Exploring "A Raisin in the Sun": Dreams, Struggles, and Family in 1960s America

1. A Raisin in the Sun Background Information

2. “A Dream Deferred” What happens to a dream deferred?Does it dry upLike 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 sagslike a heavy load.Or does it explode?- Langston Hughes

3. Lorraine Hansbury • Born May 19, 1930 in Chicago • Died 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. 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

7. 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   Cast of Characters

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

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