A Raisin in the Sun: Themes and Character Analysis

"A Raisin in the Sun" is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that first premiered on Broadway in 1959. The play follows the story of the Younger family, an African-American family living in Chicago during the time of segregation. The play explores several themes, including family dynamics, racial identity, characterization, and conflict.

Family Dynamics

The play revolves around the Younger family, consisting of Walter, the head of the household, Ruth, his wife, Beneatha, their daughter, and Travis, their nephew. The family dynamic is complex and fraught with tension. The family is struggling financially, and the pressure to provide for the family falls on Walter. He is ambitious and wants to start his own business, but his plans face setbacks when his brother-in-law, George, dies and leaves the family a life insurance policy.

The family must decide what to do with the money. Walter sees it as an opportunity to start his business, while Ruth wants to invest in the future of their children. The tension between the two siblings leads to heated arguments and a rift in the family. The play shows the struggles of a working-class family trying to make ends meet, and the strains that can put on family relationships.

Racial Identity

The play is set during a time of segregation and racial tension in America. The Younger family is African-American, and their experiences are shaped by their race. Beneatha, for example, faces discrimination at school because of her race. She wants to become a doctor, but her teachers doubt her ability to succeed. She also struggles with her identity and feels torn between her African heritage and her desire to assimilate into white society.

The play also explores the theme of racial identity through the character of Lena, Beneatha's grandmother. She is a proud and independent woman who has worked hard to provide for her family. She also embodies the spirit of the African people and their struggles. Her character provides a contrast to the more assimilated characters in the play and highlights the complexity of racial identity.

Characterization

The play is rich in characterization, with each character having a distinct personality and motives. Walter, for example, is a complex character. He is ambitious and determined, but also prone to making bad decisions. His character arc throughout the play shows his journey towards self-discovery and the realization of his mistakes.

Beneatha is another well-developed character. She is intelligent, independent, and ambitious, but also struggling with her identity and the expectations placed on her as a black woman. Her character arc shows her journey towards self-acceptance and the realization of her potential.

Conflict

The play is filled with conflict, both internal and external. The external conflicts, such as the family's struggle to decide what to do with the insurance money, drive the plot forward. The internal conflicts, such as Beneatha's struggle with her identity, add depth to the characters and the themes of the play.

The play also explores the conflict between the aspirations of the younger generation and the pragmatism of the older generation. This is most evident in the conflict between Walter and Ruth, as well as in the conflict between Beneatha and her mother.

"A Raisin in the Sun" is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores complex themes through well-developed characters and engaging storytelling. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and struggles of the African-American community in America.