Civil Rights In Lorraine Hansberry's Raisin In The Sun

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Lorraine Hansberry’s Raisin in the sun displays the struggles faced by an African American family living in Southside Chicago during the onset of the Civil Rights Movement. In the opening scene, Walter Lee Younger reads from the front page of the newspaper “Set off another bomb yesterday” (6). This news bulletin presents the major issues of the time period surrounding the war on Civil Rights and gives insight into the Younger family’s future intentions to move into a white neighborhood. The conflict-taking place in Southside Chicago over housing causes tension for the surrounding community, especially when they read news articles publicizing the brutal murders of those who try to improve their situations by moving into a white neighborhood. The family’s own efforts have failed to provide the income necessary to move into a bigger home in a better neighborhood. It is not until Walter Younger Sr. passes away and augments the family’s financial situation, through a life insurance policy for $10,000, that the Younger’s are able to pursue better living conditions. Unfortunately, this newfound fortune causes friction between the family members, especially between Walter Lee and Mama Younger. In pursuit of her own happiness, Mama Younger puts a down payment on a house in Clybourne Park, a white neighborhood. It is her right to pursue happiness in the manner she chooses. The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is the American way. Her happiness is in a home for her and her family. The conflict over whose happiness will be pursued is generated by Walter Lee. He does not see things the way mama does; Walter’s choice of happiness is to own a liquor store and to be rich so that he can provide a luxurious life for... ... middle of paper ... ...ng are complicated. The individual has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but to what end. Are dreams to be sought at the expense of everything? Are lives to be thrown away in order to give someone else their dream? That is exactly what happened to Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, he was willing to give up his life to give his son a chance at his own dreams. Walter Sr. did not give up his life to provide for his family but he insured that they would be taken care of after his death. But, there is the question, is liberty worth dying for? such as having the right to move into a nice home in a nice neighborhood. Life is complicated and Lorraine Hansberry has portrayed how money, dreams, and family are affected when all these situations come together while at the same time are pulled apart by selfish or individual needs and desires.

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