The main topic of this paper are the hopes, the fears and the dreams of black US citizens. Given the experience during an exchange program in the US this research paper will focus on the black American Dream.
The first two chapters give a plot overview and a characterization of the main characters from Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun".
Before answering the question about the black American Dream in chapter 5, chapter 4 will give some background information on Lorraine Hansberry's life and political engagement.
The paper concludes with a contrastive analysis on Langston Hughes "Harlem" and Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun".
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Choice of Topic
- Plot Overview
- Characterization of the main characters with special emphasis on their hopes and dreams
- Lena Younger
- Walter Younger
- Beneatha Younger
- Lorraine Hansberry's biography and political engagement and its impact on the play
- The black American Dream- a dream deferred?
- The common ground between Langston Hughes “Harlem” and Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper analyzes Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun," exploring the hopes, dreams, and fears of a Black family in 1950s Chicago. The paper examines how these personal aspirations intersect with the broader context of racial inequality and the elusive nature of the American Dream for Black Americans.
- The American Dream and its unattainability for Black Americans
- The impact of racial discrimination on individual aspirations
- The dynamics of family relationships under financial and social pressure
- The search for identity and cultural belonging within a discriminatory society
- The power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Choice of Topic: This chapter introduces the author's personal connection to the theme of the American Dream and its varied realities. The author's experience as a foreign exchange student in the US sparked an interest in exploring the disparities faced by Black citizens in achieving their aspirations. The choice to analyze "A Raisin in the Sun" stems from its portrayal of a Black family navigating financial hardship and racial prejudice in 1950s Chicago, a setting that resonates with the author's observations of racial inequality in America. Hansberry's personal experiences with discrimination add a layer of authenticity and credibility to the play, making it a compelling subject for this research.
Plot Overview: This section provides a concise summary of the plot of "A Raisin in the Sun." It introduces the Younger family—Mama, Walter Lee, Ruth, Beneatha, and Travis—and their struggles with poverty and limited opportunities in a racially segregated Chicago. The core conflict revolves around the inheritance of a life insurance check and the differing aspirations of family members: Mama's desire for a house, Walter Lee's dream of a liquor store, and Beneatha's pursuit of medical school. The chapter highlights the tension and conflict arising from these contrasting ambitions and the family's eventual confrontation with racial prejudice when attempting to move into a white neighborhood. The chapter concludes with the family's decision to move into their new house, despite the loss of Walter's investment, illustrating their resilience in the face of adversity.
Characterization of the main characters with special emphasis on their hopes and dreams: This chapter delves into the personalities and aspirations of the Younger family members. It begins with Lena Younger ("Mama"), describing her strength, resilience, and unwavering love for her family, alongside her dreams of a better home and future for her children. The chapter then shifts to Walter Lee and his frustrations with his lack of economic opportunity, his desire for self-sufficiency, and his ultimately misguided attempt to secure financial stability through a risky investment. Finally, it examines Beneatha's ambition to become a doctor and her search for cultural identity, grappling with assimilation and her African heritage. Each character's hopes and dreams are presented within the context of their struggle against racial and economic barriers.
Lorraine Hansberry's biography and political engagement and its impact on the play: This section explores Hansberry's life experiences and political beliefs, analyzing how they directly influenced the play’s themes and narrative. Her personal encounters with racial discrimination significantly shaped the play's portrayal of the challenges faced by Black Americans in pursuing their aspirations. An examination of Hansberry's activism and political viewpoints provides a deeper understanding of the social and political context that underpins the play's powerful message.
The black American Dream- a dream deferred?: This chapter explores the concept of the American Dream within the context of the Black experience. It examines how systemic racism and societal barriers impede the ability of Black Americans to achieve the same level of success and opportunity as their white counterparts. The chapter likely analyzes how the Younger family's struggles reflect broader issues of economic inequality and social injustice within the Black community. The theme of deferred dreams, directly connected to Langston Hughes' poem “Harlem,” serves as a powerful lens through which to understand the persistent challenges faced by Black Americans in realizing their ambitions.
The common ground between Langston Hughes “Harlem” and Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun": This chapter analyzes the thematic parallels between Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem" and Hansberry's play. It explores how both works address the consequences of delayed dreams and aspirations amongst the Black community. The analysis likely focuses on how both pieces portray the frustration, anger, and resilience in the face of systemic oppression. It may further investigate how the themes of hope and perseverance are manifested in the face of persistent racial inequality.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
American Dream, racial discrimination, family dynamics, hope, resilience, deferred dreams, Black identity, 1950s Chicago, Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun, social inequality, economic opportunity, cultural identity.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Raisin in the Sun Research Paper Preview
What is the purpose of this research paper?
This research paper analyzes Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun," examining the hopes, dreams, and fears of a Black family in 1950s Chicago. It explores how their personal aspirations intersect with racial inequality and the complexities of the American Dream for Black Americans.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the unattainability of the American Dream for Black Americans, the impact of racial discrimination on individual aspirations, family dynamics under pressure, the search for identity and cultural belonging, and the power of hope and resilience.
What topics are covered in the paper's chapters?
The paper includes chapters on the choice of topic (exploring the author's personal connection to the theme), a plot overview of "A Raisin in the Sun," character analysis focusing on the Younger family's hopes and dreams (Lena, Walter Lee, and Beneatha), Lorraine Hansberry's biography and its influence on the play, the concept of the deferred Black American Dream, and a comparison between Langston Hughes' "Harlem" and Hansberry's play.
How does the paper analyze the characters?
The character analysis delves into the personalities and aspirations of Mama, Walter Lee, and Beneatha Younger, exploring their individual dreams within the context of racial and economic barriers. It examines their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
What is the significance of Lorraine Hansberry's biography in this analysis?
Hansberry's life experiences and political activism are analyzed to show how they shaped the play's themes and narrative. Her personal encounters with discrimination provide a crucial context for understanding the play's portrayal of Black American struggles.
How does the paper connect "A Raisin in the Sun" to Langston Hughes' "Harlem"?
The paper draws parallels between the themes of deferred dreams and aspirations in both "A Raisin in the Sun" and Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem," focusing on the consequences of systemic oppression and the resilience of the Black community.
What are the key words associated with this research paper?
Key words include American Dream, racial discrimination, family dynamics, hope, resilience, deferred dreams, Black identity, 1950s Chicago, Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun, social inequality, economic opportunity, and cultural identity.
What is the overall argument or conclusion of the research paper (as previewed)?
While the full conclusion isn't explicitly stated in the preview, the overall argument centers on how "A Raisin in the Sun" powerfully illustrates the challenges faced by Black Americans in pursuing their dreams amidst systemic racism and economic inequality in 1950s Chicago. The paper uses the play to explore themes of hope, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of the American Dream in the face of adversity.
- Quote paper
- Annika Fußbroich (Author), 2015, Hopes and dreams of black US citizens as portrayed in Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/308067
