A Raisin in the Sun!

I'd like to start off by saying that I actually really enjoyed A Raisin in the Sun. I didn't expect to enjoy it at all because, to be entirely honest, I usually hate the things we read for class. I felt like I could relate to this work, though, especially to Beneatha's character. Beneatha is indecisive in all aspects of her life. On page 47, Mama asks "Why you got to flit from one thing to another, baby?" This occurs in the middle of the argument between Beneatha and Mama and Ruth which brings out Beneatha's true indecisive side. The audience learns that she has quit almost everything she has ever tried, and she still continues to try new things. That made me feel like I could relate to Beneatha best. I still have no concrete plans for the future, and neither does she. And like her, I think I want to be a doctor. Both of us are by no means sure, and it was cool for me to see that there are people even older than I am who are unsure about the future. It was reassuring in a way.

A Raisin in the Sun! (1119 #7)

On page 22, Lorraine Hansberry directly relates the amount of time covered in the play to the reader. Since this occurs before Act I, the audience would not be informed of this, but Hansberry lists the time covered for readers: "Act I, Scene One: Friday Morning. Scene Two: The following morning. Act II, Scene One: Later, the same day. Scene Two: Friday night, a few weeks later. Scene Three: Moving day, one week later. Act III: An hour later." Even with this information, it was difficult for me to tell how much time had really passed between acts and scenes.

Over the course of the play, all action takes place on the stage in front of the audience. The play lacks a narrator who steps onto the stage to explain events. Everything happens right there in front of the audience.

The play feels fairly loose in its construction. Unlike Othello, events are realistic in A Raisin in the Sun. The events which take place could take place in everyday life and often do take place in many people's lives. Nothing had to fall perfectly into place for the play to end the way it did. The loose feeling this creates makes the play easier to relate to. Nothing ever falls perfectly into place for everyone, and people will always have struggles. The fact that the Younger family has to endure struggles proves that they are a normal family affected by normal circumstances like anyone else would be. Honestly, it makes them more likable.

A Raisin in the Sun! (1119 #5)

In A Raisin in the Sun, a strong theme of oppression is obviously present. This is apparent especially when Mr. Lindner comes to the house to tell the Youngers that "for the happiness of all concerned, that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities" (118). Lindner makes an attempt to be respectful of the Youngers, although it could also be argued that he seems to fear them, and he fails. I have trouble believing that Ruth, Beneatha and Walter ever had a moment of completely belief in Lindner's words because they were so out of the ordinary.

Another prominent theme in the play is the difficulty in life that many families, black or white, struggle with daily. This theme is timeless. All societies in all time periods have at least some families who are not well-off. For the Youngers, this is highlighted by Ruth's pregnancy and the scam in which Walter invested their money. It seems that the Younger family just can't catch a break. They represent that family or group in every society that struggles with everything life throws at them.

The power of these themes definitely increases the theatrical experience. Having multiple themes which converge on one family creates suspense and interest for the audience. Both themes also present lessons for the audience, but they're not overpowering or boring.