Introduction
Lorraine Hansberry’s *A Raisin in the Sun* (1959) is a seminal work in American theatre, exploring the dreams and struggles of the Younger family as they navigate systemic racism, economic hardship, and personal aspirations in 1950s Chicago. Drawing its title from Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem,” the play questions whether deferred dreams “dry up like a raisin in the sun.” This essay provides an act-by-act analysis of the play, focusing on how the central theme of dreams shapes the characters’ lives and interactions. It examines the tension between individual aspirations and collective family goals, highlighting key moments of conflict and resolution. Through this analysis, the essay aims to illuminate Hansberry’s commentary on race, class, and the American Dream, demonstrating a sound understanding of the text within the context of English Literature studies.
Act 1: Seeds of Dreams and Discontent
In Act 1, Hansberry introduces the Younger family’s cramped living conditions on Chicago’s South Side, immediately establishing their economic struggles. The shared bathroom and single window reflect their limited opportunities, while the anticipated insurance check becomes a symbol of hope. Walter Lee’s dream of investing in a liquor store emerges in Scene 1 during a tense conversation with Ruth, revealing his frustration with their stagnant lives (Hansberry, 1959). Conversely, Ruth’s irritation over Travis’ request for money underscores her daily burden. Scene 2 further complicates these dreams as Beneatha’s ambition to become a doctor and her curiosity about her African heritage are introduced alongside Ruth’s unexpected pregnancy. These individual aspirations clash with familial responsibilities, setting the stage for conflict. The act highlights the emotional toll of deferred dreams, as seen in Walter’s desperation and Ruth’s exhaustion, illustrating Hansberry’s critique of societal barriers facing African Americans in the mid-20th century.
Act 2: Dreams Deferred and Challenged
Act 2 intensifies the struggle over dreams as competing desires fracture family unity. In Scene 1, Mama’s decision to buy a house in the white neighborhood of Clybourne Park with the insurance money crushes Walter’s liquor store aspirations, leading to his bitter accusation that she has destroyed his dream (Hansberry, 1959). Ruth, however, finds renewed hope in the prospect of a better home. Scene 2 reveals external threats to their dreams through Mrs. Johnson’s story of a bombed black family, foreshadowing resistance to their move. Walter’s despair deepens as he neglects work, reflecting his sense of uselessness. By Scene 3, the collapse of Walter’s liquor store plan—after Willy Harris absconds with the money—marks a devastating blow, not only to his dream but also to Beneatha’s educational fund. This loss, coupled with Karl Lindner’s racist buyout offer, underscores the external and internal pressures thwarting the Youngers’ aspirations, highlighting systemic racism as a barrier to the American Dream.
Act 3: Resolution and Resilience
Act 3 offers a poignant resolution as the Youngers confront their shattered dreams yet find strength in unity. Walter’s initial decision to accept Lindner’s offer signifies his despair, but his ultimate refusal—asserting the family’s pride and right to their new home—marks a transformative moment (Hansberry, 1959). Beneatha’s crisis of purpose, questioning her medical ambitions, is tempered by Asagai’s perspective, while Mama’s unwavering resolve to keep the family together through the move reinforces the house as the unifying dream. This act suggests that while individual dreams may falter, collective resilience and familial bonds offer hope. Hansberry thus critiques the fragility of the American Dream for African Americans, while affirming the power of perseverance against systemic oppression.
Conclusion
Through an act-by-act analysis, *A Raisin in the Sun* emerges as a profound exploration of dreams deferred within the context of racial and economic hardship. Act 1 establishes the Youngers’ aspirations and frustrations, Act 2 reveals the devastating setbacks they face, and Act 3 resolves their journey with a bittersweet triumph of family unity over individual loss. Hansberry’s play critiques the systemic barriers that hinder African American progress, yet it ultimately suggests that collective strength can defy such odds. This analysis underscores the relevance of the play’s themes in understanding the intersection of race, class, and aspiration in mid-20th-century America, inviting further reflection on how these issues persist today.
References
- Hansberry, L. (1959) A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Random House.
