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Meet the Author
Lorraine Hansbury: Author of 1961 screenplay "A Raisin in the Sun". Became the youngest American playwright and the only African American to win an award for Best Play of the Year by the NY Drama Critics Circle. When talking about her screenplay, Hansberry told her husband she wanted, "to write a social drama about blacks that was good art. Instead of stereotyped characters that would bear no resemblance to actual people, she invented a situation that was sometimes painfully realistic. The plot revolves around what her characters do given the opportunity to escape their cramped surroundings."
The Original Cast of "A Raisin in the Sun"(1961)
this picture displays Ruth, ironing and working hard for her family.
Walter Lee (right) and Mama (left) conversing on the set of the play about his dreams. Walter wants to make something of him self and a chance to strive in life. On the other hand, Mama wants Walter to be a man and take care of his family a "normal" way.
Beneatha Younger; sister of Walter Lee. She's striving to break the "norm" and become a doctor.
Travis Younger [son of Walter and Ruth Younger]
3 comments:
The author's intent from when Asagai asked Bennie to move to Nigeria was that there was still a strong race division in the country at that time. Throughout the play, Asagai criticizes Bennie because of her straightened which resembeled a more caucasian style. This then leads to Asagai persuading Bennie to cut her hair into a more traditional African look. In the play, Asagai may represent Malcolm X, who also wanted the races divided and didn't search for racial harmony. The author may also be sending a message that she does not want the races together in one community as well.
TW
I dont completely agree with the previous comment. I believe that the author intended to show that there were still may sturggles in Bennies life and Asagai was an escape for Bennie. With the many struggles with Walter, her religious struggle with Lena, and her struggle to become a doctor, Asagai acts as an escape and a getaway from all the troubles in the world. I do agree with the part that Asagai could have represented some sort of leader like Malcolm X who believed in the philosophy of serperate but equal.
WTW
I agree with the previous statements, but I also think that Asagai asking Bennie to move to Nigeria with him also showed that Bennie was willing to leave her home for a place she only dreamed of being. She did seem to be considering moving for a time. Going back to the previous statements, this could indicate that she did not like the state of the US during the time. The civil rights movement caused a lot of turmoil that at times really got out of hand causing people to doubt the US being a better place than others.
MJS
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