A Raisin in the Sun is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry in the 1950s that tells the story of an African American family living in Chicago who are struggling with financial and personal issues. At the heart of the play is an argument about what to do with a $10,000 insurance check that the family has received after the death of the father.
One of the central arguments in the play is between the character of Walter Lee and his sister Beneatha. Walter Lee wants to use the money to buy a liquor store, while Beneatha wants to use it to go to medical school. This argument reflects the larger theme of the play, which is about the tension between the desire for financial stability and the desire for personal fulfillment.
On one hand, Walter Lee sees the liquor store as a way to achieve the American Dream and provide for his family. He sees it as a way to lift himself and his family out of poverty and give them the opportunity to live a better life. However, Beneatha sees the money as an opportunity to pursue her own dreams and passions, and she believes that becoming a doctor will give her the independence and freedom she desires.
Ultimately, the play suggests that both sides have valid points. Financial stability is important, and the ability to provide for oneself and one's family is a key part of the American Dream. At the same time, personal fulfillment and the pursuit of one's passions is also important, and it is not fair to sacrifice one's own dreams for the sake of others.
In the end, the family decides to use the money to buy a house in a predominantly white neighborhood, a decision that reflects both their desire for financial stability and their desire to live in a place where they feel valued and accepted. This decision also reflects the larger theme of the play, which is about the struggle for equality and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and values.
In conclusion, A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful and thought-provoking play that raises important questions about the meaning of success, the value of personal fulfillment, and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. It is a play that continues to resonate with audiences today, and its themes are as relevant and timely as ever.
A Raisin in the Sun is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry in the 1950s, which tells the story of the Younger family, an African American family living in Chicago who are struggling to make ends meet. At the center of the story is the family's matriarch, Lena, who has recently received a $10,000 insurance check following the death of her husband. Lena wants to use the money to buy a house in a better neighborhood for her family, but she faces opposition from her son Walter, who wants to use the money to invest in a liquor store.
On one hand, Lena's desire to buy a house can be seen as a practical and responsible decision. She wants to provide her family with a better living environment and a sense of stability, and she is willing to sacrifice her own financial security in order to do so. On the other hand, Walter's desire to invest in a liquor store can also be seen as a valid choice, as it represents a chance for him to improve his financial standing and provide for his family in a way that he has not been able to do before.
Ultimately, the question of how to use the insurance money becomes a symbol of the larger issues facing the Younger family, such as racial discrimination and the struggle to achieve financial stability and success in a society that often denies opportunities to people of color. Lena and Walter's disagreement over the use of the money reflects their different perspectives on these issues and their different approaches to achieving their goals.
In the end, Lena's decision to use the money to buy a house proves to be the right one, as it allows the family to move to a neighborhood where they are not subjected to the same level of racial discrimination and are able to build a better life for themselves. However, this resolution does not come without its challenges, and the family must continue to face the struggles and challenges that come with being African American in a society that often denies them equal opportunities.
Overall, A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful and thought-provoking play that highlights the struggles and challenges faced by African Americans in the 1950s and beyond. Through the story of the Younger family, Hansberry asks important questions about race, poverty, and the American Dream, and encourages her audience to consider their own perspectives on these issues.
