Author and Background Notes A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

Lorraine Hansberry 1930-1965 Parents were prominent African-American intellectuals Lived on Chicago’s south side

Carl Hansberry, father Challenged the Chicago housing authority for its segregated housing pattern in Chicago when he bought a house in an all white neighborhood. The family was threatened by a mob and forced to leave by court order. He took the case all the way to the Supreme Court and won.

A Raisin in the Sun First play written by an African-American women that ended up on Broadway Depicted the dreams and disappointments of African Americans Depicted an ordinary family whose struggles, conflicts, and triumphs all people could recognize.

Plot and Setting Chicago’s south side during the 1950s

Major Characters Lena Younger (Mama): recent widow Walter Lee Younger: Mama’s 35 year-old son, who dreams of owning his own business Ruth Younger: Walter’s wife and mother to their son, Travis Beneatha Younger: Mama’s college-aged daughter who dreams of being a doctor

Themes The American Dream: differs for all types of Americans, can be accomplished with hard work The power of prejudice: under current of racial tension From defeat to victory

Conflict is created by the following: Financial troubles create conflicts Parent/child relationships Male/female struggles Quest to find personal fulfillment

Act I Scene: ii Narrator: Mackenzie Travis: Taylor Mama: Kevin Beneatha: Moriah Asagai: Bond Ruth: Haley Walter: Alex

Act II scene i Ruth: Hayden Beneatha: Larisa Walter: Potty Mouth McGee George Murchison: Brennan Mama: CJ Travis: Taylor Narrator: Lauren

Act II scene ii Narrator: JD George: Josh Beneatha: Rachel Mama: Anikesh Ruth: Alex Walter: Moriah Travis: Hayden Ms. Johnson: Larisa

Act II Scene iii Narrator: Thomas Ruth: Sam Beneatha: Brennan Walter: Sean Man/Mr. Lindner: Kevin Travis: Karlee Bobo: Rachel Mama: Mackenzie