Background Information
Langston Hughes was an American poet and author who wrote extensively during the African-American Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. His works have become widely known and respected not just in the United States, but internationally. He is best known for his novel, “A Raisin in the Sun”, which is considered to be a classic of American literature. The play follows the struggles of an African-American family living in Chicago in the 1950s. Through their experiences, Hughes addresses issues such as racism, poverty, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Relevant Data
Originally published in 1959, “A Raisin in the Sun” has become one of Hughes’ most successful works. It was adapted into an award-winning Broadway play in 1960 and subsequently a film featuring award-winning performances by Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee in 1961. Throughout its various adaptations, the play has continued to be widely acclaimed and praised.
The play has also received praise from academics and literary critics. It has been called “one of the most remarkable and significant plays of our time, grappling with issues that remain relevant to American society today” by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Perspectives from Experts
Several experts on African-American literature have analyzed the play. Dr. April Lewis, an Assistant Professor of English Literature at Harvard University, argues that “A Raisin in the Sun” serves as a “powerful commentary on the African-American experience in the 1950s, a time when people of color were often denied basic rights and freedom.”
Dr. Zion Kim, Associate Professor of African-American Studies at Stanford University, suggests that the play is also a “cultural mirror, reflecting the complex social realities of race and class in America.” He goes on to suggest that the play raises important questions about American identity, ambition and resilience.
Own Insights and Analysis
Having read “A Raisin in the Sun”, I believe that the play speaks not just to the African-American experience, but to the entire human experience. The play examines the struggles of the family to find a way to succeed despite their disadvantages, as well as the tug of war between ambition and pride. Ultimately, the play is a lesson in perseverance and hope.
I also believe that the play is a reminder of the importance of understanding each other’s perspectives and how even small victories can be meaningful. The family in “A Raisin in the Sun” achieve a number of small victories throughout the play, from Walter’s acceptance of the insurance check to Beneatha’s dream of attending medical school. These victories are important in the context of the play and can be seen as a symbol of hope for the opportunities and successes that can still be achieved in the face of adversity.
Challenges of African American Family
The playstands in stark contrast to how African-American families struggled against racism and poverty. The play depicts how the family has to struggle to find a way to survive even in the face of racism and poverty. Through the course of their lives they are forced to make difficult decisions that have both positive and negative consequences.
For example, towards the end of the play Walter is offered a job, but it comes with stipulations. The family must move to a white neighborhood and accept a lower wage than what is usually offered for the job. Walter is ultimately forced to make a difficult decision, one that will either give them a chance at the American dream, or keep them in poverty.
This reflects the challenging decisions that African Americans often had to make in order to survive in a racially oppressive society. Hughes’s play shows how even small victories can be important and serve as examples of hope and potential success.
African American Identity
“A Raisin in the Sun” is also a powerful exploration of African American identity. As a black family living in a majority white neighborhood, the characters in the play have to confront their own identity in relation to those around them.
The play explores the nuances of identity and how the characters come to terms with their dual identities. Walter, the main character in the play, must come to terms with his own identity as a black man both internally and externally. He is forced to confront the idea that he may not be able to achieve his dream of becoming a successful business man due to racism. He is also forced to balance his ambition with his pride.
This is reflective of a larger issue faced by African Americans in the 1950s and even today. They are faced with the challenge of reconciling their own identity with the expectations and stereotypes of society.
Reactions of Society
Besides portraying the struggle of African American family, Hughes’s play also examines the reactions of the white community to the presence of an African American family. The white community suggests that Walter takes the opportunity and moves to their neighborhood as a ‘good neighborly gesture’.
This is representative of the attitude of many whites in America at the time. They believed that they should extend the olive branch and be welcoming, while expecting the African American family to accept any conditions they placed upon them. Walter’s statement that he ‘ain’t gonna be humiliated’ paints a vivid picture of the double standards imposed upon African American families.
The play serves as a reminder of the racism and prejudice that African American families faced and still face. Through his writing, Hughes is highlighting the need for social justice and freedom from oppression.
Cultural Relevance
Despite its setting in a 1950s Chicago, “A Raisin in the Sun” continues to speak to the issues of today. As Dr. Zion Kim said, the play is a “cultural mirror” that reflects current social issues such as racism, poverty inequality and the pursuit of the American dream.
The play highlights the importance of understanding other perspectives, as well as the struggle that African Americans faced and continue to face. These are issues that remain relevant today, and the play serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for social justice and equality.
Struggles with Gender Roles
In “A Raisin in the Sun”, the characters struggle to find a balance between traditional gender roles and their own ambitions. Mama is the matriarch of the family, while Walter is expected to be the breadwinner and provider.
However, the play also highlights how the characters struggle to reconcile their ambition with the traditional roles placed upon them. Walter and Beneatha both struggle to find a way to achieve their goals. For example, Beneatha must choose between her dream of becoming a doctor and her cultural duties as an African American woman.
The play explores the idea of how society can limit an individual’s aspirations, and how individuals can find a way to achieve their dreams and ambitions.
Identity in Modern Society
Even in modern times, African Americans continue to struggle with their identity in a predominantly white society. As seen through the characters of “A Raisin in the Sun”, the need to reconcile one’s identity against societal expectations is a constant struggle.
The play stands as an important reminder that in order to achieve social justice and equality, individuals must not only accept their own identities but also understand and accept the perspectives and beliefs of those around them.
Language of Resistance
The characters in the play use their language and words to express resistance and defiance. Mama’s famous line “you name it son, and I hand it to you” is an example of this. This line serves as a symbolic gesture of her self-sufficiency and her defiance of both racism and poverty.
As shown in “A Raisin in the Sun”, language is a powerful tool of expression and it can be used to challenge injustice. Hughes’s use of language highlights the importance of speaking up against injustice and the need for social change.
