A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

Summary

• Setting: 1950s, Chicago
• Main Characters:
  • Walter Lee Younger: A chauffeur with dreams of owning a business
  • Lena Younger (Mama): The matriarch, deeply values family and dreams of a better home
  • Beneatha Younger: Walter's sister, aspiring to become a doctor
  • Ruth Younger: Walter's wife, struggling with her own desires and family responsibilities
  • Travis Younger: Walter and Ruth's young son

Plot Overview

• The Younger family receives a $10,000 life insurance check after the father's death.
• Walter Lee wants to invest in a liquor store, aiming for financial independence.
• Mama dreams of buying a house, offering stability and fulfillment of a long-held dream.
• Beneatha, funded by Mama, aims for medical school, seeking to break racial and gender barriers.
• Tensions arise as each family member's dreams conflict.
• The family faces racial prejudice when they plan to move to a white neighborhood.
• The play ends with the family moving out, embracing an uncertain but hopeful future.

Themes

• Race and Discrimination: Highlights the struggles of African Americans in a segregated society.
• Dreams and Aspirations: Each character's dream reflects personal ambitions and societal limitations.
• Family and Sacrifice: Portrays the complexity of family dynamics and the sacrifices made for each other.

Conclusion

"A Raisin in the Sun" is a poignant exploration of dreams, race, and family in mid-20th century America. The play remains a powerful commentary on societal challenges and personal resilience.