Analysis of a Raisin in the Sun

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The play ‘A raisin in the sun’ revolves around a typical African American Chicago family around the 1950’s . In the story Hansberry has used the beleaguered family to portray how African Americans worked hard to make a better life for themselves. She also portrays the chase for the American dream amongst African Americans as well as the frustrations and disappointments that accompanied their fight in trying to fulfill their dreams. The action of the play is set in Chicago Southside, in the 1950’s. This was a time of prosperity amongst African American. It was a time when they became pro-active in voicing and expressing themselves to overcome the barriers created by race. They did this for example through music, poetry and plays. Lorraine Hansberry was one of the many African American who took charge in doing so. A raisin in the sun gives a immense picture of life during this time. The story follows Walter Lee Younger, his wife Ruth and son Travis. They live with Walter‘s mother Lena Younger and Walter’s younger sister Beneatha in a very small poorly maintained apartment house. The play takes place in this apartment., we have decided to look at Act 2 of the novel and will be looking at the following: * Stage directions * How the characters are introduced into the story: show VS tell * What part of the act is this portraying * What the major themes that emerge in this ACT are stage directions The stage directions of a raisin in the sun help emphasize the characters emotions and feelings. Hansberry has used them to give more meaning ad a better understanding of what the characters are saying for example at the beginning of act 2 o page 76 the stage directions say ‘…presently Beanetha’s bedroom door opens and Ruth’s mouth falls and she puts down the iron in fascination. These stage directions show just how surprised Ruth was to see Beneatha ‘s

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