1. Background Information
A Raisin in the Sun
Background Information

2. “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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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  

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

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

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