Analysis
Lorraine Hansberry's seminal play, "A Raisin in the Sun," stands as a powerful exploration of the African American experience in mid-20th-century America. Set in Chicago's South Side, the 1959 play follows the Younger family as they deal with issues of race, identity, and socioeconomic inequality while striving to attain their dreams in the face of oppression. The play is a layered portrayal of the elusive American Dream and the ways in which racism and poverty shape the lives of its characters.
At the heart of "A Raisin in the Sun" is the Younger family, comprising three generations living under one roof in a cramped apartment. The matriarch, Lena Younger, known as Mama, is the emotional anchor of the family—her steadfast faith and resilience sustain them through adversity. Her son, Walter Lee Younger, is a frustrated chauffeur who dreams of using his deceased father's life insurance money to invest in a liquor store and achieve financial independence. Walter's wife, Ruth, grapples with her own unfulfilled aspirations while balancing the demands of motherhood and marriage. Beneatha, Walter's younger sister, is a college student aspiring to become a doctor—her pursuit of identity challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
Central to "A Raisin in the Sun" is the recurring motif of the "raisin in the sun," drawn from Langston Hughes's poem "Harlem," which asks, "What happens to a dream deferred? / Does it dry up / like a raisin in the sun?" This metaphor encapsulates the characters' collective struggle to realize their dreams amid the harsh realities of racism and economic hardship. For the Younger family, the promise of upward mobility and a better life represents the quintessential American Dream, yet their aspirations are constantly thwarted by systemic barriers and societal prejudice.
Racism is explored on a heightened level in "A Raisin in the Sun." It shapes the characters' perceptions of themselves and their place in society. The Younger family's experiences of discrimination and marginalization reflect the racism of 1950s America. This includes everything from the agreements that confine them to segregated neighborhoods to the subtle microaggressions they encounter in their daily lives. Beneatha's rejection of conventional notions of black identity and subsequent embrace of her African heritage symbolize a broader quest for self-affirmation and cultural pride in the face of white supremacy.
"A Raisin in the Sun" also offers a critique of the socioeconomic inequalities that spark cycles of poverty and despair within African American communities. The Younger family's struggle to escape the confines of their cramped apartment and achieve financial stability speaks to their limited opportunities for social mobility. Walter's ill-fated investment in the liquor store, motivated by a desperate desire to provide for his family, underscores the uncertainty of economic success in a society that is paved with systemic injustice.
Despite the obstacles they face, the characters in "A Raisin in the Sun" persevere with resilience and dignity, refusing to relinquish their dreams. Mama's decision to use the insurance money to purchase a house in a white neighborhood represents a bold assertion of their right to dignity. Her choice challenges the systemic racism that seeks to confine them to the margins of society. Through their collective struggle for a better future, the Younger family emerges as a potent symbol of resilience, hope, and change.
