A Raisin In The Sun Literary Analysis

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In the play “A Raisin in the Sun” the author, Lorraine Hansberry, has incorporated examples of all 3 I’s of oppression. The three I’s of oppression are interpersonal, institutional, and internalized.

Institutional oppression happens when one group has more power than another group and our institutions (government, schools, media..) favor the more powerful group. One example of institutional oppression in the play was when the organization tried to tell them that they couldn’t live there because they were black. On page 140 it says, “ As I say, that for the happiness of all concerned that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities”. This shows how the organization feels about people of color.

Interpersonal oppression happens when individual members of the powerful group personally disrespect or mistreat individuals from the oppressed group. One example of interpersonal oppression was when Beneatha was trying/saying she wants to be a doctor, but everyone tells her that's too good for her , and to just be a nurse like every other women. On page 32 Walter said, “Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? If you so crazy about messing around with sick people- then go be a nurse like other women - or just get married and be quiet. “ This shows how Beneatha was talked down by Walter using interpersonal
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They believe the negative messages about themselves (self hatred) they begin to think they are less than. One example of internalized oppression in the play was on page 176 , “Alright Mr.Linder that's your neighborhood out there! You got the right to keep it like you want! Just write the check and the house is yours!” This shows how every person from the Younger family face internalized oppression because they were made to not feel good enough, they let what Mr.Linder told them get to them they felt segregated from

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