A Raisin In The Sun Essay

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The Life and Works of Lorraine Hansberry Alveda King once stated, “Racism oppresses its victims, but also binds the oppressors, who sear their consciences with more and more lies until they become prisoners of those lies. They cannot face the truth of human equality because it reveals the horror of the injustices they commit” (Brainy Quotes). In Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, the Younger family lives in South Side Chicago and faces racial discrimination. The entire family experiences different hardships over the years. While reading Hansberry’s drama, the audience can better comprehend the content with the help of sociological and biological criticisms. In Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, racial discrimination …show more content…
They went through the same struggles that a typical black family did during this time period. Growing up the youngest of four, her parents had a lot to work for. According to this article, her father was the founder of Lake Street Bank. This bank was one of the first banks for African Americans in Chicago. He also ran a successful real estate business to help support the family. Not only that, but Hansberry’s uncle, William Leo Hansberry, was a scholar of African studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Racial discrimination played a big role in shaping Hansberry into a playwright. “Somewhat Like War” compares to Hansberry’s play A Raisin in the Sun in many ways. The first mentioned is Hansberry’s living situation. Her family lived in an all-white neighborhood, and her family faced discrimination head on (Gordon 121). They were treated with less respect and fairness than their neighbors.They suffered many violent attacks and threats, but the managed to push through. Based off her own experiences, Hansberry introduces the Younger’s to Mr. Lindner, the chairman of the Clybourne Park Improvement Association. Mr. Linder gives the family a generous yet offensive offer. “Our association is prepared, through the collective effort of our people, to buy the house from you at a financial gain to your family” (Hansberry 1557). When trying to move into their new homes, the Hansberry family received offers such as this, as well as threats. Her personal connections to the Youngers in this situation makes this a biological

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