A Raisin in the Sun Background Information

American Dream What is it? Is it an idea or does it involve material things? Ethnic, social, economic implications

“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 “A Dream Deferred”

A Note on the Title Lorraine Hansberry took the title of A Raisin in the Sun from a line in Langston Hughes’s famous 1951 poem “Harlem.” “Harlem” captures the tension between the need for black expression and the impossibility of that expression because of American society’s oppression of its black population. In the poem, Hughes asks whether a “dream deferred”—a dream put on hold— withers up “like a raisin in the sun.”

More on the title His lines confront the racist and dehumanizing attitude prevalent in American society before the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Hansberry’s reference to Hughes’s poem in her play’s title highlights the importance of dreams in A Raisin in the Sun and the struggle that her characters face to realize their individual dreams, a struggle tied to the more fundamental black dream of equality in America.

Civil Rights Movement What was the Civil Right Movement? What was the goal of this movement? Were there any other movements during the period?

Social Background Published in 1959, four years after Rosa Parks’ was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white person on a bus, sparking the Civil Rights Movement, Hansberry’s play illustrates black America’s struggle to gain equal access to opportunity and expression of cultural identity.

Sentiments in A Raisin… will be echoed by MLK in later speeches, marches, and rallies Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil-Rights Leader I have a dream… a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’

Cont’d dreams represented in the play and later echoed by King I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream…where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.

MLK How does King help to develop the idea of the American Dream? What does he do to the existing American Dream?

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

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 –Morality play - It uses allegorical characters to teach the audience moral lessonsallegorical

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.

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

What is a theme?

Themes Faith Family Compromise Evils of racial prejudice Money can’t buy happiness Importance of dreams

What is a symbol?

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