A Raisin in the Sun Essay Questions

The American dream means something different to each character in A Raisin in the Sun. Discuss these differences and how they conflict with one another.

Lorraine Hansberry is often viewed as a visionary because of her ability to predict many of the relevant issues to the African-American community today. Identify some of these issues and explain how they are the same or different from how Hansberry portrayed them.

Within the Younger household, there are three generations of women. Compare and contrast how the characters each form their unique identities.

Critical reception to A Raisin in the Sun was not all positive when the play first came out. One of the major points of contention was that the play was pro-integration. Some segments of the African-American community felt that integration actually was not the end-all answer to America's race problem. Discuss the ways in which the idea of integration is presented throughout the play. Is Hansberry's presentation one-sided, or does she raise issues relevant to both viewpoints?

Although Travis does not have many lines, his character is significant. Discuss Travis' importance to some of the prominent themes throughout the play.

Discuss how the Youngers' environment impacts their life.

In 1959, abortion was a taboo topic. Discuss how the issue is presented in the play, and how the audience might have reacted.

How do you think Lorraine Hansberry's own life influenced A Raisin in the Sun?

Many critics assert that the art of Hansberry's play is that it is less about race than about humanity. Do you think the play would be equally compelling if the actors were white, or some other minority group? Explain why or why not.

Even though Walter Sr. never appears in the play, he is an important character. Discuss his significance.