Characters
This character challenges traditional gender roles.
Beneatha
The Clybourne Park Improvement Association threatens the Youngers with this type of conflict.
Man vs Society (external)
This theme is symbolized by each family member’s personal ambition for the future.
The American Dream
Hansberry’s family fought a legal battle to live in a white neighborhood, which directly inspired this plot point in the play.
Younger's moving into Clybourne Park
What were the laws that restricted certain groups of people from living in specific areas or accessing certain rights based on the color of their skin?
Jim Crow Laws
This matriarch holds the insurance check and values family and faith above all.
Mama
Walter struggles with his feelings of frustration about life, money, and a lack of family support. This is an example of what type of conflict.
Internal Conflict (man vs. self)
This theme is shown when Walter dismisses Beneatha’s dream of becoming a doctor.
Sexism/ Gender roles and expectations
Hansberry was passionate about education and culture- what character best represent's Hansberry's personal beliefs and aspirations?
Beneatha
Mama was more conservative and less willing to take financial risks because she grew up during the____________.
Great Depression
This person was a member of the Clybourne Park Improvement Association.
Mr. Karl Lindner.
Ruth struggles with the decision to keep her unborn child. Is an example of what type of conflict?
Man vs. Self
Lindner’s “welcoming committee” visit symbolizes this systemic pattern in U.S. history: preventing Black families from entering white communities.
Racism and segregation
Lorraine Hansberry pursued higher education and a career in writing, which was uncommon for women at the time. Which character in A Raisin in the Sun reflects this struggle against societal expectations, and how is it shown in the play?
Beneatha- pursuing higher education and wanting to become a doctor.
Mama did not support the idea of investing in a liquor store and still viewed alcohol as taboo because she grew up during a time when such behavior was considered morally wrong and socially unacceptable.
Prohibition
This outsider represents assimilation and encourages Beneatha to adopt mainstream American culture.
George Murchinson
Beneatha receives constant scrutiny concerning her ambitions and wanting to embrace her culture. This is an example of what type of conflict?
Man vs. Society (external)
The conflict between Walter and Mama about money and have different perspectives on "life," is caused by ___________.
Generational Gap
Hansberry’s experiences with racism in Chicago inspired the Youngers’ struggle with this.
Housing Discrimination
What discriminatory practices, now illegal, were enforced by the Jim Crow laws?
This character’s arrival presents Beneatha with an alternative vision of identity rooted not in assimilation but in cultural heritage and self-determination.
Asagai
This type of conflict is revealed when Walter must choose between accepting Lindner’s money—along with humiliation—or standing up for his family’s dignity, even though it could cost them their future.
Mama’s plant best represents this theme about growth despite difficult conditions
Hope and Resilience
Hansberry’s exploration of Black identity and culture is reflected in the play through Beneatha’s refusal to conform to the dominant culture. This theme is known as what?
Assimilationist
Mama: "In my time we was worried about not being lynched and getting to the North if we could and how to stay alive and still have a pinch of dignity too..." African American families migrating north for better opportunities reflects what historical movement?
The Great Migration