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Also related to the theme of race and racism as well as to the theme of prejudice and tolerance is the theme of Civil Rights. Although this play would debut before the major Civil Rights movement occurred in the United States during the 1960s, it raises many of the issues that would eventually be raised by the larger culture. ”Civil Rights” generally refer to the rights a person has by law—such as the right to vote or the right to attend an adequate schools—and are often also referred to as human rights. The central civil rights issue in this play is, of course, the idea of segregated housing. Mama Younger has the money to pay for a house she wants, but people attempt to prevent her from doing so because of her race. At this moment, she is not trying to make a political point but rather to purchase the best house available for the money.

a raisin in the sun theme essay

The family in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry also reminded readers that there are new ideas, but the old ones still exist. In the play, an example would be that the mother is having a difficult time understanding her son, Walter Lee Younger because they both have different goals with the money that their family had. We isn’t no business people…We even picked out the house” (p.24) shows the reader that Mama strongly disagrees with Walter’s idea of using the money to invest in a liquor store.

Racism In Hansberry’s ‘a Raisin In The Sun’ And Ralph Ellison’s ‘battle Royal’

Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. Civil Rights and the 1950s TheatreCivil Rights and the 1950s Theatre Civil rights was and still is an ever changing picture. In the 1950s, civil rights went from being a generally southern issue, to being a national concern.

a raisin in the sun theme essay

The family’s new idea is to sacrifice because the older generation of the family did not have to suffer. The new idea is to sacrifice and suffer in order to follow the old idea which is to not take payment from anyone. Finally, this quote said by Walter, “…we come from people who had a lot of pride. And that’s my sister over there and she’s going to be a doctor —and we are very proud“ shows the reader that Walter’s family is united and together because they are proud people filled with pride.

Lee Odom

The theme of nature ties in with the theme of life; they go hand in hand. Being quiet and eating one’s eggs represents an acceptance of the hardship that Walter and the Youngers compete with in life. The nature of the eggs represent Ruth’s support for Walker, despite what he says about women.

  • “I’m telling you to be the head of this family from now on like you supposed to be,” she says.
  • Similarly, although Joseph Asagai encourages Beneatha to feel proud of her racial identity, he discourages her from feeling proud of her intellectual abilities because he believes professional achievements are irrelevant to a proper woman.
  • In fact, the majority of the action of the play occurs within the confines of the family apartment.
  • In the end, both families from different stories convey the idea that the new is coming, but the old is not dead.

This conversation shows that Walter’s dream is not entirely materialistic and that he really does care about his family. Walter’s sister, Beneatha, is an independent and a new age woman. Her greatest ambition is to become a doctor, which was not typical for women during that time period. Formative assessments will include journal or freewriting responses, analysis of quotes and scenes, and written repsonses to questions examining structure, language, and symbolism.

Major Themes In A Raisin In The Sun

9 years ago, Ife Basim (Topping-Mann) started a Women’s History Month Celebration because she felt that the accomplishments of many local women go unnoticed. Ife feels that bringing attention to these everyday heroes, applauding them for their excellence and recognizing them now helps build the bonds of sisterhood and why not applaud them now when i can be appreciated by them. By staying true to the mission, the annual WHM event has become a vehicle that encourages and help women unite, share their gifts, talents, accomplishments, and an occurrence at owl creek bridge critical reading answers motivates the young and old to share their gifts with the world. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.

The African American family in this play is the Younger family there are five youngers living in one small apartment. I think the most important family member is Mama, she is the glue to the whole family and keeps everyone in line. Then there’s Walter lee Younger which is mamas son he works as a chauffeur and thinks he is head of the household. Walters wifes name is Ruth she usually minds her own business more than the rest of the family.

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