A Raisin in the Sun

Synopsis

"Never before, in the entire history of the American theater, has so much of the truth of Black people's lives been seen on the stage," observed James Baldwin shortly before A Raisin in the Sun opened on Broadway in 1959.

This edition presents the fully restored, uncut version of Hansberry's landmark work with an introduction by Robert Nemiroff.

Lorraine Hansberry's award-winning drama about the hopes and aspirations of a struggling, working-class family living on the South Side of Chicago connected profoundly with the psyche of Black America-and changed American theater forever. The play's title comes from a line in Langston Hughes's poem "Harlem," which warns that a dream deferred might "dry up/like a raisin in the sun."

"The events of every passing year add resonance to A Raisin in the Sun," said The New York Times. "It is as if history is conspiring to make the play a classic."

Summary

Chapter 1

The play opens in the cramped, rundown apartment of the Youngers, an African American family living in Chicago. The apartment is overcrowded, with the family of five sharing two small rooms. The characters include:

* Mama: A strong-willed and determined matriarch
* Walter Lee: Mama's son, an ambitious and frustrated businessman
* Beneatha: Walter's sister, a bright and independent young woman
* Ruth: Mama's younger daughter, a devoted wife and mother
* Travis: Ruth and Walter's 10-year-old son

The family is facing financial difficulties, with Mama struggling to make ends meet. Walter dreams of a better life and sees a chance to invest in a liquor store as his path to wealth. Mama is reluctant to give him the insurance money she inherited from her husband's death, but Walter eventually persuades her.

Chapter 2

Ruth discovers she is pregnant, but Walter is disappointed that it's not a boy. He sees the baby as another financial burden. Beneatha, on the other hand, is excited about the possibility of becoming an aunt.

Meanwhile, Walter's friend Bobo arrives and offers him a chance to invest in a shady business deal. Walter is tempted but ultimately turns it down. Mama senses that Walter is still pursuing his liquor store dream and confronts him about it.

Chapter 3

Mama's brother, Uncle Asagai, visits from Nigeria. Asagai is a proud and educated African man who challenges Walter's self-pity and encourages Beneatha to embrace her African heritage.

Ruth goes into labor, and Mama rushes her to the hospital. Walter is left alone with Travis and realizes the error of his ways. He vows to become a better father and husband.

Chapter 4

Ruth gives birth to a baby girl, but Walter is still disappointed. He takes out his frustration on Mama, blaming her for his failures. Mama stands her ground and tells Walter that he must accept responsibility for his own choices.

Asagai returns and proposes to Beneatha. She is torn between her desire to be with him and her responsibilities to her family. Mama gives Beneatha her blessing to follow her heart.

Chapter 5

Walter receives a letter informing him that the liquor store deal has fallen through. He is devastated and takes out his anger on Beneatha. Beneatha stands up to him and tells him that she is not afraid to pursue her dreams.

Mama announces that she has bought a new house for the family in a white neighborhood. Walter is initially reluctant but eventually agrees to move. The play ends with the family packing their belongings and preparing to leave their old apartment.

Real Example

Mama's strength and resilience are evident throughout the play. In Chapter 1, she confronts Walter about his irresponsible behavior:

> "Don't you have the right to throw away your life? Sure. But you ain't got the right to throw away mine!"

This quote shows Mama's deep love and concern for her family. She is willing to sacrifice her own dreams and aspirations to ensure a better future for her children.