A Raisin In The Sun Literary Analysis

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When there comes a day that epitomizes the virtue of humanity—no crime, no violence, no hate anywhere—the world will be ignorant of this phenomenon. Society is eternally wrapped up in the headlines that blare from news stations vying for attention, capitalizing on the most “shocking” reports. This leaves most to wonder: how much faith is worth putting into humanity anymore? Lorraine Hansberry was born into an African American family of activists working against the popular notion of “separate but equal.” Living in Chicago, she emerged as a gifted writer releasing the play A Raisin in the Sun, executed on stage in 1959. Its powerful story illustrates the tenacious spirit synonymous over all races, reminding them of their analogous struggles…show more content…
Lorraine Hansberry earnestly towards her mission knowing accolades are not freely distributed; just because her cause is valid on its own, the implementation must be personable to be effective and galvanize audiences into action. Recognizing the efforts of the actors, she humbles herself remarking “the actors are very good and the director is a very talented man—so if it is a poor show I won’t be able to blame a soul but your youngest daughter” (“Letter to her Mother” 887). Instead of relying on her fellow activists to promote her work, Hansberry enhanced her writing skills and spoke directly from her experiences to facilitate the cultural revolution. Her strength easily identifies with Beneatha, who maintains a strong will to continue medical school despite the stigma against her race and gender. Walter announces her everyday opposition and challenges, “What fool told you had to be a doctor? If you so crazy ‘bout messing ‘round with sick people—then go be a nurse like other women—or just get married and be quiet” (A Raisin in the Sun 835). By fortifying her ambition, Beneatha withstands criticism and being pressured out of expressing herself. Hansberry uses the same obstinate approach in fighting for her race and in reaching out to others. Not only does her determination endure, but personal responsibility is exemplified in her own mindset and through the characteristics illustrated in her protagonist’s renewals. As the Younger family despair over the lost money, Beneatha is severely impaired and loses hope in her dream to become a doctor. Asagai, an outsider and fellow intellectual, confronts Beneatha and observes “isn’t there something wrong in a house—in a world—where all dreams, good or bad, must depend on the death of a man?” (A Raisin in the Sun 878). The progressive author illustrates that the final

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