A Raisin in the Sun Summary

A Raisin in the sun by Lorraine Hansberry is a play about the struggles of an African-American family with poverty as well as racism.

The family lives in Southside, Chicago. They were struggling with poverty until they got the chance to get out of it in the form of a $10,000 check for life insurance they received. The family consists of Lena Younger, the mother, Walter, and Beneatha. They are siblings, but Walter is the oldest and has a family. They all live in a one bedroom apartment that is often congested. The different members of this family all have plans for the money. Beneatha is a college student and wants the money spent on her education. Walter wants the money to be invested in the liquor business. Lena, on the other hand, wants to spend the money on purchasing a house for the family and some for Beneatha’s education.

Ruth, Walter’s wife, finds out that they have another child on the way. She even thinks of an abortion considering their current struggles. Beneatha is a philosophical woman and frequently challenges culture, gender, and even religion in society. She is involved with two men. One is George, a classmate who comes from wealth, and the other is Asagai, an African student who shares her culture with her.

Walter has always wanted to be successful and to raise his family social class. Obstacles such as racism work against him. Lena rejects the liquor store plans based on her morality. She finds a house in a white neighborhood and pays a deposit. Then, she gives Walter with some of the money to pay for Beneatha’s education. Walter loses this money after getting into business with two men.

The family was preparing to relocate. However, Mr. Lindner, who represents the neighborhood, is prepared to offer Walter extra money for the African American family not to relocate there. Walter has to battle with his morals but finally rejects the money. The family moves, expecting new challenges in the new neighborhood.