Time and Intergenerational Conflict in A Raisin in the Sun

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In this essay I will be discussing the first performance of the play ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ in 1959 (A Raisin in the Sun [Performance] 1959) as the socio-political context of the play. The socio-political context of that time, then in turn influenced the characters. Firstly, I will discuss the socio-political context, then the characters of Mama and Walter. This will reveal how the nature of the society influenced each of the character’s views, morals and values. These differing ideals leads to the intergenerational conflict between Lena Younger (Mama) and Walter Lee Younger. This will reveal how ‘time’ influences Mama to believe that freedom is life whereas Walter rather views money as life. This is due to the nature of society that each character was exposed to throughout their lives.

Mama believes that ‘life is freedom’ and to fully understand why Mama places so much emphasis on freedom, one needs to be aware of the socio-political context of Mama’s upbringing. After the Civil War, which led to the abolishment of slavery, America went into the period of Reconstruction which was seen as a beacon of light and hope for the future. However, post Reconstruction, at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, we move into the era of the Jim Crowe laws which were predominantly focused in the South. These laws allowed for segregation based on race as well as discrimination and prejudice against people of colour. This is the society in Mama was born into. This extreme racism in the South, led to the Great Migration, where black people left the South to go up North, particularly to areas such as Chicago, where the play is set, in hope to escape the racism and prejudice. Therefore, Mama ended up in ...

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...ues and ideals that the characters have due to the socio-political context of society at the time, then lead to the intergenerational conflict between Walter and Mama, particularly around the question of ‘what is life?’

Works Cited:

Abdelmawjoud, Sayer. “Dreams ‘Deferred’ But Identity Affirmed ND Manhood Restored: A new Look at A Raisin in the Sun”. Studies in litrature and Language (5:30) 31 Dec. 2012. Literature Online. Web 20 March 2014.

A Raisin in the Sun [Performance]. 1959. Produced by Rose, P and Cogan, D/ Directed by Lloyd Richards/ Writer Lorraine Hansberry. 11 March 1959. New York: The Ethel Barrymore Theatre.

Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun with an introduction by Robert Nerimhoff. New York; Vintage Books, 1994. Print.

Collis-Buthelezi, VJ. ‘A Raisin in the Sun.’ ELL1013F. University of Cape Town. Cape Town. 18 Feb 2014. Lecture.

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