Joseph catches Beneatha off guard, she does not understand what is wrong with her hair. She makes the claim that she straightens her hair not because she sees it as “ugly” (Hansberry, 1.2), but because it is hard to manage. Joseph pushes Beneatha to recognize that in manipulating her natural hair she is trying to blend into the white society, rather than embrace her roots.

This is a biblical allusion of when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and the path to Jesus’ crucifixion – also relating to Walter Lee’s downfall. Thirty pieces of silver was the price Judas was paid to hand Jesus over to Pilate’s soldiers. Just like Walter Lee, Judas made an ultimate betrayal to Jesus and returned the money out of guilt after Jesus was arrested. It wasn’t until he saw the consequences of his actions then he realized not that enough money in the world would justify his action to make such a betrayal. Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons.

A Glimpse Into The Lives Of African Americans

She was born to an African American family who at this time were perceived as better off than others in the African American community. He used his education and his achievements as a platform to uplift and speak out for the Black community who at this time, especially in the South, were being mistreated. Despite Hansberry’s father’s educational and academic accomplishments, he was still mistreated by society. In A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry reflects on events that actually took place in her life, things she witnessed her father and family experience. In the play, a family gains financial stability and decides to move into a more suburban community. They receive opposition from the community when a community representative personally offers the family more money than they intend to pay for the house in exchange for not moving there.

When Lorraine Hansberry’s dad died, her mom and siblings comforted each other. This shows that they loved each other when they needed it, and not when they were at their highest point, but at their lowest point. In her writing, mamatakes on the the role as the head of the house and tries to protect and do what’s best for her family. Mama’s main role in the play is to show that they all need to support each other, and Lorraine Hansberry’s real mom doesn’t show a lot of love, but she shows support and affection. Lastly, it is important to know that our plans are not God’s plans and that with little involvement of Him, all dreams are compared to “a raisin” being in the sun and sometimes deferred. “The Youngers aspired to nothing more than the crass materialistic prosperity that white Americans enjoyed, which was a rather shallow goal” .

a raisin in the sun theme essay

When his wife announces her pregnancy and her consideration of abortion he does nothing. Walter was not in a position financial to have a baby neither to finance buy thesis papers aborting it. Although her family could not afford to, they pushed Beneath and supported her financially in order for her to reach her dreams. Collectively, they all needed money for their future happiness, some more than other, in pursuit of achieving their American Dream.

A Raisin In The Sun Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Petrie’s decision to make Asagai a minor character fails to reinforce Hansberry’s central theme of the responsibility society plays in the oppression of African Americans. Walter’s character is someone who can change their attitude instantly throughout the book because of his idea of a better life. Walter isn’t a bad person it’s just his idea of a better life has made him act differently because he was given the chance to have more money.

  • A Raisin in the Sun is a play about an African American family that is going to receive an inheritance because of a death in the family.
  • Phyllis’ other talents include that of a writer and spoken word artist.
  • This student essay consists of approximately 2 pages of analysis see this of Character in Conflict Paragraph for a Raisin in the Sun.
  • Another quote from the play in Act III indicated by Mama, “…Isn’t nobody in my family never let nobody pay’em no money…” shows the reader that Mama’s old belief is to never take money from people.

Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you succeed. Click here for sample essays written by our professional writers. Literary Devices Used in the Story “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry.

These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. Beneatha’s reply to Mr. Lindner’s offer to pay the family to leave Clybourne Park– a predominantly white community to live in a black community alludes to the previous mentioned scripture. When the offer was presented, Beneatha replies, “Thirty pieces and not a coin less!