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The Life Behind Raisin in the Sun: An Exploration of Family, Dreams, and Racial Inequality

Ross Nelson

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Published in Lorraine Hansberry: The Life Behind A Raisin In The Sun

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Raisin in the Sun is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that explores the lives of a black family in Chicago in the 1950s. The play follows the Youngers as they struggle to make ends meet and achieve their dreams in a society that is often hostile to them. Raisin in the Sun was a groundbreaking play when it was first produced in 1959, and it remains a powerful and moving work of art today.

The Youngers Family

The Youngers family is at the heart of Raisin in the Sun. The family consists of Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, their son Travis, and Walter's mother, Lena. Walter Lee is a proud and ambitious man who dreams of becoming a wealthy businessman. Ruth is a loving and supportive wife who is trying to make the best of her life in a difficult situation. Travis is a bright and curious young boy who is just beginning to understand the challenges that he will face as a black man in America. Lena is a wise and strong-willed woman who has seen a lot in her life. She is a pillar of strength for her family, and she is determined to help them achieve their dreams.

Lorraine Hansberry: The Life Behind A Raisin in the Sun

by Charles J. Shields

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15644 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	369 pages

The Setting

Raisin in the Sun is set in a small, rundown apartment in Chicago's South Side. The apartment is cramped and overcrowded, but it is filled with love and laughter. The Youngers are a close-knit family, and they rely on each other for support. The setting of the play is important because it helps to create a sense of realism and authenticity. The audience can see the challenges that the Youngers face every day, and they can understand the reasons why they dream of a better life.

The Dreams

Each member of the Youngers family has their own dreams. Walter Lee dreams of becoming a wealthy businessman. Ruth dreams of a better life for her family. Travis dreams of a world where he can be judged by his character, not by the color of his skin. Lena dreams of a home of her own where her family can live in peace and happiness.

The Youngers' dreams are all valid, but they are also difficult to achieve in a society that is often hostile to black people. The Youngers face discrimination and prejudice every day, and they know that they will have to work hard to overcome these challenges.

The Struggle

The Youngers face many challenges in their lives. They are poor, they live in a rundown apartment, and they are discriminated against because of their race. However, the Youngers are a strong and determined family, and they are willing to fight for their dreams.

Walter Lee works hard to try to earn enough money to support his family and achieve his dream of becoming a businessman. Ruth works hard to keep the house clean and to take care of Travis. Travis works hard in school and tries to stay out of trouble. Lena works hard to keep the family together and to support her children's dreams.

The Youngers' struggle is real and it is difficult, but they never give up on their dreams. They know that they deserve a better life, and they are determined to achieve it.

The Resolution

The resolution of Raisin in the Sun is both heartbreaking and hopeful. The Youngers finally get the money that they need to buy a new home, but they must give up their dream of living in a white neighborhood. Walter Lee is devastated by this, but he eventually comes to realize that his family's happiness is more important than his pride.

The Youngers move into their new home, and they are finally able to live in peace and happiness. They have achieved their dream of a better life, and they know that they will continue to face challenges, but they are confident that they will be able to overcome them.

Raisin in the Sun is a powerful and moving play that explores the lives of a black family in Chicago in the 1950s. The play follows the Youngers as they struggle to make ends meet and achieve their dreams in a society that is often hostile to them. Raisin in the Sun is a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with audiences today.

The play's themes of family, dreams, and racial inequality are still relevant today, and the Youngers' story is a reminder that we must never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult the challenges may seem.

Lorraine Hansberry: The Life Behind A Raisin in the Sun

by Charles J. Shields

5 out of 5