The man, Karl Lindner, acting as representative of the Clybourne Park Improvement Association, makes a very generous offer to buy the Youngers’ new home (in order to keep them from moving into Clybourne Park). At first, Walter listens then tells Lindner to get out. When Lena returns, they each try […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II — Scene 3Summary and Analysis Act II — Scene 2
In this scene, another character is introduced, a neighbor, Mrs. Johnson. This character, however, was cut from the original stage production in order to reduce production costs. The most recent editions (the complete version) of Raisin includes this character, as did the American Playhouse presentation of this play. When Mrs. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II — Scene 2Summary and Analysis Act II — Scene 1
After George’s exit, Walter Lee and Ruth reminisce about their early days together and contrast their early dreams and warm feelings for one another, compared to now, when they seem to be slipping away from one another. Mama returns unexpectedly and announces to Travis especially — and also to Walter […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II — Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act I — Scene 2
Analysis This scene focuses on the fierce Younger pride that Mama is constantly trying to instill in her children. Although they are poor, still their house is clean; although the furniture is old, there is still the ritualistic weekly polishing. When Asagai telephones for permission to drop by, Beneatha consents […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I — Scene 2Summary and Analysis Act I — Scene 1
Analysis Lorraine Hansberry’s debt to Richard Wright can be noted in the similarities between Hansberry’s Walter Lee and Wright’s Bigger Thomas. Hansberry’s play even opens with the ringing of an alarm clock, as does Wright’s Native Son. Raisin opens on a Friday morning as everyone is getting ready to leave […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I — Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act III
She wants and expects sympathy from Asagai, but instead, he upbraids her for her materialistic outlook. (Later, in her often quoted “measure him right” speech, Mama too will challenge Beneatha’s egocentric perceptions concerning the loss of the money.) Beneatha listens, then agrees to consider Asagai’s proposal of marriage, along with […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IIICharacter List
Travis Younger The ten-year-old son of Walter and Ruth Younger. Living in a household with three generations in conflict, Travis skillfully plays each adult against the other and is, as a result, somewhat “spoiled.” In spite of this, he is a likeable child. Walter Lee Younger In his middle thirties, […]
Read more Character ListAbout A Raisin in the Sun
Through Asagai (and sometimes through Beneatha), the audience gains valuable insight into African history, politics, art, and philosophy. Even the character of George Murchison glorifies, by default, the ancient African civilizations when he derisively mentions “the African past,” “the Great West African Heritage,” “the great Ashanti empires,” “the great Songhay […]
Read more About A Raisin in the SunPlay Summary
The son, Walter Lee Younger, is so desperate to be a better provider for his growing family that he wants to invest the entire sum in a liquor store with two of his friends. The mother objects mainly for ethical reasons; she is vehemently opposed to the idea of selling […]
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