"A Raisin in the Sun" is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry that was first performed in 1959. The play centers around the struggles of an African-American family living in Chicago in the 1950s, and one of the main themes is racism.
At the beginning of the play, the family is struggling financially and is living in a small, cramped apartment. The main character, Walter, is a chauffeur who dreams of one day owning his own business. His wife, Ruth, is pregnant and works as a maid to help make ends meet. They have a teenage son, Travis, and Walter's mother, Lena, also lives with them.
One day, the family receives a check for $10,000, which is a significant amount of money for them. Lena wants to use the money to buy a house in a better neighborhood, but Walter wants to use it to invest in a liquor store. The family is divided over what to do with the money, and this tension ultimately leads to a confrontation between Walter and Lena.
Meanwhile, the family is also facing racial discrimination from their white neighbors. The neighborhood association tries to pressure Lena into not buying a house in their neighborhood, and they even offer her money to not move in. This is a clear example of racism, as the white neighbors do not want an African-American family living in their neighborhood.
Despite the challenges they face, the family ultimately decides to go ahead and buy the house. They face further opposition from their white neighbors, but they stand their ground and refuse to be driven out by racism. In the end, the family is able to move into their new home and begin a new chapter in their lives.
"A Raisin in the Sun" is an important work that highlights the struggles of African-Americans in the 1950s, particularly the ways in which they were discriminated against and marginalized by white society. The play serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
