Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

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A Raisin In The Sun

"A Raisin in the Sun" was written by Lorraine Hansberry. It has won her an award in 1959, at age 29, the youngest American, the fifth woman, and the black playwright to win the Best Play of the Year Award of the New York Drama Critics. This book of the play has been put in its entire form. The original play did not include some scenes. This book has been an inspiration to a lot people. In my personal opinion, the central message is to show how the value systems of black families are. In some ways they are unique, but most ways are exactly the same as white families.

In most white and black families, God is the center and heart of the family. An example of how strong an influence on families is when Beneatha and Lena argue about God's existence.

"Beneatha: Mama, you don't understand. It's all a matter of ideas, and God is just one idea I don't accept. It's not important. I am not going out and be immoral or commit crimes because I don't believe in God. I don't even think about it. It's just that I get tired of Him getting credit for all the things the human race achieves through its own stubborn effort. There simply is no blasted God-there is only man and it is he who makes miracles!"

After Beneatha had finished her argument, Lena slapped her across her face and made Beneatha say, "In my mother's house there is still God". Lena stressed out her points that she will not tolerate any ideas like that in her house, or as long as she's around.

Black families have a huge sense of pride of where they come from. For example, Asagai always talked about Africa and how it will be good for him if he goes there. He even asked Beneatha if she would go with him.

''Asagai: Nigeria. Home. (Coming to her with genuine romantic flippancy) I will show you our mountains and our stars; and nice you cool drinks from gourds and teach you the old songs and the ways of our people-and, in time, we will pretend that- (Very Softly)-you have only been away for a day. Say that you'll come- (He swings her around and takes her full in his arms in a kiss which proceeds to passion)"

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