Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is a powerful drama set in 1950's Southside Chicago. The characters express their struggles to maintain their dignity when a $10,000 insurance check arrives creating conflict between the family members. Through a passage written by Langston Hughes, Hansberry sets the tone for the novel:

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore-
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat
Or crust and sugar over-
Like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Each character expressed their dream, whether it be rational or irrational, in the hopes to better their family. Through the conflicting dreams, the family unites in the end to stand up against racism.

I recommend A Raisin in the Sun to everyone who has had a dream of creating a better society for themselves and their family.



Recommended: Yes