10 Thought-Provoking Raisin In The Sun Journal Prompts For A Deeper Understanding Of The Play

If you’re an avid literature fan, chances are that you’ve come across one of the most influential plays of the 20th century – A Raisin in the Sun. Written by Lorraine Hansberry, this iconic play continues to resonate with people all across the world, decades after its publication. So, why not try out some journal prompts inspired by this masterpiece?

If you’re someone who enjoys delving deep into the characters and their journeys, then these journal prompts will be right up your alley. Whether it’s exploring the theme of racial discrimination or the pursuit of the American Dream, these prompts will help you unpack some of the most thought-provoking ideas touched upon in A Raisin in the Sun. So, take out a notebook and pen and give these prompts a try!

Of course, you don’t have to be a literary scholar or even a long-time reader to benefit from these prompts. Whether you’re reading A Raisin in the Sun for the first time or revisiting it after years, these prompts will help you engage with the text in a new and meaningful way. So, why not give it a try? You never know what insights you might uncover about yourself and the world in the process.

Lorraine Hansberry’s Background and Upbringing

Lorraine Hansberry is widely known as an American playwright and author who penned the theater classic, “A Raisin in the Sun.” Born in Chicago on May 19, 1930, Hansberry was the youngest of four siblings in a family that was politically and socially active. Her parents, Carl Augustus Hansberry and Nannie Louise Perry Hansberry, were both supporters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and her father was involved in the Supreme Court case, Hansberry v. Lee, which challenged the legality of restrictive covenants in housing agreements.

Her parents were also prominent figures in the African American community in Chicago and hosted various social events and gatherings that were attended by artists, activists, and intellectuals like Langston Hughes, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Paul Robeson.
Hansberry attended a predominantly white high school in Chicago, where she was one of only a few African American students.
She later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison but left after two years due to racial discrimination and lack of support from her white peers.
After leaving college, Hansberry moved to New York City and began working as a writer and editor for Paul Robeson’s newspaper, “Freedom,” and later for the magazine, “The African.”
Her first play, “A Raisin in the Sun,” debuted on Broadway in 1959 and won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play.
The play was inspired in part by her family’s experiences with housing discrimination and their fight against the restrictive covenants that prohibited African Americans from buying or renting homes in certain neighborhoods.
Hansberry was the first African American woman to have a play produced on Broadway.
She was also a vocal supporter of civil rights and worked closely with organizations like the NAACP and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
In addition to her work as a playwright, Hansberry was also an essayist, and her essays and speeches were published in various magazines and anthologies.
She was married to Robert Nemiroff, a Jewish intellectual and writer who co-produced “A Raisin in the Sun.”
Hansberry was diagnosed with cancer in 1963 and passed away at the age of 34.
Her unfinished play, “Les Blancs,” was completed and produced posthumously.
Hansberry was posthumously inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame in 2010.
Her childhood home in Chicago is a designated landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A documentary about her life and work, “Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart,” premiered on PBS in 2017.
Her papers and archives are housed at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York City.

Hansberry’s background and upbringing played a significant role in shaping her perspectives and fueling her creativity. Her parents’ activism and involvement in the civil rights movement, her own experiences with racism and discrimination, and her exposure to a wide range of art and ideas all contributed to her distinctive voice and vision as a writer and thinker.

Her legacy continues to inspire and influence artists, activists, and scholars today, and her works remain important touchstones in conversations about race, justice, and equity.

The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement on A Raisin in the Sun

The Civil Rights Movement was a significant turning point in American society, particularly for the African American community. This historical movement had a major influence on many aspects of American life, including art and literature. One of the most famous literary works that reflect the impact of the Civil Rights Movement is Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun.

The play highlights the struggle for equal rights and opportunities faced by African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.
It challenges the audience to confront and reflect on issues such as segregation, racism, and discrimination.
The play features a predominantly African American cast, which is significant because during this time, opportunities for black actors were limited on stage and screen.
The play portrays the frustration and anger felt by African Americans towards systemic racism and discrimination, which was a common sentiment during the Civil Rights Movement.
The play depicts the African American experience in a truthful and authentic way, which was important for the representation of a historically marginalized community during this time.
The play showcases the importance of unity and solidarity within the African American community, which was a crucial aspect of the Civil Rights Movement.
The themes of the play, such as dreams and aspirations, resonate with the hopes and goals of many African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.
The play highlights the complexities of the African American experience, including the tension between assimilation and cultural pride – a subject that gained attention during the Civil Rights Movement.
The play highlights the vulnerability and resilience of African Americans during a time of immense social change.
The play underscores the value of education and the importance of fighting for equal access to education, a key issue during the Civil Rights Movement.
The play provides a platform for African Americans to voice their grievances and express their viewpoints during a time when their voices were often silenced.
The play addresses the importance of generational differences in the African American community, a subject that gained attention during the Civil Rights Movement.
The play highlights the power of culture and tradition in the African American community, which played a significant role in shaping African American identity during the Civil Rights Movement.
The play depicts the sacrifices made by African Americans to fight for their rights and freedom, which was a central theme of the Civil Rights Movement.
The play highlights the intersectionality of the African American experience, addressing issues such as gender, class, and sexuality, which gained attention during the Civil Rights Movement.
The play also inspired other African American artists to create works of art that reflected the challenges and experiences of black people during the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.

A Raisin in the Sun remains a timeless and powerful piece of literature that captures the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement. It not only highlights the struggles and triumphs of the African American community during this pivotal time in American history, but it also speaks to the universal human experience of fighting for justice and equality. The play continues to inspire audiences and artists alike to confront issues of racism, discrimination, and inequality, and to work towards a more just and equitable society.

As a teacher, it is important to highlight the historical context and significance of the Civil Rights Movement when teaching A Raisin in the Sun. The play not only serves as an excellent example of literature that reflects the impact of this movement, but it also provides an opportunity for students to engage in discussions and reflections on issues related to social justice, equity, and identity.

Historical context: Housing segregation in Chicago in the 1950s

During the 1950s, the city of Chicago was deeply divided along racial lines. Housing segregation was enforced through restrictive covenants, which were agreements among property owners not to sell or lease their properties to minority groups. These covenants limited the available housing options for black Chicago residents, forcing them into overcrowded and underserved neighborhoods on the city’s South and West Sides. This context provides the backdrop for Lorraine Hansberry’s play A Raisin in the Sun, which explores the challenges faced by a black family seeking to improve their living conditions.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) refused to insure mortgages for homes in areas with high concentrations of black residents, creating a de facto racial segregation in housing.
The Chicago Real Estate Board actively promoted racially restrictive housing covenants in the city, including through a program called “Operation TIPS” (Targeted Intensive Police Surveillance), which tracked black residents who attempted to break the covenants.
In 1948, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that restrictive covenants were unenforceable, but it took many years for the practice to fade away in Chicago and other cities.
White residents who opposed desegregation often resorted to violence, such as throwing bricks and firebombs into homes where black families had moved in.
The black population of Chicago increased dramatically during the Great Migration, beginning in the early 20th century, as people fled racial violence and economic hardship in the South.
Many black residents of Chicago also faced discrimination in employment and education, limiting their opportunities for upward mobility and exacerbating the effects of housing segregation.
The Chicago Housing Authority, established in 1937 to provide affordable housing for low-income residents, often perpetuated housing segregation by building projects exclusively in black neighborhoods.
In 1950, the Chicago City Council passed a law requiring landlords to obtain a “certificate of compliance” before renting to tenants, which was often used as a pretext for denying housing to black residents.
The Chicago Freedom Movement, led by Martin Luther King Jr., sought to address issues of housing, education, and employment in the city in the mid-1960s, but met with significant resistance from white residents and local officials.
A study released in 1956 by the Chicago Housing Authority found that the city’s public housing projects were racially segregated, and that black residents faced harsher living conditions than white residents.
The Federal Housing Administration’s policies not only excluded black residents from certain neighborhoods, but also encouraged redlining, or the practice of denying loans or insurance to residents of certain areas deemed “high-risk.”
Chicago’s public schools were racially segregated until the late 1960s, with black students attending overcrowded and underfunded schools with few resources.
Some black residents of Chicago formed “block clubs” to try to improve their neighborhoods from within, by cleaning up trash and advocating for better services and resources from city government.
Redlining and other forms of housing discrimination had long-term effects on wealth accumulation and economic mobility for black families, as they were excluded from certain neighborhoods and denied access to homeownership opportunities.
The Chicago Freedom Movement’s protests and organizing efforts led to the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, and religion.
The persistence of housing segregation and discrimination in Chicago and other cities has been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes for marginalized communities, including higher rates of asthma, heart disease, and infant mortality.

Understanding the historical context of housing segregation in 1950s Chicago is important for contextualizing the experiences of the characters in A Raisin in the Sun, and for critically examining the ongoing effects of structural racism in housing and other systems today.

Analysis of key characters: Walter Lee, Beneatha, and Mama

In Lorraine Hansberry’s play “A Raisin in the Sun,” the Younger family struggles to overcome poverty and racism while pursuing their dreams and goals. The play’s main characters, Walter Lee, Beneatha, and Mama, provide a portrait of African-American life in the mid-twentieth century, as well as themes of identity, family, forgiveness, and hope. Here is a in-depth analysis of these key characters:

Walter Lee: Walter is the protagonist of the play, and his desire to become successful through investing in a liquor store drives the plot. He is a complex character who embodies both the personal and societal pressures that black Americans faced during the 1950s. Here are some journal prompts for analyzing Walter Lee:
What motivates Walter Lee to pursue his dream of investing in a liquor store? Is his dream solely motivated by financial gain?
How does Walter Lee’s relationship with his wife and son reflect his character development throughout the play?
How does Walter Lee struggle with his own identity as both a black person and a man in patriarchal society, and how does this affect his relationships with other characters?
How does Walter Lee’s attitude towards Beneatha reveal his own prejudices and blind spots?
What do Walter Lee’s actions in the final scene of the play reveal about his character? How has he changed or not changed throughout the play?
What symbolism is associated with Walter Lee’s obsession with money and success?
In what ways is Walter Lee a tragic hero?
How does Walter Lee’s role as a provider for his family conflict with his dreams of success and independence?
How does Walter Lee’s struggle with poverty and racism reflect the experiences of black Americans during the mid-twentieth century?
What message does Walter Lee’s character send about the American Dream and its accessibility to marginalized communities?
Beneatha: Beneatha is Walter Lee’s sister and is the most educated member of the Younger family. Beneatha’s pursuit of her dream to become a doctor leads her to question her identity and to explore her African heritage. Here are some journal prompts for analyzing Beneatha:
How does Beneatha’s pursuit of her dream to become a doctor challenge gender and racial stereotypes during the 1950s?
How does Beneatha’s relationship with Asagai reflect her character development and her exploration of her African heritage?
What role does religion, specifically Christianity, play in Beneatha’s life, and how does she question it?
How does Beneatha feel about her identity as an African American, and how does her exploration of her heritage reflect the larger sociopolitical context of the play?
What symbols and motifs are associated with Beneatha’s character?
How does Beneatha’s character contribute to the larger themes of family and forgiveness in the play?
In what ways is Beneatha’s character a reflection of Lorraine Hansberry’s own experiences and beliefs?
How does Beneatha’s relationship with Walter Lee reflect the larger struggle for power and agency within marginalized communities?
What message does Beneatha’s character send about the intersection of race, gender, and class in American society?
Mama: Mama is the matriarch of the Younger family and serves as a moral compass for the family. Her dream of owning a house motivates her actions throughout the play. Mama embodies the strength and resilience of black mothers during the mid-twentieth century. Here are some journal prompts for analyzing Mama:
How does Mama’s desire for a better life for her family reflect the larger sociopolitical context of the play?
How does Mama’s relationship with her children reflect the larger themes of family and forgiveness in the play?
What role does religion, specifically Christianity, play in Mama’s life and her decision-making?
How does Mama’s character serve as a foil to Walter Lee’s character?
What symbols and motifs are associated with Mama’s character?
How does Mama’s character reflect the larger struggle for dignity and agency within marginalized communities?
What message does Mama’s character send about the importance of home and family in the lives of black Americans during the mid-twentieth century?
In what ways is Mama’s character a reflection of Lorraine Hansberry’s own experiences and beliefs?
How does Mama’s character challenge popular stereotypes of African American women during the 1950s?
What message does Mama’s character send about the importance of community and solidarity within marginalized communities?

In conclusion, Lorraine Hansberry’s portrayal of the Younger family captures the complexity and diversity of black American experiences during the mid-twentieth century. Through the characters of Walter Lee, Beneatha, and Mama, Hansberry highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by black Americans in pursuing their dreams and navigating marginalization.

Themes in A Raisin in the Sun: Dreams, race, and family

A Raisin in the Sun is a play that explores various themes, including dreams, race, and family. The play highlights how these themes intersect, ultimately shaping the lives of the characters. The following section will focus on the theme of dreams, which is a prevalent motif in the play.

The play explores dreams as a form of escapism.
Dreams are used by the characters to cope with their challenging lives.
The play highlights how dreams can sometimes lead to disappointment and unfulfilled expectations.
The characters in the play use their dreams to define their identity and aspirations.
Furthermore, dreams are used to illustrate the importance of hope, aspiration, and ambition.
One of the central dreams in the play is the desire for a better life and social mobility.
The play highlights how the American Dream is an elusive concept that is not easily attainable.
The dreams in the play symbolize the hope and aspiration of the African American community.
The play highlights how dreams can be a source of conflict within families, especially when they are not realistic or attainable.
Additionally, dreams often clash with the harsh reality of life, leading to disappointment and disillusionment.
The play suggests that dreams can be achieved through hard work and determination.
The different characters in the play have diverse dreams, highlighting how individual aspirations shape one’s identity.
The play suggests that dreams can be elusive and are often difficult to achieve.
The characters in the play use their dreams to deal with their current challenges and to imagine a better future for themselves.
Ultimately, dreams in the play represent human aspirations for a better life, illustrating the universal desire for change and progress.
The play suggests that dreams can be both a source of inspiration and a source of strife and conflict.

The theme of dreams in A Raisin in the Sun shows how characters use their hopes and aspirations to cope with their challenging lives. It also highlights how dreams can be both a source of inspiration and conflict. Through the characters’ different desires, the play emphasizes the importance of hope and aspiration in shaping one’s identity and the desire for change and progress. However, it also shows the harsh reality of life and the difficulty of achieving one’s dreams.

The next section will explore how race intersects with the theme of dreams in the play.

Symbolism in A Raisin in the Sun: The plant, the house, and the check

Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities. In the play “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry, the author uses different symbols to represent different ideas and beliefs. These symbols include the plant, the house, and the check. Each of these symbols is significant in its own way and carries a deeper meaning in the play. In this article, we will discuss in detail the symbolism of the plant.

The plant: The plant is a symbol of hope and growth. It represents the dream of the family to achieve a better life and the resilience they exhibit in the face of adversity. The plant is a living thing that needs care and attention to thrive, just like the dreams of the family. When Mama moves the plant to the windowsill, it represents her commitment to making a better life for the family.
Furthermore, the plant also symbolizes the idea of patience and perseverance. When the family first moves into the new house, the plant is small and struggling to survive. However, over time, with patience and care, the plant grows and flourishes. This represents the idea that the family’s dreams and ambitions will also grow and flourish if they are patient and work hard for them.
The plant also symbolizes the idea of death and rebirth. When Mama is considering whether or not to buy the new house, she says that the old apartment feels like a “graveyard.” The plant, then, represents the idea of new life and a fresh start for the family.
In addition, the plant symbolizes the idea of heritage and tradition. Mama says that the plant has been in the family for a long time and was brought over from Africa by her ancestors. The plant, then, represents the family’s connection to their heritage and the importance they place on tradition.
The plant also represents the idea of family unity. When Beneatha’s boyfriend, George, insults the plant by calling it a “dried up thing,” Mama becomes upset and defends the plant. This represents the idea that the family must stick together and support each other, even in the face of outside criticism.
Lastly, the plant symbolizes the idea of hope in the face of hardship. When the family receives the news that the money they were expecting will not be coming, Mama is devastated. However, she still takes the time to care for the plant and nurture it. This represents the idea that even in the face of hardship, there is always hope and something to hold onto.
When Travis asks Mama why she doesn’t get rid of the “dead” plant, she responds by saying that “sometimes people can’t do nothing but watch folks be unhappy.” This shows that the plant also represents the idea of watching and waiting and being unable to do anything to change the situation.
The plant also symbolizes Mama’s desire to provide for her family. She says that “what’s the matter with you all? I ain’t never seen no plants in my whole life that’s as stubborn as these.” This shows that the plant represents Mama’s determination to provide for her family and make sure they have everything they need.
Furthermore, the plant symbolizes Mama’s longing for a better life. She says that “I always wanted me a garden like I used to see sometimes at the back of the houses down home.” This shows that the plant represents Mama’s desire to have a better life for herself and her family.
The plant also symbolizes the idea of beauty. When the family is discussing what they should buy with the insurance money, Mama suggests that they buy a new rug and some curtains for the living room. Beneatha says that “what’s wrong with the old ones?” Mama responds by saying that “nothing’s wrong with them, they just don’t seem to go with the carpet.” This shows that the plant represents the idea of beauty and the importance of having a beautiful space to live in.
In addition, the plant represents Mama’s love for her family. When she discovers that someone has destroyed the plant, she says that “this plant is worth more than your whole damn family.” This shows that the plant represents Mama’s love for her family and how important they are to her.
Furthermore, the plant also symbolizes the idea of the American Dream. When Beneatha questions the idea of the American Dream, Mama says that “seems like God didn’t see fit to give the black man nothing but dreams, but He did give us children to make them dreams seem worth while.” This shows that the plant represents the family’s belief in the American Dream and their desire to achieve it.
The plant also represents the idea of hope for the future. When Mama decides to buy the new house, she says that “there’s always something left to love.” This shows that the plant represents the family’s hope for a better future and their belief that they can achieve it.
In addition, the plant represents the idea of survival. When Beneatha says that she is giving up on her dream of becoming a doctor, Mama says that “you mean to tell me that you have decided to be a miserable failure in life?” This shows that the plant represents the family’s determination to survive and overcome the obstacles they face.
The plant also represents the idea of growth and change. At the end of the play, Mama tells Beneatha to take the plant with her when she moves out. This shows that the plant represents the idea of growth and change and the importance of moving forward.
The plant also represents the idea of the cycle of life. When Mama talks about how her father used to tell her to “measure a man by his works,” she says that “when the world gets ugly enough, a woman will do anything for her family.” This shows that the plant represents the cycle of life and how the family’s struggles and successes are part of a larger cycle.
Furthermore, the plant also symbolizes the idea of motherhood. Mama says that “big Walter used to say, he’d get right wet in the eyes sometimes, lean his head back with the water standing in his eyes and say, ‘Seem like God didn’t see fit to give the black man nothing but dreams-but He did give us children to make them dreams seem worth while.'” This shows that the plant represents Mama’s love for her children and her desire to give them a better life.

The plant is a powerful symbol in “A Raisin in the Sun.” It represents the family’s dreams, resilience, patience, and hope for a better future. It also represents Mama’s love for her family, her determination to provide for them, and her belief in the American Dream. The plant is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and something to hold onto.

Next, we will discuss the symbolism of the house and the check.

A Raisin in the Sun and the American Dream

The American Dream is a concept that holds a significant place in A Raisin in the Sun, written by Lorraine Hansberry in 1959. The play revolves around an African American family, the Youngers, living in South Side Chicago, and their aspirations to achieve the American Dream. The American Dream is the belief of achieving upward social mobility, financial stability, and success through hard work and determination. However, the play portrays the obstacles and challenges that the Youngers face to achieve the American Dream.

The Youngers face financial instability as they struggle to pay rent and live in poverty.
The lack of jobs and discrimination in employment opportunities makes it challenging for the Youngers to achieve upward social mobility.
The society’s racial prejudices limit the Youngers’ opportunities to interact and socialize with people outside of their race, causing further alienation.
The Youngers’ dreams conflict with one another, resulting in internal family conflicts and jeopardizing their chances of achieving their dreams as a family.
Beneatha, the daughter of the Youngers, faces gender discrimination as she hopes to become a doctor, a profession considered unconventional for women at the time.
The Youngers struggle with establishing their identity in a society that views them as inferior and unworthy.
The American Dream’s illusion is highlighted throughout the play as the Youngers’ aspirations are met with harsh realities, challenging the belief that anyone can achieve the American Dream with hard work and determination.
The Youngers’ experience is a reflection of the struggle and obstacles that African Americans faced in the 1950s in their pursuit of the American Dream.
The Youngers challenge the traditional notion of the American Dream as it fails to recognize the systemic inequalities and discrimination that prevent individuals from achieving it.
The play highlights the importance of education and knowledge in breaking the cycle of poverty, as Walter dreams of investing in his son’s education to provide him with opportunities that he never had.
The play raises questions about the definition of success and the American Dream, as the Youngers struggle to reconcile their aspirations with the harsh realities of life.
The Youngers’ pursuit of the American Dream results in a generational gap as they struggle to understand their children’s aspirations that differ from theirs.
Racial tensions and prejudice in housing and job opportunities limit the Youngers’ ability to move to a better neighborhood, decreasing their chances of achieving the American Dream.
The play highlights the struggle of balancing desires with responsibilities, as Mama Younger strives to fulfill her responsibilities as a mother while also pursuing her personal aspirations.
The play raises questions about the morality of achieving the American Dream, as Walter’s desire to invest in a liquor store conflicts with his family’s values and ethics.
The play highlights the importance of family and community support in achieving the American Dream, as the Youngers come together to overcome their challenges and pursue their goals.

A Raisin in the Sun portrays the harsh realities that African American families faced in their pursuit of the American Dream in the 1950s. The play challenges the traditional notion of the American Dream and highlights the systemic inequalities and discrimination that prevent individuals from achieving it. Through the Youngers’ experiences, the play raises important questions about the definition of success, morality, and the role of family and community in achieving the American Dream.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raisin in the Sun Journal Prompts

1. What are Raisin in the Sun journal prompts?

Raisin in the Sun journal prompts are thought-provoking questions that encourage you to reflect on the themes of the play, your personal experiences, and how they relate to one another.

2. How do I use Raisin in the Sun journal prompts?

To use Raisin in the Sun journal prompts, simply choose a question that resonates with you and spend some time reflecting on it. Then, write down your thoughts, feelings, and any insights you may have gained.

3. What are some examples of Raisin in the Sun journal prompts?

Some examples of Raisin in the Sun journal prompts include: How does the theme of race impact the characters’ lives in the play? How can we relate the struggles of the characters in the play to our own experiences? What do you think the play says about the American Dream?

4. Can Raisin in the Sun journal prompts help me with my own personal growth?

Yes, Raisin in the Sun journal prompts can be a valuable tool for personal growth and self-reflection. By examining the themes of the play and how they relate to your own life, you may gain new insights and perspectives that can help you grow and evolve as an individual.

5. Are Raisin in the Sun journal prompts appropriate for all ages?

Yes, Raisin in the Sun journal prompts are appropriate for all ages. However, some questions may be more relevant or meaningful to older individuals with more life experience.

6. Where can I find Raisin in the Sun journal prompts?

You can find Raisin in the Sun journal prompts online or create your own based on the themes of the play.

7. What if I don’t know what to write for Raisin in the Sun journal prompts?

If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for Raisin in the Sun journal prompts, try starting with a question that resonates with you and see where your thoughts take you. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or structure – just write from the heart and be honest with yourself.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for taking the time to explore the world of Raisin in the Sun journal prompts. We hope that these questions inspire you to reflect on the themes of the play and how they relate to your own life experiences. Remember, the most important thing is to be honest with yourself and to use this opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection. We invite you to visit us again soon for more thought-provoking content and inspiration.

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