Characters
This character sleeps on the couch.
Travis
Chicago
This was the name of NYC's iconic movement of Black art, music, and literature.
The Harlem Renaissance
Mama is grieving the loss of this character.
Big Walter
"Once upon a time, freedom used to be life—now it's money. I guess the world do change..."
Mama
This character is studying to become a doctor.
Beneatha
The play is set during this decade.
the 1950s
During this movement, activists fought for equal housing, jobs, and education, and sought an end to racial segregation.
The Civil Rights Movement
The family often argues over this.
Money
"Man say to his woman: I got me a dream. His woman say: Eat your eggs."
Walter
This character gets to decide what happens with the $10,000 check.
Mama keeps this on her windowsill and treats it with care.
a plant
After World War II, many Black southerners moved to Northern cities during this movement.
The Great Migration
Joseph Asagai says that Beneatha is "mutilating" this by straightening it.
her natural hair
"Something is happening between Walter and me. I don't know what it is - but he needs something - something I can't give him any more."
Ruth
This character is distraught when she finds out she is pregnant.
Ruth
Mama wishes the family could own a house with this out front.
a garden / yard
Beneatha's desire to build a career in a male-dominated field is representative of her connection to this movement for gender equality.
Feminism
Walter is unhappy working this job.
chauffeur / driver
"All the tyranny in the world will never put a God in the heavens."
Beneatha
This character dislikes assimilation.
Joseph Asagai
The Youngers share this space with others in their apartment building.
Bathroom
The play's title (A Raisin in The Sun) comes from a poem by this writer.
Langston Hughes
Mama accuses Beneatha of being a heathen because she doesn't believe in this.
God