Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun: An All-Inclusive Study

Exploring Dreams and Double Consciousness in A Raisin in the Sun

Abstract

The present paper will attempt to study the Play A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorianne Hansberry in a holistic manner. The play deals with the lives of the five members of an African American family living in the south side of Chicago in the 1960s. Briefly introducing the playwright, dreams and aspirations of the family have been discussed in detail. The matriarch of the family, Lena Younger, has a dream to buy a house. Benethea, who earlier wanted to become a doctor, now wants to learn guitar to express her feelings. Walter harbours a dream to open a liquor store and make large sums of money. Ruth also wants to buy a house and wishes to see her family in a better light. All the African American people living in the new American society suffers from “double consciousness” and this family is no exception. This concept has been elaborated with special reference to the life of Benethea Younger.