A Raisin in the Sun Reflection-
A Raisin the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, is the story of a lower- class African American family living in Chicago. This play is very similar to Gleengary Glen Ross in terms of how families struggle to move up the social ladder and what bold steps they are ready to take and by risking a lot they already have. Lets move onto A Raisin in the Sun. The plot is about this family that wants to move into a house in middle- class White neighborhood. In an effort to double the money, the son of the family puts its savings into an invests and ends up losing it all.
I was really intrigued by the character of Walter Younger, as his spirits somehow resembled mine. But what I found more surprising was that, he had that kind of spirit while being a black man looking to move up the economic and social ladder. Basically he was surrounded in a difficult environmental situation. I feel Walter Younger truly captures the American Dream. He has a genuine entrepreneurial spirit and desire to progress. He doesn’t want to challenge the system, like Beneatha does. He is unsatisfied with his job as a chauffeur, and wants a big house, a good car and an office job. Walter idolizes wealth and power and creates a hunger for a change, but as long as obstacles like racism keep him stagnated, his hopes deter.
This movie provides viewers with a moving and motivational message about ethics and honor. When the family was entirely dependent on money: they already have made plans to move, and were in the midst of packing up their things. Walter was devastated and considers taking an offer from Mr. Lindner, a representative from the white neighborhood that would pay the Youngers extra n ot to move dignity. Walter is unable to complete the deal under the innocent gaze of his son, Travis. In the end, the family decides to move. Even though the road ahead would be difficult, they know they had made an honorable choice.
I wanted to specifically talk something about Lorraine Hansberry. Hansberry’s recognition of the close relationship between art and propaganda is the reason she chose the environment of the powerless as a backdrop from her work about American culture. Her objective was to be a spokesperson for those who, prior this film, had no voice. She made the play very authentic- treading information about Africa throughout the play, mainly through the stable characters of Asagai, Beneatha suitor from Nigeria.
I feel, overall, Hansberry has used this play to convey important messages and show the evolution of such characters that might represent the black community, who are trying to make a mark in a the world.