A Raisin in the Sun Summary

A Raisin in the Sun, written by Lorraine Hansberry, tells the story of the Younger family living in a cramped apartment on Chicago's South Side during the 1950s. The family is waiting for a $10,000 insurance check after the passing of their father. This money starts a mix of dreams and conflicts among family members, each having their own goals for a better life.

The family includes Lena Younger, known as Mama, her son Walter Lee Younger, his wife Ruth, their son Travis, and Walter's sister Beneatha. Walter is a chauffeur tired of his low-paying job. He dreams about investing the insurance money in a liquor store to attain wealth and satisfy his desire for financial independence. Ruth tries to support the family while handling the tensions caused by differing dreams.

Mama has her vision for the insurance money; she wishes to buy a house and improve their living conditions. She wants the new home to stabilize their family life, but she also believes in supporting Beneatha's medical education. Mama dislikes Walter’s idea of investing in a liquor store, viewing it as unsafe and morally wrong. Her goals create a divide, especially when it comes to the planned house purchase in Clybourne Park, a primarily white neighborhood fraught with racial issues.

Beneatha is ambitious and seeks to become a doctor. She has two suitors; George Murchison, a rich but superficial man, and Joseph Asagai, a Nigerian student who encourages her to explore her heritage. These relationships shape Beneatha’s identity in contrast to her family's more traditional views and expectations.

Conflict within the Younger family intensifies when Mama gives Walter the remaining money after making a down payment on the house. She trusts him to invest it wisely, but tragedy strikes when Walter's friend Willy steals the money. Without that financial cushion, Walter faces despair while the family reels from the sudden loss of their hopes.

The situation grows worse when they receive a visit from Karl Lindner, who represents the white neighborhood’s association. Lindner offers to buy back the house at a profit, hoping to stop the Youngers from moving in. This conflict highlights racial tensions, as the family must decide whether to accept his offer to avoid confrontation or to fight for their right to live where they choose.

In spite of the dire circumstances, Walter begins to develop personally. He rejects Lindner's proposal, choosing to honor his family's dignity over financial gain. This pivotal moment marks a shift in Walter’s character and reinforces the family's unity as they prepare to move into their new home.

The story of the Younger family sheds light on themes like economic struggle, racial discrimination, and the significance of dreams. Each character’s journey reflects the complexities of striving for identity and self-worth amid social hurdles, revealing the intricacies of African American life during the mid-20th century in America.

The play A Raisin in the Sun concludes with the Younger family excitedly preparing to move into their new home in Clybourne Park, a predominantly white neighborhood. They face the chance of racial discrimination, but this does not discourage them. Instead, they stand firm against Mr. Lindner's offer, a representative wanting to buy back the house to prevent their move.

Walter, feeling the weight of financial hardships, briefly considers accepting the offer. However, he ultimately chooses to reject it, standing up for his family's dignity. This moment strengthens their resolve and collective spirit as they prioritize their dreams over easy solutions.

In the end, the Youngers come together, united in their determination to tackle any challenges ahead. As they pack their belongings and plan for their new life, the play ends on a hopeful tone. This moment symbolizes their pride, perseverance, and the desire for a better future, reflecting their commitment to overcoming societal obstacles.

• Walter Lee Younger: Mama's son, Ruth's husband, and Travis's father, he provides for his family as a chauffeur and dreams of investing in a liquor store to improve their finances.

• Lena Younger (Mama): The strong-willed matriarch of the family, she is religious and hopes for a better future for her loved ones while controlling the life insurance money.

• Ruth Younger: Walter's practical and caring wife, she manages their household amidst financial struggles, striving for harmony in their family life.

• Beneatha Younger: The ambitious college student, seeking to become a doctor, she grapples with her identity and cultural heritage.

• Travis Younger: The young son of Walter and Ruth, he embodies hope and innocence for the family.

Supporting characters include Joseph Asagai, Beneatha’s Nigerian suitor; George Murchison, a wealthy admirer; and Karl Lindner, a representative opposing the family’s move to a white neighborhood.