such a big family.

Similarly, what Mama says summarizes it all, “We just plain working folks.” On the same note what Walter says about his wife that she has been working “in somebody else’s kitchen for the last three years to help put clothes on her [Beneatha’s] back” (Hansberry 111). It is presumably house of a white native and she endured unfair treatment while struggling to fend for the family.

Additionally, the issue of discrimination came to light in the play when mama bough a new house in Clybourne Park. Mr. Lindner, a white later come to the Youngers family and claimed to be the chairman of Clybourne Park Improvement Association.

When he was offered a drink, he blatantly refused just because it was offered to him by a black. We later learn that his motive was to purchase the house bought by the Youngers, since he (Mr. Lindler) claims that the place where the newly acquired house for the Youngers is unsuitable for them; they do not deserve to leave in such an area.

He plainly puts it, “Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities.” (Hansberry, 73) Although it is not very clear whether, Beneatha refusal to accept the attention of Murchison George a local was on the basis of race, it is clear that she liked Asagai more so because he was intelligent, articulate and proud of their race, Africans.

Use of climax as a literature style is very significant as it keeps things or themes in the piece of art rolling as well as bringing things into conclusion. A good example of climax is depicted where Bobo brought made it known that Willy did run away with the money Mama had given Walter which he intended to open a liquor business, the hidden agenda of Walter then comes to light (Hansberry 91).

As a result of such revelation, every member of the Youngers family was now aware of what Walter was unto with all the money entrusted to him by mama. Walter trust by mama has now diminished so to speak.

This again makes the trust Mama had in him fade away, although she claimed previously when asked by Walter, “You trust me like that, Mama? Mama echoed that she still trusts him. Similarly, Walters’s dream of trying his hands on liquor business hit a snug. Another clear example of climax in the play is when Walter stood on his ground against what he had promised Mr. Lindner concerning the buying of the house the Youngers had acquired (Cummings 12)

The news of Ruth being pregnant can also provide us with a typical example of climax. Although it was not planned by mama, we see her assigning some $3, 500 dollars as well as providing moral support and strongly object the idea of Ruth aborting.. Again the argument between Walter and his wife Ruth resulted to Walter proposing that Beneatha should either concentrate on her nursing career or just get married (Orlando 2).

Faith in the play is depicted especially by mama. She strongly believes in her family despite the fact that she is in hard financial times. After receiving her check, she bought a house for her family; this not only depicts motherly love but also faith in her family members (Hansberry 126).

Additionally, she entrusted Walter, her son with the remaining sum of money. We see Walter being amazed and asking his mother if she had that strong believe in him, and what mama replies is that no single day has she lost trust in him (Cummings 4).

Additionally, through Hansberry 126 we see an act of faith when mama set aside money for the purposes of educating Beneatha. The amount totals to $3,500. No one could have done that especially considering that the family was African-American. This shows us that mama has a dream that Beneatha is indeed capable of becoming a nurse which is her dreams.

On the other hand, Ruth, Walter’s wife has no faith in him. When she found out that she was pregnant, after fainting earlier that day, she immediately opted for an abortion on the grounds that Walter will not provide for the additional kid due to financial problems (Hansberry 117).

From the review of the play A Raisin in the Sun, the use of climax has been brought out effectively making the work interesting as well as captivating. Among the examples of climax in the play is when Walter refused Mr. Lindner offers on the house Mama had bought, additionally, the reporting of Willy running away with the money Walter had given him brought a new twist of events.

On the other hand, the play brings out clearly the issue of racial discrimination. It is evident that the Youngers were leaving in a congested house since they could not secure well paying jobs due to their skin color.

When mama bought a new and bigger house for the family, the white man who purported to be the chairman of Clybourne Park Improvement Association attempted to frustrate their effort just because the Youngers are black. Faith is also clearly depicted by mama in the play. This play is a typical literature on what happened to blacks in the past and indeed to a small extent at the present.

Works Cited

Cummings, Michael. Lorraine Hansberry’s – A Raisin in the Sun / (The Ghetto Trap). 2010. Review of Arising In The Sun.

Hansberry, Lorainne. A Raisin in the Sun . New York: Vintage Books, 1988.

Orlando Green Review: “ A Raisin in The Sun ”, 2000. Web.

Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun Summary . Web.

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A Raisin in the Sun Lorraine Hansberry

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.

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A Raisin in the Sun Essays

The aspirations of women in a raisin in the sun emilie browne, a raisin in the sun.

Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun challenges the stereotype of 1950's America as a country full of doting, content housewives. The women in this play, Mama, Ruth and Beneatha, represent three generations of black women who, despite their...

Viewing the World from Different Angles: Generation Gaps in Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun Kathryn Larrivee

The African-American experience of growing up in America changed dramatically throughout the course of the twentieth century, thus leading to differing views between the older and younger generations. In Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the...

Women, Black and Proud Michael 'Shotgun' Spratling

"We're people, we're just like the birds and the bees, We'd rather die on our feet, Than be livin' on our knees" ("James Brown Lyrics"). These lyrics for James Brown's classic soul hit "Say It Loud (I'm Black And I'm Proud)" could have easily been...

The Struggle of Finding a Home in African-American Literature Peggie Ruth Hale College

The “American Dream” connotes a vision of a house with a white picket fence, a place of warmth and family, a secure place to lay one's head at night, a place to just be. Much of African-American literature since the 1900's demonstrates that the...

A Dream Deferred: An Analysis of "A Raisin in the Sun" Blondene Leys College

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore -- And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over -- Like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags Like a heavy load. Or does it...

Opposite Takes on the “American Dream” in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun and Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman Kevin Andrew Fagan College

Money is one way to achieve one of the “American Dreams.” The “American Dream” is different for everyone and that dream for most people depends on how they were raised. There are many plays that critique the “American Dream” but only two will be...

Development of the Family Melodrama Genre: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and A Raisin in the Sun Anonymous College

A melodrama is a film which appeals to the emotions of its audience, on a higher level than the simple “drama” genre. The characters of a melodrama are often stereotyped and exaggerated to indicate something about the culture of the times, making...

Family's Effect on Identity: The Bean Trees and A Raisin in the Sun Sarah L Klotz 10th Grade

What describes family is not the people who are blood related or someone who has an obligation. Family is loving someone unconditionally and mutually; family is those who greet the worst self of someone without judgement and still stick around...

Petrie's Film Adaptation: Placing A Raisin in the Sun in a New Light Anonymous 12th Grade

The American Dream varies for individuals, but for most it includes providing a stable home for their children and ensuring future generations will have more opportunities to become successful. In the play, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine...

The Dissonance Among Family, Pride, and Money Amogh Garudadwajan 10th Grade

Money and acquisitiveness have always had the ability to turn people into someone they are not. Greed can tear apart families and friendships when a person neglects others for their own benefit. This is depicted perfectly in Lorraine Hansberry’s...

Marxist Literary Analysis of A Raisin in the Sun Anonymous 11th Grade

“Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life – now it’s money” (Hansberry, 74). The quote from Mama portrays the Youngers, a typical African American family living in Chicago in 1959, in their struggle to break free from the endless...

The Ideal Man and the Flawed Pursuit of Perfection Andrew Cowan College

Both Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 play A Raisin in the Sun and Toni Morrison’s 1987 novel Beloved are works that deal predominately with race, but feature vastly different subject matter. Beloved features a group of people haunted by the memory of...

The Circumscribed and Tragic Hero: Lena’s role in A Raisin in the Sun Katie Livingston College

In his book Twelve Million Black Voices Richard Wright asserts that:In the Black Belts of the northern cities, our women are the most circumscribed and tragic objects to be found in our lives […] Surrounding our black women are many almost...

The Issue of Universality in Critical Responses to A Raisin in The Sun Oscar Williams College

“One of the most sound ideas in dramatic writing is that in order to create the universal, you must pay very great attention to the specific” (Hansberry, To Be Young 128).

Ben Keppel notes that during the 1960s and 1970s, A Raisin in the Sun ...

Love and Wealth: A Comparison of So Long a Letter and A Raisin in the Sun Anonymous College

What exactly makes love and wealth so appealing to humans? Love is a desirable feeling, which people feel they cannot live without. People need love in their life to feel whole, when they are with or care for a special someone. Wealth refers to...

Deceased and Significant: How "A Raisin in the Sun" Portrays the Father and His Impact Anonymous 10th Grade

Lorraine Hansberry’s play ‘A Raisin in the Sun’, first debuted in the year 1959 on Broadway, depicts the life of the Youngers, a fictional African-American family, in the 1950’s, who live in Chicago, USA. Hansberry delineates the deceased father -...

a good hook for a raisin in the sun essay

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A Raisin in the Sun

Lorraine hansberry.

a good hook for a raisin in the sun essay

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

A Raisin in the Sun examines the effects of racial prejudice on the fulfillment of an African-American family’s dreams. The play centers on the Youngers, a working-class family that lives in Chicago’s South Side during the mid-twentieth century. Shortly before the play begins, the head of the Younger family, Big Walter , dies, leaving the family to inherit a $10,000 life insurance payment . The family eagerly awaits the arrival of the insurance check, which has the potential to make the family’s long deferred dreams into reality. However, the members of the Younger family have conflicting ideas—conflicting dreams—regarding the best use for the money, which causes tension.

At the beginning of the play Mama , Big Walter’s widow, expresses uncertainty regarding the best use for the money. Mama tells her daughter-in-law, Ruth , that she and her late husband shared the dream of owning a house, but that poverty and racism prevented them from fulfilling this dream during Big Walter’s lifetime. Mama’s daughter, Beneatha , aspires to attend medical school and become a doctor, a considerable challenge for an African-American woman at that time. Beneatha’s older brother, Walter Lee , belittles his sister’s dream, instead suggesting that she simply get married. Walter wants to use the insurance payment as an investment in a liquor store, an idea that Mama and his wife Ruth both dislike. Ruth, worried about her troubled marriage and the family’s cramped living situation, shares Mama’s hope for a house, although she is willing to support her husband’s dream because, as she tells Mama, “He needs this chance.” Walter finds his job as a white man’s chauffeur demeaning and he sees the liquor store investment as the only path towards a better future.

On the same day that the check arrives, Ruth finds out that she is pregnant, which makes her question whether the family can afford to raise another child. Knowing that Ruth is considering an abortion, Mama begs Walter to convince his wife to keep the baby. Walter is unable to say anything and leaves the apartment. As Mama watches her family “falling apart,” she makes the decision to place a down payment on a home in the white neighborhood of Clybourne Park, hoping that her choice to “do something bigger” will bring the family together.

Mama’s decision to purchase a house only sends Walter deeper into despair as he sees the opportunity to fulfill his dream disappear. On the other hand, the new house fills Ruth with joy and hope for her family, helping her to imagine the possibility of a happy future for her unborn child. Several weeks later, Walter continues to grow more despondent and skips work three days in a row. As Mama realizes that “I been doing to you what the rest of the world been doing to you,” she decides to transfer control of the household and the rest of the insurance money to Walter, asking only that he set aside a portion for Beneatha’s schooling. Mama’s decision reinvigorates Walter.

A week later, the family is happily preparing for its move when Karl Lindner arrives and tells them of Clybourne Park’s offer to buy their new home as a way to dissuade the family from moving to the neighborhood. The family confidently refuses the offer. Moments later, Walter’s friend Bobo enters and tells Walter that Willy Harris has disappeared with the liquor store investment. Without heeding Mama’s advice, Walter had invested the entirety of the insurance money in the liquor store, and the loss leaves the family on the brink of financial ruin.

An hour later, the Nigerian student Joseph Asagai visits Beneatha and finds her distraught over the lost money. Asagai asks Beneatha to marry him and “come home” to Africa with him, a sudden proposal that Beneatha says she will need to consider. Soon after, Walter informs the family that he will accept Lindner’s offer, which greatly disappoints them. However, as Walter and his son, Travis , face Lindner, Walter reclaims his dignity and refuses Lindner’s offer. Excited but well aware of the dangers that await them, the Youngers leave their apartment and head to their new home.

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COMMENTS

  1. Essays on A Raisin in The Sun

    2. "The play 'A Raisin in the Sun' delves into the complexities of racial identity, illustrating the challenges faced by African Americans in pursuing the American Dream." 3. "Lena Younger's unwavering determination to buy a house serves as a symbol of resilience and empowerment in 'A Raisin in the Sun.' A Raisin in the Sun Essay Introduction ...

  2. 104 A Raisin in the Sun Essay Topics & Examples

    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.

  3. What is a good thesis statement for A Raisin in the Sun ...

    A good thesis statement for A Raisin in the Sun might argue that Walter matures more from losing his share of the insurance money than from inheriting it, as the loss forces him to face reality ...

  4. A Raisin in the Sun Sample Essay Outlines

    Find sample essay outlines on various topics related to Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun. Explore themes, characters, symbols, and conflicts in the play with these analytical paper ...

  5. A Raisin in The Sun Ending Analysis

    The play ends with the Younger family moving into a white neighborhood, defying racial barriers and pursuing their dreams. The essay explores the themes of family, race, and the American Dream in the play, and praises Mama's strength and determination.

  6. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry: Play Analysis Essay

    Introduction. Lorraine Hansberry's story is heavily steeped in racism. 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 ghetto, as well as the struggles of the African-Americans to resist against the unfair treatment being ...

  7. A Raisin in the Sun Critical Essays

    Learn about the critical reception and impact of Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun, the first by a Black woman to appear on Broadway. Find out how the play challenges stereotypes ...

  8. "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry Literature Analysis Essay

    The Concept of the Book. 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 insurance.Between racial constrictions, the family struggles with identity of the American dream as it casts back a view on Africa.

  9. Essay Prompts

    Overview; Essay Prompts; Historical Background & Context; Literary Criticisms; Start Searching; More About Lorraine Hansberry; Works Cited & Citations This link opens in a new window; Watch the movie: A Raisin in the Sun (streaming for CSM students) This link opens in a new window Watch the documentary: Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart (streaming for CSM students) This link opens ...

  10. A Raisin in The Sun: The Foundation of Family

    Conclusion. In "A Raisin in the Sun," family acts as the foundation that shapes the characters' lives and propels their journeys. The Younger family's unwavering support for one another, despite the challenges they face, emphasizes the significance of family bonds in navigating adversity.

  11. A Raisin In The Sun

    Free essay examples about A Raisin In The Sun ️ Proficient writing team ️ High-quality of every essay ️ Largest database of free samples on PapersOwl ... 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 ...

  12. A Raisin In The Sun Essays (Examples)

    Raisin in the Sun Beneatha is ahead of her time in a Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Beneatha is the daughter of Lena Younger and younger sister of alter Lee who is married to Ruth. alter Lee and Ruth have a ten-year-old son Travis, who gets his way often being the only grandson. Beneatha is a ...

  13. A Raisin in the Sun Essays and Criticism

    Explore the themes of race, gender, and the American dream in Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun. Read critical essays and analysis of the characters' choices, struggles, and heroism.

  14. A Raisin in the Sun: The Play by Lorraine Hansberry Essay ...

    Get a custom essay on A Raisin in the Sun: The Play by Lorraine Hansberry---writers online . Learn More . ... Climax is a situation in which there is a clear twist of events that usually take either form, good or bad. Similarly, climax is used to refer to the end of the piece of art that is usually captivating and can leave people either happy ...

  15. A Raisin in the Sun Essays

    A Raisin in the Sun Lorraine Hansberry. 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. A Raisin in the Sun Material. Study Guide; Q & A; Essays; Lesson Plan; Join Now to View Premium Content

  16. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry Plot Summary

    Learn about the main characters and their conflicts in Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun, which explores the effects of racial prejudice on an African-American family's dreams. See how Mama, Walter, Ruth, Beneatha, and others react to the inheritance of a $10,000 insurance check.

  17. A Raisin in the Sun Analysis

    The concept of dreams is a focal point throughout A Raisin in the Sun, with Hansberry using the title to allude to "Harlem," a 1951 Langston Hughes poem that poses the question: what happens ...

  18. Essay Questions

    Find 18 essay questions to help you analyze and interpret the characters, themes, and historical context of Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun. Explore topics such as the generation gap, the setting, the ending, and the influence of Langston Hughes.