a raisin in the sun essay hook

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" […]

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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” by Lorraine Hansberry Literature Analysis Essay

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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. The progression of the story has a family collapsing to individual conflicting decisions. But amidst of the differences in interest, the family believes and depends on ‘togetherness’ as the key to its success.

Masculinist Stereotypes, Distortions and Missions in Male Dominated Literature as Displayed in the Book

Lorraine Hansberry wrote the play at a period when feminism was obviously a contending issue in human society, particularly in the Western World- during the 1960s. As such, as an effort to ‘carry women along’, three (3) of the characters in the play; Ruth, Mama and Benetha, who are all ladies, were significantly engaged in family decision making. By extension, these ladies supported the family greatly contrary to the role played by Walter.

The story consciously confines the characters within a local home, and equally restricts the characters’ social performances – thus, in a way gives all characters the same degree of freedom in decision making. This, as an illustration, sees a certain Beneatha become rather determined to be a physician; against all monetary challenges the family faced.

It is clear from all indications that Mama has a leading voice in the family, despite the conflicts of the family to resolving to unified decisions. The statement

“there is still a god in my mothers house” (Hansberry 19) directed at Benetha by Mama is no doubt a leading voice. In the same way, in Act I scene i, where Beneatha argued about the lack of support to the family by God, Mama was proactive in cautioning that no such words or assertions be made in her own home (Hansberry 13).

The adaptation of symbolism in the play equally has helped immensely in curbing masculinist stereotypes and distortions. The fundamentally used symbols included Walter’s liquor-store, Mama’s plant, as well as Ruth’s expectant child. At the end, Mama’s plant overshadows the other imagery used in the story.

From an analytical point of view, A Raisin in the Sun may be seen as having identified in clear contexts masculine discriminations- particularly as regarding decision making in a male dominated family setting. The play particularly resolves the fact that decision making is not necessarily a gender based matter. As such, any member of the family or society who has an active and significant voice (or point of view) is always welcome to contribute.

The play also identify that fact that with a deterministic frame of mind, the female gender has a lot of potential to drive the decision making process, both at the family and society levels to the most acceptable level.

Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is a sparkling story that presents characters that are very determined to realizing specified set dreams- against the common interest of the family. This setting makes it possible for the family members to out-speak their minds in an effort to actualize personal dreams. Indirectly, the story stipulates that individuals have high potentials to realizing personal dreams irrespective of gender.

Works cited

Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun . New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 1959. Print.

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""A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry Literature Analysis." IvyPanda , 29 Apr. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/a-raisin-in-the-sun-by-lorraine-hansberry-literature-analysis/.

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1. IvyPanda . ""A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry Literature Analysis." April 29, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/a-raisin-in-the-sun-by-lorraine-hansberry-literature-analysis/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . ""A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry Literature Analysis." April 29, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/a-raisin-in-the-sun-by-lorraine-hansberry-literature-analysis/.

A Raisin in The Sun

Introduction to a raisin in the sun, summary of a raisin in the sun.

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.

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.

Major Themes in A Raisin in The Sun  

Major characters of a raisin in the sun, writing style of a raisin in the sun, analysis of the literary devices in a raisin in the sun, related posts:, post navigation.

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A Raisin in The Sun Ending Analysis

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A Raisin in the Sun

By lorraine hansberry.

• A Raisin in the Sun Summary

The Youngers are a poor African-American family living on the South Side of Chicago. An opportunity to escape from poverty comes in the form of a $10,000 life insurance check that the matriarch of the family (Lena Younger or Mama) receives upon her husband's death. Lena's children, Walter and Beneatha, each have their plans for the money. The oldest son, Walter (a man of 35 with a wife and a young son), wishes to invest in a liquor store. The younger sister, Beneatha, currently a college student, wants to use the money for medical school. Lena has plans as well for the money: she wants to buy a house for the family and finance Beneatha's medical school.

The environmental pressures are high: five people live in a tiny one-bedroom apartment, two families share a single bathroom, and the building is run-down and roach-infested. These pressures increase when Walter's wife, Ruth, finds out that she is pregnant for the second time, and begins seriously contemplating abortion. Yet even in an environment where a request for fifty cents becomes a family conflict, there is room for ideas and dreams.

Beneatha Younger is the source of the many of the new ideas and philosophies that infiltrate the family's home. Currently in college, she is constantly challenging the notions of culture, race, gender, and religion that her family has grown up with. She is dating two men who represent very different aspects of African-American culture. George Murchison , the first, is a wealthy African-American classmate of Beneatha's. Through his character, Hansberry is able to illustrate many of the class tensions that exist within the African-American culture. Asagai is her second boyfriend, a college student who is from Nigeria. Through Asagai, Beneatha is able to learn more about her African heritage. He gives her Nigerian robes and music, encourages her idealistic aspirations, and near the end of the play invites her to return to Nigeria with him to practice medicine there.

Walter Younger truly encapsulates the American dream. He has a genuine entrepreneurial spirit and desire to progress. Walter doesn't want to challenge the present system as Beneatha does. Instead, he wishes to progress up the social ladder into a higher class. He is unsatisfied with his job as a chauffeur, and wants a big house, a nice car, pearls for his wife, and an office job. In short, he desires the bourgeoisie lifestyle. Walter's idolization of wealth and power actually creates a deep hunger within him for change, but as long as obstacles like racism keep him stagnated, his hopes and dreams fester. After several events, Mama realizes the significance of his plans even though she morally objects to the idea of a liquor store.

After having made the down payment on a house in a predominantly white neighborhood, Lena gives her oldest son responsibility over the rest of the insurance money, asking him to put away a significant portion for his sister's medical school education. To the contrary, Walter decides to invest all the money in the liquor store business with two men of questionable character. The plan falls through when Willy , one of the "investors", runs away with all of the money.

The family is entirely dependent on the money: they already have made plans to move, and are in the midst of packing up their things. Devastated, Walter seriously considers taking an offer from Mr. Lindner, a representative from the white neighborhood, that would pay the Youngers extra not to move into their neighborhood. The option is immoral in the family's eyes, and prioritizes money over human dignity. Walter is determined to make the deal despite his scruples, but at the last moment Walter is unable to make the transaction under the innocent gaze of his son, Travis. In the end, the family decides to move. Even though the road ahead will be difficult, they know that they have made an honorable choice.

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
• 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
• Introduction to A Raisin in the Sun
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• A Raisin in the Sun Bibliography

A Raisin in the Sun

Lorraine hansberry, 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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Home / Essay Samples / Literature / Plays / A Raisin in The Sun

A Raisin in the Sun Essay Examples

Symbolism in a raisin in the sun.

The American dream is the opportunity for all Americans to seek and reach their dreams. However, Langston Hughes wrote a poem called “Harlem” which talks about dreams, and what happens to them when they don’t come true. In the poem, Hughes writes, “What happens to...

American Dream by Raisin in the Sun 

Raisin in the Sun is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that details the experiences of an African American family that lives in Chicago’s south side. The family receives a check following the death of Mr. Younger. The family members have conflicting ideas on how to...

Walter Lee Younger Character Analysis

To start with, this is Walter Lee Younger character analysis essay where we will analyse how Walter changes throughout the entire story. Walter Lee Younger went from a selfish, self-centered, and immature person with an inability to make crucial decisions to a well mannered, selfless,...

Finding Out What is Beneatha's Dream in "A Raisin in the Sun"

In her play, A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry masterfully creates a seemingly paradoxical character, Beneatha. Benethea dreams of being a doctor but is rarely taken seriously. This stems from her gender-defying aspirations, a multitude of extracurricular activities, and her history of relationships. Beneatha’s...

Defining Gender Roles in the Novel "A Raisin in the Sun"

Notions of gender roles are all throughout A Raisin in the Sun, a play written by Lorraine Hansberry. The play portrays a couple of weeks in the lives of a poor african american family named the Youngers. The story takes place in the 1950s in...

Symbols in a Raisin in the Sun

Dreams and aspirations differ depending on the person – one might aspire to become a dancer; another might want to own his or her own business one day. These dreams act as goals for us to reach for and to work towards, but they are...

Social Issues- a Raisin in the Sun

Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” includes many social issues that were very clearly represented by the actions of the characters and the surrounding individuals. This play revolving around Walter Lee Younger, his wife, Ruth, sister, Beneatha, son, Travis, and Mama (Lena Younger), takes...

Hamlet and a Raisin in the Sun

Both «A Raisin in the Sun» and «Hamlet» share one aspect of their plays in common: main protagonists with dead fathers and being in a conflicted relationship with their mothers. Without this particular part, the entire story will not make a sense to the main...

Values in a Raisin in the Sun 

Plays always have important values. These values are critical throughout the play. Furthermore, these values can create conflicts between characters. Therefore, there are major values in A Raisin in the Sun. These crucial values in A Raisin in the Sun are family, God, and money....

Reflection on a Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

“A Raisin in the Sun” is a playwright wrote by Lorraine Hansberry, an African American woman, in 1959. The film takes place in Hanberry’s birthplace, Chicago. The cast includes Claudia McNeil as Lena Younger, the mother of Beneatha Younger (Diana Sands) and Walter Younger (Sidney...

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About A Raisin in the Sun

March 11, 1959

Lorraine Hansberry

Domestic drama

A Raisin in the Sun portrays a few weeks in the life of the Youngers, a Black family living on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s. At the beginning of the play, the Youngers are about to receive an insurance check for $10, 000 from the deceased father life insurance policy and each of the adult members of the family has an idea as to what they would like to do with this money. The story full of important topics as housing discrimination, family relations, racism, materialism and others.

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