Raisin in the Sun: “Eat ‘yo eggs!”
Female author! Written by Lorraine Hansberry Based on her own life In 1938, her father bought a home in an all-white Chicago neighborhood
Brave (or foolish?) father Hansberry’s father fought all the way to the Supreme Court Won the right to live in the neighborhood Hansberry v Lee
Famous first This is the first Broadway play written by an African American woman Show opened in 1958
New perspective Prior to Raisin, African Americans were shown only in small or comedic roles Examples- minstrel shows, Gone With the Wind
Not the Cosby Show! Raisin is realistic Unflattering Deals with harsh issues-abortion, prejudice Uses “vernacular”- language that imitates real speech
American Dream? Describes the plight of northern blacks only a few generations away from slavery “Great Migration”- blacks came north to find the American Dream
Suburbs are born “White Flight”— As blacks entered northern cities, whites fled to the suburbs, leaving impoverished city neighborhoods
Family Fight The Dream shifts= Later generations of blacks came to value money more than freedom, causing family conflict
Themes are universal Rebellion against parents Sibling jealousy Greed for money
More Themes Money v. happiness Courage to do the right thing Prejudice and stereotyping Black pride
Symbols ASSIMILATIONISM Beneatha’s clothing- Represents the struggle between ASSIMILATIONISM and African Pride- a huge issue in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s
Symbols, the Sequel Mama’s plant- desire for “a little place” (never gets enough light or air) “Eat yo’ eggs”- acceptance of your crummy life
What happens to a DIDDY IN THE SUN?