Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" and African-American dreams

Hansberry

The play a Raisin in the Sun was a groundbreaking literary work. The play, written by Lorraine Hansberry, explores the life and times of an African-American Family. The purpose of this discussion is to provide an interpretation of this literary work. The discussion to follow will add to and support the interpretation so that the sources may lead to a different, better-informed understanding.

Lorraine Hansberry

Raisin in the Sun first premiered in 1959 at a time when a significant percentage of the United States was still legally segregated. To understand the play a raisin in the sun, one must have some understanding of the life and times of the writer Lorraine Hansberry, because in many ways the lay is autobiographical.

Lorraine Hansberry was born in Chicago in 1930 to educated parents ("Context"). While growing up in South Side Chicago she attended schools that were segregated and she lived in a black neighborhood. At this time segregation was not mandatory or a law in Illinois but the city was very much segregated amongst racial lines ("Context"). With these things being understood, Lorraine Hansberry's family eventually moved to an all white neighborhood and as a result of this move they faced many struggles including threats ("Context"). Eventually these threats cause Hansberry's father to seek legal action against those involved in the threatening behaviors.

According to one article the title of the play was taken from a Langston Hughes poem "Harlem" written in 1951, in which he refers to a dream differed as a raisin in the sun ("Context"). Hansberry uses this analogy to address to plight of Black Americans throughout the play.

Societal and Cultural significance of a Raisin in the Sun

This particular play was important for several reasons. One of the primary reasons for the play's importance is the manner in which it portrayed black American's. Until this play black Americans were always typecast in stereotypical roles. A Raisin in the sun was the first successful play to actually depict the everyday life of Black people living in America.

The play was also important because of the social conditions that were present at the time the play debuted. Although there was a great deal of economic prosperity in the country at the time, there was also a great deal of racial tension; eventually this tension would develop into one of the most substantial social movements of the 20th century. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote the following of a Raisin in the Sun

Set against a backdrop of overt racism and pervasive housing discrimination in the 1950s, Hansberry's play manages to recover and sustain ethical idealism amid conditions, personal and societal, that would make fatalistic surrender understandable. It does so without sentimentality and in spite of the unresolved conflicts and uncertainties that are left over at the play's end, which remain Hansberry's legacy to the continuing struggle for racial justice and decency in America (Emerson, 1993)."

Indeed, this particular play showed the real struggle of family life for Black Americans. It also showed the hopes and dreams of the family and illustrated the triumphant human spirit which seeks to succeed even when there are many obstacles.

This play and other artistic endeavors by African-Americans set the stage for the civil rights and feminist movements that took place in the 1960's. The play laid the foundation for showing the humanity of black people; prior to this play black people were often viewed as content or animalistic. These depictions were detrimental because they helped to perpetuate the idea that black people were not fully human. This play helped to destroy this idea.

The play was able to assist in the destruction of this notion because it was viewed by both white and black audiences and achieved critical acclaim. The white audiences saw, for the first time, the true feelings and aspirations of many black people living in America. This allowed many white viewers to understand the common humanity and the need for equality in all aspects of American life. Additionally black audiences saw their story told through the eyes of another black person. This was important because the plight of black American was often ignored and became the source of a great deal of tension.

The play was actually part of an awakening that led to the civil rights movement which shaped the 1960's. A Raisin in the Sun and other works by various black artists depicted black people and their plight in a way that could not be ignored. In her own way Lorraine Hansberry allowed her literary work to speak to the masses in a way that could be understood by people regardless of race. As such the civil rights movement was influenced by her work and her efforts to bring attention to the racial divides that existed in America at the time.

In addition to the civil rights movement, a Raisin in the Sun also assisted the feminist movement. The play discussed issues such as abortion and explored education for women and the role of women in society. At the time these issues were groundbreaking topics. The play explored the decision that Ruth had to make because her economic conditions dictated that she could not afford another child. In addition, Beneatha's prospects of becoming a doctor and getting married were also explored in the play. This issue was extremely relevant at the time as some women were beginning to work outside the home. Although the play did not address whether or not Beneatha became a doctor or if she marred, it certainly presented the likelihood that these issues would present obstacles for Beneatha.

Overall a Raisin in the Sun was a critically acclaimed play that still has certain parallels with today's society and the treatment of minorities. The play is studied throughout the various levels of academia and has become a classic American play. It has experienced long runs on Broadway and Phylicia Rashad became the first African-American woman to win a Tony award for best lead performance with her portrayal of Mama.

Conclusion

The purpose of this discussion was to provide an interpretation of this literary work. The discussion found that a Raisin in the Sun was a groundbreaking literary work that had implications beyond the stage. This play has been credited with providing a real and sincere depiction of African-Americans during the 1950's.

The research indicates that the play assisted in spawning movements that were geared towards civil rights and equality from women.