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A Raisin Of The Sun

Decent Essays

When I first read “A Raisin in the Sun” I thought it to be quite humorous and lighthearted. However after reading it again for a second time I noticed that while it is humorous, it is also set in a time where things were far from lighthearted for African Americans. This particular play was set in the 1950’s which was a very difficult time for the United States in regards to race relations. I thoroughly enjoyed this story not only because of the controversy within the family unit but also because at the end of the play the family made do with what they had and cared for each other regardless of mistakes made along the way. In my opinion the underlying message is that blood is thicker than water, or in this case money. Set in the 1950’s, “A Raisin in the Sun” is about an African-American family, the Youngers, living in Chicago. The Youngers have received a check for $10,000 from the late Mr. Youngers life insurance policy. Each family member has their own idea of what to do with the money but the main character, mama, wants to buy a house because it was a dream that she shared with her late husband. As you can imagine, this results in turmoil for the family. Mama’s son Walter wants to invest the money into a bar. Mama’s daughter Beneatha wants to use the money to cover her costly medical school tuition. The turmoil continues to grow when mama makes a down payment on a house that just so happens to be in a predominantly white neighborhood. Shortly afterwards, a man named Mr.

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