Title: A Raisin in the Sun
Author: Lorraine Hansberry
First published January 1, 1959
162 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780375508332 (ISBN10: 0375508333)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun has been hailed as a masterpiece of American theater. Set in the South Side of Chicago, the play follows the struggles of the Younger family, as they fight to achieve their dreams in a world that seems determined to keep them down.
With its powerful portrayal of the African-American experience, A Raisin in the Sun resonated deeply with audiences in 1959 – and its relevance has only grown over the years. With its vivid characters, sharp dialogue, and unflinching honesty, this play is a timeless classic that speaks to the heart of the human experience.
This edition includes the fully restored, uncut version of the play, along with an introduction by a leading theater scholar.
About the Author
Lorraine Vivian Hansberry is a renowned American playwright, best known for her groundbreaking play A Raisin in the Sun (1959). Hansberry’s work has inspired many, including Nina Simone, who wrote the song “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” in her honor.
As the first Black woman to have a play performed on Broadway, Hansberry’s work sheds light on the struggles of Black Americans living under racial segregation in Chicago. Her own family fought against segregation, challenging a restrictive covenant and eventually taking their case to the Supreme Court.
The title of her play was taken from the poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes: “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”
After moving to New York City, Hansberry worked at the pan-Africanist newspaper Freedom, where she engaged with intellectuals such as W.E.B. DuBois and Paul Robeson. Much of her work during this time focused on the African struggle for liberation and its impact on the world.
Hansberry was also identified as a lesbian, and her work often addressed issues of sexual freedom.
Sadly, Hansberry passed away from cancer at the young age of 34. Her legacy lives on through her powerful writing and contributions to the fight for social justice.
Editoral Review
Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is a classic play that transcends time with its complex themes and sharp social commentary. First published in 1959, the play paints a vivid portrait of life for African American families in Chicago during the mid-twentieth century.
Hansberry’s work remains relevant today and has earned its place as one of the most important plays in modern American literature. The play follows the Younger family as they navigate the challenges of living in poverty and facing systemic racism.
The family’s patriarch, Walter, dreams of a better life for himself and his family. He wants to use an insurance payout to invest in a liquor store.
However, his wife, Lena, and sister, Beneatha, have different goals and ideas for how to spend the money. The family’s struggle to make a decision mirrors the broader struggle for economic and social mobility in their community.
Hansberry’s writing is evocative, transporting the reader to the cramped apartment where the Younger family lives. Her portrayal of the family dynamics feels authentic, and each character is given depth and complexity.
The play touches on themes such as familial bonds, racial identity, and the American Dream. It is a deeply empathetic work that takes a nuanced approach to the social issues it addresses.
A Raisin in the Sun was ahead of its time in many ways. It broke ground by portraying African American characters in positions of agency and autonomy, rather than as subservient to white characters.
It was also one of the first works of art to tackle issues facing Black Americans in a realistic and nuanced way, addressing economic and social inequality in a way that had not been done before. In this sense, the play is an important piece of history that shows the struggles and triumphs of Black communities in the mid-twentieth century.
While A Raisin in the Sun is a great work, it does have some limitations. The play’s pacing can be slow at times, and the dialogue can feel dated.
However, these flaws do not detract from the importance and impact of the work as a whole. Overall, A Raisin in the Sun is a must-read for anyone interested in modern American literature, social justice, or history.
Its themes and commentary are as relevant today as they were in 1959. Hansberry’s writing is timeless and enduring, and her work continues to inspire readers and artists alike.
It is a powerful reminder of the struggles of the past and the need to keep fighting for equality and justice in the present. As such, we give A Raisin in the Sun a rating of five stars out of five.
