Plot Summary
Act 1
A Raisin in the Sun commences in the cramped Younger family apartment on a Friday morning. Ruth, Walter's wife, juggles breakfast and their son Travis, urging Walter to hurry for work. Dissatisfied with his job, Walter dreams of a better life, sparking arguments over their living conditions. Beneatha, Walter's sister, enters wearing African attire, discussing her aspiration to become a doctor, which clashes with Walter's views. Mama talks about her expected life insurance check, which is pending after the death of her husband. This triggers a debate over Walter investing the funds in a liquor store. Mama insists on Beneatha's medical school education, while Ruth remains skeptical. Walter and Travis leave for work and school, respectively. Beneatha's courtship with George is revealed, and Mama discovers that Ruth had a fainting spell. The next day, Walter maps out his liquor store investment. Beneatha invites Joseph Asagai, an African intellectual, over to the family home. Ruth announces her pregnancy, causing concern. Asagai gives Beneatha some Nigerian items and also talks about her African identity and his romantic interest in her. The insurance money arrives. Walter fixates on the liquor store, causing tension with Ruth. Mama reveals that Ruth is pregnant, but she also tells Walter that Ruth is considering an abortion.
Act 2
Later that day, Beneatha immerses herself in African culture, and Walter, who has been drinking, joins Beneatha in her revelry. George arrives, causing a spirited debate about African heritage. Walter's business plans are ignored by the snarky George, leading to a heated argument between them. Mama later reveals that she bought a house with some of the insurance money. Although she did this to improve the family's station in life, this ignites tensions over the family's future in a white neighborhood. A week later, preparations for the move are underway. Beneatha rejects narrow-minded George's romantic advances, and Mrs. Johnson, the family's gossipy neighbor, spreads fear about their soon-to-be neighborhood. Walter's depression worsens, prompting Mama to entrust him with the remaining insurance money. Walter vows to improve their lives and pledges to pay for Beneatha's studies as per Mama's request. On moving day, Karl Lindner offers to buy their house to maintain racial segregation in his all-white neighborhood. Walter refuses to comply, so Lindner leaves. Mama condemns their visitor's bigotry. The family surprises her with gifts, but Bobo, Walter's friend, arrives with devastating news: their money has been stolen by Willy, Walter's business partner. Tensions erupt, and the family starts bickering due to their thwarted dreams. Mama mourns their collective loss and prays to God for strength.
Act 3
Joseph Asagai visits the somber Younger household to assist with the move, unaware of their recent misfortune. Beneatha, disillusioned by the loss of the insurance money, questions her idealized dreams of wanting to help people. Asagai criticizes her materialism and asks her to become his wife and move to Africa with him. She tells him that she will consider his proposal. Walter decides to accept Lindner's racially motivated offer, igniting conflict in the house. Weary and disillusioned, Mama now opposes moving away from their family home, but Ruth does not agree with this turn of events. Walter calls Lindner back to the house, leading to name-calling and emotional outbursts between Beneatha and Walter. Mama pleads with him, recognizing her son's inner turmoil. However, Walter suddenly has a moment of clarity, collects himself, and stands up for himself and his family. After an impassioned speech, Walter rejects Lindner's offer, affirming the family's pride and resolve. Mama praises Walter's newfound strength, and the family prepares to move with renewed determination and hope for their future.
