How 'A Raisin In The Sun' Is The Resonance Of The Future

The search for new beginnings and opportunities is a theme that has resonated with many people. More than before have we seen the discussion about dreams and hardships bloom during this era; and the successes and failures of those who consistently try. Little did we know that the venture of this play would open one of many doors to tell these stories.

Lorraine Hansberry was born on May 19, 1930. A politically active woman who had no fear of standing for what’s right, Hansberry moved to New York City in 1950 to pursue her career as a writer and also participated in the Civil Rights movement. 9 years later her passion would flourish one of the greatest plays ever written.

Inspired by a lawsuit that involved her family, A Raisin in the Sun tells the story of Walter, Lena, Ruth, Travis and Beneatha, an African American family who lives in Chicago under dreadful circumstances. Lena is set to receive a $10,000 insurance payout after the death of her husband, which causes a strain between all family members. What follows is an incredible exploration of strengths, differences and struggles that continue to shine a light on why this production was pivotal to a change in American Theater.

The play originally premiered at the Belasco Theatre in New York on October 19, 1959 after touring and a previous premiere at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. It included a cast that was predominantly black, except for one character. It was also the first play written by a black woman that was produced on Broadway, as well as the first with a Black director, Lloyd Richards.

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Hansberry tackles many themes in her play. The realism that each character created by Hansberry struggles with is masterfully depicted in the 1989 film made for the PBS American Playhouse series. Even though all characters at some point showcase a struggle, none is more essential than the core of the family that consists of Lena, and her children Walter and Beneatha.

Walter dreams of more than a life as a limousine driver and wants to invest in a liquor store. Beneatha is studying to become a doctor while tied between having a relationship with a man who is proud of his heritage and another that has succumbed to assimilation. Lena, tied to her old ways, is afraid of growth as well as the sight of a broken family.

All of these characteristics take a turn in both positive and negative lights as we see the outcome of Lena facing her fear. She decides to spend a share of the money on a new house located in a White neighborhood. This leads to the depiction and a contrast in both Walter and Beneatha that is truly remarkable to see.

As Walter, played by Danny Glover, buries himself into his dreams of profitability as his only way of growth as a black man, he starts distancing himself from his family. This leads to a strain in his marriage with Ruth, who considers getting rid of the child she’s expecting. Walter also becomes weary of his pride in his culture and disregards any advice or talks from his mother.

Beneatha, played by Kim Yancey, on the other hand starts moving far away from any assimilation she had before. This includes being prideful in having her natural hair out and indulging in her African roots after a visit from Joseph Asagai; a former lover who remains faithful to his origins even though he is far away from his country. This causes a strain in her relationship with George Murchison, a wealthy and educated Black man who has succumbed to all expectations deemed acceptable by society. In the end, he confesses to not having any actual interest in his studies which surprises Beneatha, who is very passionate about learning.

This brings up another concept that marks an interesting contrast with the characters of Beneatha and Ruth. Ruth represents the more traditional woman that Lena is used to. Beneatha represents a revolution in the women role with her thoughts and aspirations as a Black woman. Hansberry takes a dab at the role of women in society by showcasing their differences in habits and aspirations with both characters.

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We see this emphasized at the beginning of the play when Ruth, played by Starletta DuPois, is multitasking by making breakfast for the whole family while waking up her son and husband. We see her portrayed as irritated with her daily routine. Beneatha wakes up motivated by her desire to learn how to play the guitar. Soon afterwards, she is bothered by Ruth and Lena about how she decides to learn something new each year. This leads to a tense conversation between Beneatha and Lena after she also expresses her non-belief in God.

For such a strong character, Hansberry decides to embody Lena, played by Esther Rolle, and her family in a fragile plant. We see her throughout the play caring for the plant by making sure it takes the proper sunlight close to the window. This acts as a depiction of one of her dreams to own a house with a small backyard for her grandson to play and for her garden. It also symbolizes how much she cares for her family and their deferred dreams for a greater future.

This leads her to an act of trust in which her son Walter loses the rest of the money after being scammed by a business partner. After an overwhelmingly time of disappointment in the family with Walter, he sees no other choice than agreeing to a previous offer by the White community in their new neighborhood to buy back their house. This is undoubtedly a scene that makes you understand why this play was written in the first place while sending chills down your spine.

After presenting his son to Karl Linder, played by John Fielder, Walter realizes how blinded he was by greed all this time. As Travis is watching him, Walter makes the choice to deny Linder’s offer. This presents a denial to relinquish his remaining dignity for his race and setting an example for his son, as he represents the future generations of his family.

Now, more so than ever, the “American Dream” is still a strong thought in many people’s mind. It is why the story of this play shakes the core of an audience. Opening the door for reason and understanding, our characters reach their most valuable lesson in gratification; to feel the satisfaction of achievement with so little, the fulfillment in the dreams that come true for a family’s growth and unification. But most importantly, self-worth in knowing that they are enough to prosper in the world.

More than depicting the struggles of an African American family with dreams, it also resonates universally because of how relatable each topic is. By showcasing how the “American Dream” affects this family, the story paves the way for new beginnings or understandings of what the priorities are when trying times are upon us. Hansberry was uneasy with the reception she was to receive for her play during opening night on Broadway. It is safe to say that today, during such a time of struggle and significance in our country, her piece would receive an immense standing ovation.