A Raisin in the Sun

The play A Raisin in the Sun takes its title from a line from the classic poem by Langston Hughes that I is called "A Dream Deferred." Appropriately enough, the play focuses on the deferred dreams of the Younger family, an African American family living in Chicago sometime after World War II. The family consists of Mama, Walter Lee Younger, his wife Ruth, his son Travis, and his sister Berneath. The whole family lives together in a small apartment. It is long been Mama dream to move into a house and she could finally make this a reality with the aid of insurance money from her deceased husband's policy. Walter Lee, however, wants to use the money to open up a liquor store because he is tired of working as an unrespected chauffer. Berneath--a college student--dreams of becoming a doctor and believes that some of the money should go to her schooling. Thus, although each family member believes that the money will fullfill their dreams, it actually just causes more conflicts. The ultimate theme of the play is that money itself cannot make your dreams come true. Dreams must be worked on in order for them to come true. Eventhough some dreams may never be realized, they never truely "die." Instead, they allows remain in the back of your mind ever if they will never actually be realized.

I found this play an enjoyable and quick read. To me, it was more appealing than plays of August Wilson, who wrote plays of a similar theme (Fences, The Piano Lesson). One good thing about the play is that although the Youngers are a black family, the theme of the play seems appealing to any audience since many families have had money problems and even more families have had dreams about life that they have struggled to fulfill.

This play helps to remind all people where we came from and gives us more reason to appreciate where we are. Beautifully written, and heartfelt. I love the independence and strength of the female characters, especially Mama. I applaud Beneatha's need for more, and Ruth's strength to deal with her husband and any misfortune that is thrown her way. Truly a movable classic. I loved it!

"A Raisin in the Sun" reads more like a novel than a play. With a multitude of dialogue, and lenient stage direction, you'll finish reading this play in no time at all. The characters are strong, liable, and intriguing. I'm not sure I'd want to see it performed, but it is poignant to read. I recommend.

"A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry
A Black family is united in love and pride as they struggle to overcome poverty and harsh living condition."A Raisin in the Sun" shows the strength of a Black family; the values and ability to stick together. The Younger family were struggling financially but they still managed to succeed of the obstacles in their way.This play symbolizes "Endurance, Hope and Survival," and that no matter what a family has they could stay together and bond in love.

"A Raisin In the Sun" was a recent part of the One book, One Chicago program, having not read the play since college, I had forgotten what a great work it is. That said it is impossible to write on the all the emotional levels that "Raisin" brings to the reader and/or audience member.
A struggling, African-American family strives to make it out of crowded Chicago Housing Project and to own their piece of American dream pie. Several of the characters in this extremely well written drama have their own dilemma to face: Ruth Younger, wife to Walter, must decide if she should have bring another baby to her already financially strapped family. Walter Younger, husband to Ruth, who has huge dreams and little means, of providing for his family. Beneatha Younger, sister to Walter, who is med student and dreams of being a doctor now questions her own life and culture. Finally, and most importantly, is Lena Younger (Mama) who is fighting to keep her family together after the death of her husband. The issue of assimilation of African heritage in American culture is still significant factor today and continues to be a struggle for many minorities in America as well. In my opinion, Raisin remains a fresh and relevant dramatic work for today and for many years to come.