Background Information A Raisin in the Sun Background Information

“A Dream Deferred” What happens to a dream deferred “A Dream Deferred” What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore-- And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode? - Langston Hughes

Lorraine Hansberry Born May 19, 1930 in Chicago Died of cancer at the age of 34 Daughter of a prominent real-estate broker and the niece of a Harvard University professor of African history A Raisin in the Sun - first play To Be Young, Gifted, and Black - based on her life

A Raisin in the Sun Originally title “A Crystal Stair” from another Langston Hughes’ poem First production in 1959 Known as the "movin’ on up" morality play of the 1960s First Broadway production written by an African-American woman and first by an African-American to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award (1959) Made into a film (1961), a musical (1973), a PBS television production for American Playhouse (1989), and a TV play (2008) with Sean Combs and Phylicia Rashad

Plot Basics explores the struggles of ordinary people to achieve their desires the story of the Youngers, a Southside Chicago family trying to survive in cramped quarters When Mama gets a $10,000 check from her husband's life insurance, they consider moving to a larger house in a white suburb.

In your notes…A Raisin in the Sun – Lorraine Hansberry What was life like for the Younger family?** Described the Younger’s house and living conditions. Dialect: Pay attention to how the characters speak. Mama, Ruth, Walter, Travis – less educated, slang terms Beneatha – more educated, formal Portmanteau words: slubborn = sloppy + stubborn

In your notes…A Raisin in the Sun – Lorraine Hansberry Dreams…goals…beliefs/values Walter: Ruth: Beneatha: Travis: Mama: Asagai:

Cast of Characters Lena Younger (Mama) – God-fearing mother of Walter, refuses to give up in the face of adversity Walter Lee Younger – 35-year-old chauffeur who longs to improve himself to reap the same rewards that white people enjoy Ruth – Walter’s humble and devoted wife Beneatha – Walter’s 26-year-old sister, articulate and ambitious college student, hopes to become a physician Travis – Walter and Ruth’s son, friendly boy of 10 or 11 Mr. Lindner - white man who attempts to prevent the Youngers from moving into his neighborhood  

Cast of Characters Joseph Agasai – cultured, well-spoken Nigerian who courts Beneatha George Murchison – rich Chicagoan who also courts Beneatha Bobo – Walter’s friend, they plan to open a liquor store Willy – Walter and Bobo's business partner, runs off with Walter and Bobo's money (Willy has no speaking part in the play)  Furniture Mover – comes to the Youngers' apartment to move their belongings to their new house  

Themes Faith Family Compromise Evils of racial prejudice African heritage and pride Money can’t buy happiness. Importance of dreams

A Raisin in the Sun Word Splash…Connect characters, themes, setting, phrases, events…relate to play/background

Symbols Mama’s plant Kitchen window Fifty cents, one dollar New House and garden