| A Raisin in the Sun is based on a poem called "A Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes. The story opens with the main character (Walter) in Chicago struggling to survive. Walter lives in a small apartment with his wife, his son, his mother (who has always dreamed of owning a home in a nice neighborhood), and his sister (who wants to be a doctor and will need tuition money soon). Most of the time is spent arguing. Because this story is set in the 1950s, the family also has to deal with racism and segregation, which creates even more problems. Walter's family has to decide whether they can trust him.
Walter seems to deal with his problems one of two ways: lashing out or drinking. His sister generally berates him and when she brings an African friend home, he returns the favor. Walter is famous for being a drunk failure, but this time he has convinced everyone that he's part of a small group of men who will pool their money together for a get rich quick scheme. Then, Walter's wife finds out that she is pregnant and she feels pressure from Walter to have an abortion. Everyone in the family is skeptical, but eventually, he convinces his mother that he can do it just when she comes into a large amount of money. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book? - depressed Time/era of story - 1930's-1950's Political/social activism Yes Plotlet: Ethnic/Regional/Religion Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Ethnic/regional/gender life Yes Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Ethnicity/Nationality Unusual characteristics: Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 8 () United States Yes Writing Style Amount of dialog - mostly dialog |
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