Summary of A Raisin in the Sun

The Youngers are a poor African American family living in Chicago during the 1950s. Mr. Younger has recently died, and the family receives a $10,000 life insurance check. Lena, the family matriarch, spends a portion of the money on a new house in a white, middle-class neighborhood. Walter, the elder child, then loses the remainder of the money in a failed investment, which in turn prevents his sister Beneatha from going to medical school. When the Youngers move into their new neighborhood, they confront racial tensions and struggle with personal and racial identity.

Content Warning: A Raisin in the Sun contains profanity, racial slurs, sexual content, and references to abortion.

What Your Students Will Love About A Raisin in the Sun

• Relating to some of the Younger family members’ frustrations
• The thought-provoking examination of important social issues

Potential Student Struggles With A Raisin in the Sun

• Outdated language and slang
• The unflinching depiction of systemic racism

Learning Objectives for A Raisin in the Sun

• Discuss the conflict between Walter and Mama, Walter and Beneatha, and the Younger family and society.
• Gain an understanding of the social structure of Chicago in the 1950s.
• Identify the protagonist in this play and determine why this character is the protagonist.
• Analyze the symbolism of light and its absence as illustrated in the play.
• Compare and contrast the differing viewpoints on heritage, assimilation, and Afrocentrism.

Literary Elements in A Raisin in the Sun

• Allusion
• Imagery
• Irony
• Metaphor
• Setting
• Symbolism
• Tone

Major Themes in A Raisin in the Sun

The American Dream — This play examines the concept of the American Dream from the perspectives of characters who have been oppressed because of their race. Who is the American Dream for, and what does it ultimately mean?

Racism — The Youngers are initially dissuaded from moving into an all-white neighborhood, but eventually decide to buy the house anyway. The play chronicles the family’s struggle against this discrimination.

Family — Although each member of the family has a unique dream, they all recognize that the family would be happier if everyone worked together.