A Raisin in the Sun Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Lecture on the play A Raisin in the Sun.
• Inspired by Langston Hughes' poem Harlem.
• Themes of deferred dreams explored.

Langston Hughes' Poem - Harlem

• Questions what happens to dreams that are postponed.
• Imagery of dreams drying up like a raisin, festering, or exploding.

Lorraine Hansberry – Author Background

• Born May 19, 1930, in Chicago.
• Grew up in a segregated environment.
• Family's legal battle against housing discrimination (Hansberry v. Lee).
• Her work often reflects her personal experiences.
• First Black playwright to write realistic Black characters for stage.
• Won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award.
• Died of cancer at age 44 in 1965.

Cultural Context and Impact

• A Raisin in the Sun set during the transition from the 1950s to 1960s.
• Prior to this, African-American roles were often stereotypical.
• The play provides serious, three-dimensional portrayals.
• Addresses diverse issues: poverty, discrimination, segregation, racial identity.
• Offers introspection into the Black community and women’s roles.

Literary Focus

• Publication: 1959
• Genre: Realist drama
• Setting: Chicago, late 1940s to 1959
• Protagonist: Walter Lee Younger
• Antagonists: Issues such as poverty, segregation, racism.

Key Literary Elements

• Allusion: Title relates to Langston Hughes’ poem "Harlem".
• Themes:
  • Deferred dreams
  • Racial discrimination
  • Civil rights
  • American Dream
  • Women's roles in society
  • Family defiance and strength
• Symbols:
  • The House: Unity and dreams of the family, not swayed by racism.
  • Mama’s Plant: Represents care for family and deferred dreams.

Synopsis of the Play

• Focuses on the Youngers, an African-American family in 1950s Chicago.
• Awaiting an insurance check of $10,000.
• Family members have conflicting dreams for the money.
• Mama buys a house in an all-white neighborhood.
• The community offers a buyout to prevent their move.
• Family refuses the offer, choosing to face discrimination.

Main Characters

• Walter Lee Younger: Dreamer, frustrated by poverty, desires quick solutions.
• Lena "Mama" Younger: Family matriarch, dreams of a house.
• Ruth Younger: Walter's wife, weary of domestic struggles and Walter’s dreams.
• Beneatha "Bennie" Younger: Intellectual college student, aspiring doctor.
• Travis Younger: Young son, symbolizes future hope.

Conclusion

• The play explores deep themes of identity, dreams, and resilience.
• Reflects significant cultural and social issues of the time.