A Raisin in the Sun, written by Lorraine Hansberry, is a well-written, thought-provoking play about a black family living in Chicago sometime between World War II and 1960. This play develops characters who are seeking their identity while they struggle for their dreams. Though some may challenge the use of this black play in the classroom, I feel it could easily replace or enhance such staples as The Glass Menagerie or Death of a Salesman.
This play is set in a small two bedroom apartment, where five main characters play the game of life. The center of the family is Lena Younger, the grandmother, who seems to be the only character who knows what she believes and wants in life. The rest of the family consists of Walter Younger, the son, Ruth Younger, Walter's wife, Beneatha Younger, the daughter, and Travis Younger, the grandson. This family is struggling to find happiness, success, and identity.
The play opens with the family arguing about money. Mama (Lena) is going to receive $10,000 for her husband's death, and her children disagree on how it should be used. Walter, whose dream is to be rich like the white man, wants the money to invest in a liquor business. Beneatha, who plans to be a doctor, wants the money saved for her schooling. Ruth refuses to get involved, but she seems to be the only one to respect Mama and her decisions. Throughout the play, this worry over having money is central.
Meanwhile, Mama makes plans of her own. Her dream is to own a home that she can leave as a legacy for her family. Her entire life she has rented a worn-out apartment, and now, she sets out and buys a house in an all white neighborhood. When Walter finds out, he starts to crumble, so Mama gives him the leftover money for his business. In the final act we discover that Walter has lost all the money, and it looks as if the family may have lost their dreams. However, the play ends with some hope because the family is still going to move into their new home.
This play does a wonderful job of portraying a family whose survival seems to hinge on finding their dreams. Though the realities of life can be overwhelming, they continue to persevere. Though some may reject using this play because of some of the shocking race situations, I believe Hansberry does a superb job of portraying man's struggle for identity and the American dream. When doing a unit on the American dream, attained or not, this novel would be perfect. Walter represents how man's dream for success through money can ultimately fail, but that does not mean one must quit. Beneatha is a wonderful example of someone whose identity is confused, and her process of finding herself can easily be related to by students. Finally, Mama is a wonderful example of the strength of the old values and beliefs. Her strength is what holds the family together, and her dream is the one that continues to offer hope. This is an excellent play, and it would be an asset to any American literature course.
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