A Raisin in the Sun

What would you do with $10,000?

A Raisin in the Sun is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry. It takes place on the South side of Chicago in a run down 2 two bed room apartment. Residing in this dwelling is the Younger family, a poor African American family of five; Lena, Beneatha, Walter, Ruth, and Travis. Not only have they been battling oppression but they have been struggling to make ends meet for quite some time. 

Just recently Lena's husband passed away and the family is awaiting the arrival of their chance to emerge out of poverty in the form of a $10,000 Life Insurance check. In the meantime everyone, especially Walter and Beneatha, day dream about what they plan on doing with the money. Both Lena and Beneatha want to use the money to pay for Beneathas education. While on the other hand Walter wants to invest the money on a liquor store. For a majority of the play there is a vast majority of conflict revolving around the money. But in the end the family is able to come together and the right decision is made.

  

          When the class was assigned to read this play I chose to listen to an audio reading. I found that to be very helpful. In reading a play it is easy to forget who is speaking and get the voices mixed up within your head. I found the audio version to be entertaining and easy to comprehend. Besides that, I thought that the actual play its self was interesting. The conflict were amusing and relevant to the times and the certain situation the family was in. I found myself developing a slight love-hate relationship with a few of the characters, but by the end everything all worked out and I was pleased with the finally decision in regards to the money.