"A Raisin in the Sun"

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at how, in "A Raisin in the Sun", Lorraine Hansberry depicts the working class in the African-American community who struggle to pursue their dreams in a predominantly racist society. The paper paints a picture of American black family life within the urban environment that is influenced by disappointments, painful illusions and hopes. The paper highlights the family bonds and the values and spirituality of the Younger family.

From the Paper:

"In A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry concentrates on depicting the working class in the African-American community, which experiences plenty of serious problems. These are ordinary people facing the unpleasant surprises of hard existence, struggling to impose their personalities in a predominantly racist society. However, these persons seem united by their inspiring, non-fading ability to dream and pursue a better future life. Each of the main characters embodies various positions in relation to the change in the social and political dynamics between African-Americans and white Americans. This play is based on the essence of dreams, as the characters attempt to overcome the unfavorable circumstances surrounding their uneasy lives. In such a way, they escape virtually from their harsh existence in the tempting, wonderful world of dreams."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ardolino, Frank. Hansberry's 'A Raisin in the Sun'." The Explicator, Vol. 63, 3, 2005: 181-183.
• Bellafante, Ginia. "A Tale of Race and Family and a $10,000 Question." The New YorkTimes. 25 Feb. 2008. 1 Mar. 2009.<http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/arts/television/25bell.html>.
• Bernstein, Robin. Inventing a Fishbowl: White Supremacy and the Critical Reception of LorraineHansberry's 'A Raisin in the Sun'." Modern Drama, Vol. 42, 1, 1999: 16-27.
• Domina, Lynn. Understanding 'A Raisin in the Sun': A Student Casebook to Issues,Sources, and Historical Documents. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1998.
• Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Random House, Inc., 1959.

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