“A Raisin in the Sun”

1. “A Raisin in the Sun” Madison, Nina, Rachel, Kayla, Savannah, and Lena

2. The American Dream • Throughout the play, “A Raisin in the Sun”, each of the characters have their own American dream. But not all of them are achieved. • Beneatha– Beneatha’s dream is to study medicine in college and pursue the career of a female doctor. • Walter – Walter’s dream is to open a liquor a liquor store with his friends (Bobo and Willy Harris) and make something of himself.

3. The American Dream • Mama – Mama’s dream is to buy a new house for her family with a garden and a backyard for Travis to play in. • Ruth – Ruth’s dream is minor, but it is for her family to live a happy and healthy life. • Travis – Travis’s dream is also minor, and is to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a bus driver.

4. Themes • DON’T SELL OUT: how and why Walter Lee’s opinion about selling out changes throughout the play. • THE STRENGTH OF FAMILY: why it is difficult to be a member of a family. • LOVE AND TRUST PREVAIL OVER DECEIT AND SELFISHNESS: how love wins out in the screenplay.

5. Themes • STEREOTYPING AND PREJUDICE: how – towards the end of the play – Mr. Linder doesn’t want the Youngers to move into their new house because they are “a threat”. • “sometimes, switching your path will lead you to your future.” – ninacolagiovanni

6. Growth of Walter • BEGINNING: in the beginning of the play, Walter was so wrapped up in his own dream of opening up a liquor store, that he was forgetting to appreciate his family members. • MIDDLE: continuing the play, Walter was still selfish and willing to sacrifice his family’s dreams to achieve his own. • END: towards the end of the play – when Mr. Linder shows up to talk to the Youngers – a sudden strike of courage hits Walter and he stands up for his family.

7. Conflicts • Walter vs. everyone = because Walter is so wrapped up in his own dream and ignoring his family member’s, this causing a lot of struggle and conflict. • Character vs. self = in the play there are several self conflicts including: Walter vs. himself, Ruth vs. herself, and Mama vs. herself. • Character vs. society = towards the end of the play the Youngers have a struggle or conflict against the society they would be moving into when they bought the house.

8. Significant Quotes “It means. . . One for whom Bread – Food –Is Not Enough. Is that all right?” –Asagai “You ain’t satisfied or proud of nothing we done.” –Lena to Walter “It makes a difference to a man when he walk on floors that belong to him.” – Lena (Mama) “If this is my time. . . my time to say goodbye. . . Then I say it loud and good! Hallelujah! And goodbye, misery.” –Ruth

9. Significant Quotes “I’m telling you to be the head of this family from now on like you supposed to be.” – Lena “All I say, the whole business is a matter of caring for the other fellow.” – Linder “When you starts measuring somebody, measure him right,child, measure him right.” – Lena “That’s all dad –we don’t want your money.” –Walter