A Raisin in the Sun

A detailed Summary of A Raisin in the Sun


A Raisin in the Sun is a story about a working-class African-American family who all have dreams. They struggle to keep their dream of going from tenants to owners alive. Unfortunately they are in a bad position to accomplish these dreams because society sees them based on their race and class, but they are willing to rebel against that position in order to fulfill their dreams. Throughout the play they come to terms with the dreams that are out of reach, and strive to fulfill those that are in reach. A major theme in the play is the story of every persons struggle to reach goals that aren't always in sink with what societies thoughts and/or ideas are.

Walter Younger is a chauffeur who wants to become wealthy and live as Mr. Arnold, his employer does. At times he feels as if he is going crazy. He tells Mama, "sometimes it's like I can see the future stretched out in front of me-just plain as day.... Hanging over there at the edge of my days. Just waiting for me- a big looming blank space-full of nothing.... But it don't have to be" (73-4). Although he gives up, his position in time allows for one other alternative to take his place on any one of a number of challenges, like he


Later in the morning Beneatha starts yet another conflict by speaking in an improper way about God. Her mother slaps her because of her disrespect to the Lord, and to values that she has been taught since childhood. This situation shows another time that a family member threatens to ruin the stability of the family structure. While trying to better herself, Beneatha, is unknowingly leaving an important part of her heritage behind. When she delivers her speech about God, she is attempting to prove independence and individuality in the world. However when she asserts herself she runs the risk of detaching from the only definite support group in life, her family. Benetha, also realizes later in the story that family values and morals are the foundation upon which to build a magnificent life.

lping to break down restricted neighborhoods which are limited because they do not threaten the basic social order. (214)

At the start of the play Walter, and his wife, Ruth, are having a fight over Walter's dream to be a 'mover and shaker' in the business world by using an incoming insurance check for his mother as a down payment on a capitalistic adventure. This is an illustration of a major conflict throughout the story. The bigger Walter dreams the further he seems to get from

Some common words found in the essay are:
Asaigi Nigerian, Raisin Sun, Mama Leana, Beneatha Walter's, 'welcoming committee', civil rights, raisin sun, values morals,

Approximate Word count = 863
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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