There are several themes present in A Raisin in the Sun. The subjects of hope, dreams, and values are all recurring motifs throughout the play’s entirety. Despite the repressive conditions faced by the Younger family due to the racist and sexist societal views of the sixties, they still maintain a degree of hope throughout their ordeal. They hold onto the hope that, in the face of their circumstances, things will get better and they will be able to achieve their dreams. The symbolism used in Lorraine
is not limited to age, race, or social standing, but represents family, a secure job, and a house with a car in the garage. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry explores the dreams of the Younger family and how these dreams affect their relationships with one another. Along with dreams and family, another major theme of the book is racial discrimination. These themes intertwine throughout the book by creating what will be lasting memories for the family, both good and bad. The Youngers have
Part Three- Theme The major theme of the play A Raisin in the Sun that stood out to me was racism. The Younger family are african american and living in the 1950’s, where separation of colored people from white people was most prevalent. During this time, black people were legally supposed to be treated as equal, yet white people proceeded to do everything they could make them feel unwelcome everywhere they went. Everyone in the Younger house has low paying jobs working for white people, not even
focusing on the little things going in her life at the moment such that poverty heavily influences what one can do. SETTING 1. Place and Symbolic Significance A Raisin in the Sun takes place in Southside Chicago. The entire Younger family shares a cramped, two bedroom apartment. When the play begins, the kitchen is shown to be as small as a closet. Throughout the play, most if not all action takes place in the living room, which serves as a multipurpose dining room as well as bedroom. Located on
Vivian Hansberry (1930-1965) wrote her play, A Raisin in the Sun, in 1959. Its title is taken from "Harlem (Dream Deferred)", a poem by Langston Hughes. "What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up? Like a raisin in the sun?" The poet is asking what would happen to our dreams if we gave up on them and did not try to make them real. They would be like grapes when they are left in the sun as no longer the fruit filled with juices. "[A raisin in the sun] is the story of two generations whose dream
Racism in A Raisin in The Sun Throughout history, many authors have been known to use archetypal characters to represent a specific group of people. This use of archetypal characters can demonstrate a powerful viewpoint that relates to real life while providing a major theme in the piece of literature itself. Lorraine Hansberry especially utilizes archetypal characters in a similar manner in her play, A Raisin in the Sun. Throughout A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry includes archetypal
without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all.” Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun (1959), is a story of an African-American family that is struggling with their dreams and the fight to move up socio-economically and the barriers the majority has put in place for them. Lorraine Hansberry reveals one of her themes through the character of Beneatha. At the beginning of the play, Beneatha is independent, over-confident, and arrogant. This
Raisin in The Sun Theme Essay During the 1900s many black families barely had enough money to pay for the basic necessities needed to live. At times some families would receive a significant sum of money, something they were not used to getting. Deciding on how to spend this money is what caused problems among some families. In the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, she argues that there are times when in a state of financial instability and where money is a necessity to completing
people or things,” (Albert Einstein). Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun, March 11, 1959. In A Raisin in the Sun, the Younger family are African-American in a time where there was racial discrimination. They have aspirations of doing great things, but struggle with maintaining relationships with those around them. In the play, a conflict emerges that can change the family's lives forever. Lorraine Hansberry reveals one of her themes through the character of Walter. In the beginning of the play
It depicted life in Chicago as a lower-class African-American family, whose one chance at having a better life is nearly lost when one poor decision is made. One major point in her play is the theme of hope. This theme was a catalyst in the beginning of a movement. In addition to this, the hardships the family faces accurately portrays the struggles of life as an African-American, and the prejudices experienced against the race (Orem, 2017). Lena Horne