a raisin in the sun research paper topics

A Raisin in the Sun Research Paper Topics

Exploring A Raisin in the Sun research paper topics offers a rich canvas for students and literature aficionados to probe the depths of Lorraine Hansberry’s seminal play. Delving into its multifaceted characters, socio-political themes, and enduring legacy, these topics illuminate the play’s profound impact on American literature. As readers navigate through this guide, they’ll find not only a plethora of A Raisin in the Sun research paper topics but also valuable insights on crafting a robust research paper on this iconic piece. Coupled with iResearchNet’s exemplary writing services, every student is poised for academic success. Embark on a journey that intertwines Hansberry’s vision with modern literary inquiry.

100 A Raisin in the Sun Research Paper Topics

Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is not merely a play; it’s an exploration of dreams deferred, racial dynamics, generational conflicts, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Picking a topic from this masterpiece offers students a chance to delve deeper into its themes, characters, and cultural significance. Here’s a structured list to aid your endeavor:

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1. Historical Context:

• The play’s depiction of the 1950s and the Great Migration.
• Racial segregation: Historical parallels in A Raisin in the Sun .
• The socio-economic conditions of African Americans in the 1950s.
• How historical events shaped the characters’ aspirations.
• Lorraine Hansberry’s personal experiences mirrored in the play.
• The Civil Rights Movement and its reflection in the play.
• Comparing the play’s setting with modern urban landscapes.
• The historical evolution of African American theatre and its relation to the play.
• A Raisin in the Sun in the backdrop of post-war America.
• The portrayal of traditional African values vs. Western influence.

2. Character Analysis:

• Walter Lee Younger: A dream deferred.
• Beneatha’s quest for identity in a patriarchal society.
• Mama’s resilience: A beacon of hope and strength.
• Ruth Younger: The silent sufferer.
• Travis Younger: Innocence in a complex world.
• The dynamic between Joseph Asagai and George Murchison.
• Mr. Karl Lindner: A study in subtle prejudice.
• Bobo and Willy Harris: Representations of broken trust.
• Walter’s relationship with his mother.
• Beneatha’s journey towards self-realization.

3. Major Themes:

• The pursuit and cost of the American Dream.
• Generational conflicts and aspirations.
• The role of money in shaping desires and relationships.
• Cultural roots: Between American reality and African heritage.
• Racial prejudice and the subtle art of othering.
• Gender dynamics and evolving roles.
• Dreams: Their significance, evolution, and deferment.
• The essence of family unity and its trials.
• Sacrifice and redemption in the play.
• The dichotomy of hope and despair.

4. Literary Devices:

• The significance of the play’s title and its symbolic interpretation.
• Use of foreshadowing in A Raisin in the Sun .
• The role of monologues in understanding character psyche.
• The play’s structure: A three-act triumph.
• Hansberry’s playwriting techniques.
• Use of setting and stage directions in storytelling.
• The significance of props, especially Mama’s plant.
• The juxtaposition of humor and gravity.
• Dramatic tension and its buildup throughout the play.
• Language, dialogue, and their implications in the narrative.

5. Gender and Feminism:

• Feminism and Beneatha’s struggle for empowerment.
• The changing role of women in the 1950s vs. today.
• Ruth’s silent sacrifices: The unsung hero.
• The male gaze and its influence on women’s aspirations.
• Walter’s masculinity and its challenges.
• Beneatha’s hairstyles: A symbol of resistance and identity.
• The three generations of women in the Younger family.
• Motherhood: Mama’s journey.
• The intersectionality of race and gender in the play.
• Female solidarity and competition in A Raisin in the Sun .

6. Socioeconomic Dynamics:

• The role of wealth and poverty in shaping dreams.
• The Younger family’s financial struggles.
• Economic disparity as a challenge to the American Dream.
• The societal pressures on Walter as the breadwinner.
• The importance of education in breaking economic chains.
• Housing and its representation of socio-economic status.
• The cyclical nature of poverty in the play.
• The allure of entrepreneurship in the play.
• The value and consequences of financial investments.
• Economic determinism in the 1950s.

7. Symbolism and Motifs:

• Mama’s plant: Growth, hope, and survival.
• The significance of the family’s apartment as a setting.
• Light and darkness as recurrent motifs.
• The insurance money: Hope, dreams, and disputes.
• The African drums in the backdrop: A call to roots.
• The motif of eggs and their symbolic meaning.
• Windows and their representation of a world beyond.
• Beneatha’s hair: A symbol of identity and rebellion.
• Walter’s liquor store: Dreams and despair.
• The hat: Concealment and societal expectations.

8. Cultural and Racial Identity:

• Assimilation vs. embracing one’s cultural roots.
• Beneatha’s experimentation with Nigerian culture.
• The challenges of preserving one’s cultural identity.
• The Western perspective of African culture.
• Racism: Subtle innuendos and overt confrontations.
• The role of education in shaping racial perceptions.
• Walter’s evolving understanding of his African heritage.
• The dichotomy between Beneatha’s suitors and their views on culture.
• The generational differences in addressing racial prejudice.
• The cultural renaissance: A desire to reconnect.

9. Social Issues and Morality:

• The moral dilemma surrounding Mama’s insurance money.
• Alcoholism and its portrayal in the play.
• The societal pressure of “making it” and its implications.
• Ethics and the family’s decision to move to Clybourne Park.
• The moral implications of accepting Mr. Lindner’s offer.
• Beneatha’s perspective on God and its societal reception.
• The complexities of marital fidelity.
• The challenges of teenage pregnancy.
• The essence of pride and dignity in adversity.
• Dreams vs. moral integrity: Walter’s inner battle.

10. Legacy and Influence:

• The play’s role in the American theatre canon.
• A Raisin in the Sun in modern pop culture.
• The play’s influence on subsequent African American literature.
• Hansberry’s pioneering role in theatre.
• Adaptations and reinterpretations of the play.
• The socio-political relevance of the play today.
• A Raisin in the Sun in academic curricula.
• The play’s influence on discussions about race and identity.
• Lorraine Hansberry’s influence on future playwrights.
• The endurance and timeless appeal of A Raisin in the Sun .

Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is a treasure trove of multifaceted themes, compelling characters, and societal introspections. The aforementioned A Raisin in the Sun research paper topics only scratch the surface of the myriad discussions one can embark upon. The legacy of this iconic play lies in its timeless nature and its ability to inspire new generations of readers and scholars to question, introspect, and discuss. Embrace these topics and discover the world Hansberry has meticulously crafted for us.

A Raisin in the Sun and the Range of Research Paper Topics It Offers

A Raisin in the Sun is a pioneering work, nestled at the intersection of the American dream, racial dynamics, and the complexities of family ties. Written by Lorraine Hansberry, this play offers a profound look into the life of an African American family in the 1950s, navigating through the challenges of economic hardship, dreams deferred, and societal prejudices. Its depth and multifaceted narrative provide a plethora of research avenues for scholars, writers, and students alike.

Historical Significance

Set against the backdrop of the 1950s, A Raisin in the Sun doesn’t merely present a story—it encapsulates an era. The play resonates with the socio-economic struggles and aspirations of African Americans during the period, offering a candid portrayal of urban life, the limitations set by racial prejudice, and the undying spirit to break free from these chains. Researching the historical aspects of the play can lead to a deeper understanding of America’s past, a period marked by immense change, hope, and resistance.

Character-Driven Narratives

One of the hallmarks of Hansberry’s writing is her ability to craft characters that are real, flawed, and aspirational. Walter’s dreams, Beneatha’s quest for identity, Mama’s unwavering strength, and Ruth’s silent resilience provide rich grounds for character analysis. Each character acts as a lens, offering different perspectives on larger issues like race, gender, and socio-economic dynamics. For researchers, this presents a unique opportunity to delve deeper into character-driven narratives and understand the intricacies of their motivations, desires, and challenges.

Thematic Goldmine:

The play isn’t just about the American Dream—it’s a tapestry of interconnected themes that are as relevant today as they were in the 1950s. Concepts of racial identity, gender roles, generational conflicts, the meaning of home and space, and the overarching theme of dreams and what happens to them under societal pressures provide a range of A Raisin in the Sun research paper topics to explore. Each theme offers multiple layers of interpretation and can be examined from various angles, historical contexts, or modern-day parallels.

Literary Mastery

From a purely literary perspective, A Raisin in the Sun is a masterpiece. Hansberry’s nuanced use of symbols, her impeccable structuring of the three-act play, her rhythmic dialogue, and the play’s title taken from Langston Hughes’s poem provide rich material for literary analysis. The play can be studied for its narrative techniques, its balance of humor and gravity, its use of monologues, or its rich symbolism—ranging from Mama’s plant to Beneatha’s hair.

Cultural Intersection

The play is also a treasure trove when it comes to discussions of culture. With Beneatha’s exploration of her African roots, the play delves into A Raisin in the Sun research paper topics of cultural identity, assimilation, and the challenges of staying connected to one’s roots in a changing world. The dichotomy between African traditions and American realities creates a rich dialogue on cultural intersections and the role they play in shaping identities.

Legacy and Influence

More than six decades since its debut, A Raisin in the Sun remains a staple in American theatre, with numerous adaptations and reinterpretations. Researching its enduring legacy, its influence on subsequent works, its role in shaping discussions on race and identity, and its continued relevance in modern times can be incredibly enriching.

Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun isn’t just a play; it’s a reflection of society, a challenge to pre-existing norms, and a celebration of the human spirit. For students and scholars of literature, the play presents a vast expanse of research paper topics, each as engaging and enlightening as the other. From character studies and thematic explorations to historical context and its enduring legacy, the play invites readers to engage, reflect, and, most importantly, question. In the tapestry of American literature, A Raisin in the Sun shines bright, and delving deeper into it promises an academic journey filled with discoveries and insights.

How to Choose A Raisin in the Sun Research Paper Topics

Choosing a research paper topic for a masterpiece like A Raisin in the Sun can be both exciting and daunting, given the play’s richness in themes, characters, and socio-cultural contexts. To streamline this process and ensure a topic that resonates with both the researcher and the audience, here are some step-by-step guidelines:

• Understand Your Interest: Begin by assessing what aspect of the play genuinely intrigues you. Is it a particular character’s journey, a recurring theme, or the socio-historical context of the play? Your passion for a subject will drive your research and make the process more engaging.
• Revisit the Text: Before finalizing a topic, it’s crucial to read the play once again. Look for nuances, subtleties, or overlooked elements that might provide a fresh perspective or a unique angle to your research.
• Historical and Cultural Context: Consider grounding your topic in the era the play was written and set in. The 1950s were a transformative period for race relations in America. How does Hansberry’s portrayal align or diverge from the broader socio-political landscape of the time?
• Character Analysis: Delving deep into a character’s psyche, motivations, and evolution can be a rewarding exercise. For instance, Walter Lee’s ambitions or Beneatha’s struggle with cultural identity can be focal points for an in-depth character study.
• Interdisciplinary Approaches: Consider merging literary analysis with another discipline. For instance, you could explore the play from a psychological standpoint, delving into the family dynamics or individual character psychologies.
• Symbolism and Literary Devices: Hansberry’s play is rich in symbolism, from Mama’s plant representing hope and growth to the family’s cramped apartment symbolizing their confined aspirations. Investigate the myriad literary devices she employs to convey deeper meanings.
• Comparative Analysis: Compare A Raisin in the Sun with another work of literature, perhaps from a different cultural or historical setting, to glean insights into universal themes or distinct cultural narratives.
• Reception and Legacy: Delve into how the play was received during its initial release and its enduring legacy in contemporary times. This could include exploring its influence on subsequent playwrights or its adaptations across various media.
• Engage with Previous Research: Before narrowing down your topic, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with existing research on the play. This can provide inspiration, fill gaps in the current scholarship, or even offer a counter-perspective to prevailing interpretations.
• Scope and Feasibility: Finally, ensure that your chosen topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. A well-defined, focused topic ensures depth in analysis and makes the research process manageable.

Choosing a topic for A Raisin in the Sun is not just about picking a theme or character but about diving deep into the layers Hansberry has woven into her narrative. It’s about engaging with the text, the characters, and the world they inhabit. By following the guidelines above, you can ensure a topic that is not only academically sound but also personally enriching, allowing you to contribute a unique voice to the ongoing dialogue surrounding this seminal work.

How to Write a A Raisin in the Sun Research Paper

Writing a research paper on Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of one of the most seminal plays in American theater. The richness of the text provides ample material for in-depth analysis and interpretation. To create a compelling, well-structured paper on this masterpiece, follow these comprehensive steps:

• Familiarity with the Text: Begin by immersing yourself in the play. Read it multiple times, making notes of crucial plot points, character developments, and thematic elements.
• Establish Your Thesis: This is the central argument or point your paper will make. Ensure it’s specific and arguable. For example, “The concept of the American Dream in A Raisin in the Sun showcases the nuanced struggles of African American families in the 1950s.”
• Background Reading: Understanding the sociopolitical and cultural backdrop of the 1950s, especially regarding race relations and urban dynamics, will enrich your analysis.
• Existing Literature: Dive into academic articles, essays, and critiques on the play to understand various interpretations and criticisms.
• Outline Your Paper: Organize your thoughts by creating a structured outline. This will guide your writing process and ensure a coherent flow to your arguments.
• Engage the Reader: Start with a captivating statement or a relevant quote from the play.
• Contextualize: Offer a brief overview of the play’s setting, historical backdrop, and significance.
• Present Your Thesis: Clearly state the central argument of your paper.
• Paragraph Structure: Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence, present evidence or analysis, and conclude by tying back to your thesis.
• Support with Evidence: Use direct quotations from the play, ensuring they are appropriately cited.
• Engage with Different Perspectives: Showcase your comprehensive understanding by acknowledging differing interpretations before presenting your viewpoint.
• Thematic Exploration: Delve into the play’s central themes—racism, dreams, gender roles, generational conflicts, and cultural identity.
• Character Examination: Analyze the motivations, conflicts, and evolutions of primary characters.
• Literary Techniques: Investigate Hansberry’s use of symbols, motifs, dramatic techniques, and dialogue to further her narrative.
• Comparative Approach: If relevant to your thesis, compare themes or characters in A Raisin in the Sun with those in other literary works, showcasing broader literary trends or unique features of Hansberry’s play.
• Revisit Your Thesis: Restate your central argument, summarizing the main points you’ve discussed.
• End on a Reflective Note: Speculate on the enduring legacy of the play, its relevance today, or the universality of its themes.
• Editing and Proofreading: After writing, take a break before returning to your paper. Review it for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Check for grammatical errors, proper citation, and adherence to formatting guidelines.
• Citations and Bibliography: Ensure all your references, whether direct quotes or paraphrased ideas, are correctly cited. Follow the formatting style (APA, MLA, etc.) specified by your instructor or institution.

Writing a research paper on A Raisin in the Sun is as much a journey of personal exploration as it is an academic endeavor. By engaging deeply with Hansberry’s text, contextualizing it within its era, and presenting well-structured arguments, you’ll not only create an impressive paper but also gain a profound appreciation for the enduring power and relevance of this classic play.

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A Raisin in the Sun

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Since A Raisin in the Sun opened on Broadway in 1959, it has been revived numerous times all over the world. The play has been adapted into multiple films, translations, and even a Tony Award–winning 1973 Broadway musical. The play concerns a very specific demographic during a particular moment in American history. Why do you think the text speaks to so many different types of audiences? What about the play can be universalized?

Consider the Langston Hughes poem “Harlem,” from which Lorraine Hansberry takes the name of the play. How does the play illustrate the ideas in the poem? What is the message of the poem? How does this translate in the play? Who or what is the “raisin in the sun”?

The end of the play leaves the future of the characters open. For instance, the audience never learns whether Beneatha goes to Africa. Two playwrights, Bruce Norris—with his 2010 play Clybourne Park —and Kwame Kwei-Armah—with the 2013 play Beneatha’s Place —wrote works that speculated upon what may have happened next for the characters. How would you continue their stories? What do you think happens next?

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A Raisin in the Sun Analysis

This essay about “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry discusses the profound exploration of themes like ambition, identity, and socioeconomic disparity within the African American experience. Set in 1950s Chicago, the narrative follows the Younger family’s struggles against systemic racism. Through vivid characters like Walter Lee and Beneatha, the play exposes the tensions between individual aspirations and collective responsibility. It offers a poignant indictment of racial discrimination while celebrating the resilience and cultural pride of the Younger family. Ultimately, the essay highlights the enduring relevance of Hansberry’s work in provoking social consciousness and advocating for equality.

How it works

“A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry is a compelling narrative that dives deep into the complexities of the African American experience, dissecting themes of ambition, identity, and the harsh realities of socioeconomic disparity. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Chicago, the Younger family emerges as a microcosm of the larger societal struggles faced by African Americans during that era. Through the lens of the Youngers, Hansberry paints a vivid picture of the dreams deferred by systemic racism, the quest for self-definition, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

Central to the narrative is the theme of dreams, which serves as both a driving force and a source of conflict within the Younger family. Each member harbors their own aspirations: Walter Lee yearns for financial success, Beneatha strives to carve out her own identity, and Mama seeks a better life for her loved ones. These dreams symbolize hope and the relentless pursuit of a brighter future, yet they also expose the stark disparities in opportunity and access that plague marginalized communities.

Hansberry masterfully explores the tensions between individual aspirations and collective responsibility, particularly through the character of Walter Lee. His desperate pursuit of wealth often leads him to neglect his family’s needs, causing friction and discord within the household. Beneatha’s journey towards self-discovery further complicates matters, as she grapples with questions of identity and belonging in a society that seeks to confine her to narrow stereotypes.

Moreover, “A Raisin in the Sun” offers a searing indictment of the systemic racism that permeated every aspect of life for African Americans in 1950s America. The Younger family’s struggles with housing discrimination, employment inequality, and societal prejudice serve as a stark reminder of the structural barriers that hindered the progress of black communities. The dilapidated apartment they inhabit becomes a powerful symbol of the stifling limitations imposed upon them by a racially stratified society.

Yet, amidst the adversity, the Younger family displays remarkable resilience and courage. Mama’s decision to invest the insurance money in a house symbolizes a defiant act of resistance against racial segregation, affirming their right to dignity and self-determination. Her unwavering faith in the importance of family and community underscores the strength derived from cultural heritage and solidarity, offering a beacon of hope in the face of oppression.

Furthermore, Beneatha’s exploration of her African heritage emerges as a central theme in the play, highlighting the importance of cultural pride and self-awareness. Her interactions with Asagai, a Nigerian student, serve as a catalyst for her journey towards self-discovery, challenging her to embrace her roots and reject assimilationist tendencies. Through Beneatha’s evolution, Hansberry celebrates the richness and diversity of African American culture, affirming the importance of authenticity and self-expression in the quest for identity.

In conclusion, “A Raisin in the Sun” stands as a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences for its poignant exploration of the African American experience. Through the trials and triumphs of the Younger family, Lorraine Hansberry sheds light on the enduring legacy of systemic racism, while celebrating the resilience and determination of those who dare to dream in the face of adversity. As we confront ongoing struggles for racial justice and equality, the enduring relevance of “A Raisin in the Sun” serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of literature to inspire change and provoke social consciousness.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — A Raisin in The Sun — A Raisin in the Sun: The Foundation of Family

A Raisin in The Sun: The Foundation of Family

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Published: Jun 13, 2024

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The Importance of Family Support

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A Raisin in the Sun by Jane G. A. Research Paper

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Racial discrimination is the main theme of the book, strongly reflecting the situation that prevailed during the 1950s in the United States, a time when the story’s Younger family lived in Chicago’s South Side ghetto. Racial discrimination led to the city being carved into two distinct parts – the first housing whites only, and the other housing blacks. A majority of blacks did not accept the idea of assimilating into the dominant white culture on the grounds that by doing so, they would fit into white perceptions about their behavior and actions and thereby would be demeaning themselves. Blacks were searching for separate self-identities based on a celebration of their culture and heritage. They wanted to be treated as equally (like whites) contributing members of society in pursuit of the American Dream. All the minor characters in the book indulge in actions that reflect the racial discrimination prevailing at that time.

Lena Younger is the family matriarch who desires that her family move into the all-white Clybourne Park area because it would not only provide them more comfort and prestige (Jane) but would overcome all constraints associated with racial discrimination and gain equality with whites in society. All through the novel, she goads and pushes her family members towards this dream. The greatest challenge comes in the form of Karl Lindner who tries to dissuade them from moving into the all-white Clybourne community (Hansberry, 143). Her dream is achieved to a great extent at the end of the novel when her son Walter rejects money in favor of the ideals inculcated in him by his mother.

Walter Younger captures the central meaning of an African American’s intense desire for the American Dream {“Seems like God didn’t see fit to give the black man nothing but dreams” (Hansberry, 29)}. The power of his dream is to be financially well-off, educate his son Travis and provide for his future. Disillusioned with his job as a chauffeur, his endless preoccupation with finding quick riches and dominating his household makes him engage in arguments with his mother, wife, and sister; he turns wayward by constantly drinking and invests part of the insurance money rashly with his friend Willy Harris. In the end, he realizes that fighting against racial discrimination is worthier than accepting money to stay out of it.

Beneatha Younger is the stereotype of a black woman in those days who was racially discriminated by white society as well as by her own culture as not being worthy of higher education and its related status in life. Beneatha Younger uses education as the base to fight against racial discrimination. She attends college (Hansberry, 17) and is better educated than anyone else in the family.

Ruth Younger portrays a pragmatic pessimist continually battling poverty and household problems. Like Lena, Ruth also dreams of escaping from racial discrimination, getting away from their present slovenly locality, moving into a respectable house, and attain equal status with whites in society. She is fiercely protective of her power over her own body – realizing she is pregnant, she contemplates abortion . Due to his perceived pro-racist stance, George becomes increasingly repelling to other blacks .

Joseph Asagai is the exact opposite of George Murchison. He is a forceful Nigerian character, an African intellectual (Hansberry 42), who takes fierce pride in his African heritage (Hansberry 72). Having fallen in love with Beneatha, he tries to awaken the pride of her heritage in her by giving her Nigerian costumes to wear and fondly calling her ‘Alaiyo’ . He pleads with her to marry him and accompany him to his native Nigeria that he promises she would like so much, it would feel as though she had “only been away a day” (Hansberry, 130)}. While Asagai represents a powerful African model that other blacks can proudly emulate, he is guilty of supporting an important pillar of racism – the suppression of women. When Beneatha, in response to his proposal of marriage, says she is not interested in a storybook romance but wants to become an independent and liberated woman, Asagai heaps scorn on her wishes, saying: “Liberated women are not liberated at all” (Hansberry, 50).

Willy Harris, Walter Younger’s black partner in his liquor store project, cheats him and runs away with the investment money (Hansberry, 118). Instead of helping Walter try to improve his finances and position in life for himself and his family, Willy instead adds more problems to the Youngers’ already heavy financial burden. Willy’s action proves that he is a betrayer of his fellow black, and by association, a betrayer of the entire black community and the causes they were fighting for.

Mrs. Johnson, the neighbor of the Younger family, represents the typical black person too scared to assimilate with whites in a predominantly white neighborhood. She tries to scare the Younger family into not moving into the all-white Clybourne community by recalling incidents where blacks were badly intimidated in similar situations (Hansberry, 104).

Karl Lindner portrays the typical “white Aryan,” arrogantly secure in the power of his race and its belief that blacks are not fit to live in the same neighborhood as them. He is chosen by the Clybourne Park Improvement Association to dissuade the Youngers from moving into the predominantly white Clybourne Park area (Cocola and Douthat). Lindner comes very close to achieving his mission when Walter agrees to take the money and sign a binding contract (Hansberry, 141), only to be thwarted at the last moment when Walter has a change of heart.

By depicting the defiant and strong response of the Youngers to the racial discrimination being practiced against them, the author portrays that the best way to respond to such discrimination is to confront it head one and reaffirm one’s dignity directly in its face, rather than letting it go without confrontation (Cocola et al.)

“A Raisin in the Sun” is regarded among the best and most realistic plays in African American History (Jane). The events in the 1959 book correctly refer to the situation in the U.S. during the 1950s, when racial segregation was widespread. After the U.S. Supreme Court set a precedent in Plessy v. Ferguson by approving state-sponsored racial discrimination, blacks were not allowed to mingle with whites in schools and other public facilities; even graveyards were segregated. Blacks were contemptuously referred to as ‘boy’ or ‘girl.’ It was only later that resistance from blacks began to have a telling effect as incidents such as the Rosa Parks incident in December 1955 Incidents like these, contained in the Civil Rights Movement, culminating in the march of nearly 200,000 people to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C on December 28, 1963, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Congress finally passed the Civil Rights Act in 1964 (Wikipedia.org).

“American Civil Rights Movement.” Wikipedia.org. 2007. Web.

Cocola Jim & Douthat Ross. “Sparknote on ‘A Raisin in the Sun’.” Sparknotes.com. 2008. Web.

Hansberry, Lorraine. “A Raisin in the Sun.” USA: Vintage. 1994.

Jane, G.A. “Raisin in the Sun.” Bookstove.com. 2008. Web.

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