Page 1: A Student's Review of "A Raisin in the Sun"
This page contains a student's review of Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun," offering insights into the plot, themes, and characters. The review begins by acknowledging the eye-opening nature of the play, which reveals the challenging circumstances faced by African Americans in America.
The review provides a concise summary of "A Raisin in the Sun", highlighting key plot points such as the $10,000 insurance check, Walter Lee's desire to invest in a liquor store, and Mama's decision to buy a house in a white neighborhood. It also touches on the family's struggles and ultimate triumph in the face of adversity.
Highlight: The review emphasizes the play's exploration of the American Dream and how it relates to the African American experience in the 1950s.
The student's analysis focuses on several important aspects of the play:
- The influence of Joseph Asagai on Beneatha's character development and her growing interest in African culture.
- The theme of assimilationism and its criticism within the play, particularly by Beneatha.
- The concept of deferred dreams, drawing a parallel to Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem."
Quote: "Someone who is willing to give up his own culture and submerge himself completely into the dominant, and in this case oppressive culture!" (p. 81)
The review also provides background information on Lorraine Hansberry, noting her achievements as the first Black playwright and the youngest American to win a New York Critic's Circle award. It mentions her involvement in civil rights and her other works.
Vocabulary: Assimilationism - The practice of adapting to and adopting the dominant culture, often at the expense of one's own cultural identity.
In conclusion, the student recommends "A Raisin in the Sun," praising Hansberry's ability to immerse readers in the Younger family's world and her subtle critique of white American society. The review highlights the play's engaging plot, diverse characters, and its potential to change readers' perspectives on American society.
Highlight: The review notes that the play uses dialect common in black communities heavily populated by migrants from the south, adding authenticity to the characters' voices.
