what is the book raisin in the sun about?

Answer 1

Sparknotes Raisin In The Sun

Answer 2

Someone suggested that book to me once. I have a selection of the plot overview from SparkNotes.com that might help.

A Raisin in the Sun portrays a few weeks in the life of the Youngers, an African-American family living on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s. When the play opens, the Youngers are about to receive an insurance check for $10,000. This money comes from the deceased Mr. Younger’s life insurance policy. Each of the adult members of the family has an idea as to what he or she would like to do with this money. The matriarch of the family, Mama, wants to buy a house to fulfill a dream she shared with her husband. Mama’s son, Walter Lee, would rather use the money to invest in a liquor store with his friends. He believes that the investment will solve the family’s financial problems forever. Walter’s wife, Ruth, agrees with Mama, however, and hopes that she and Walter can provide more space and opportunity for their son, Travis. Finally, Beneatha, Walter’s sister and Mama’s daughter, wants to use the money for her medical school tuition. She also wishes that her family members were not so interested in joining the white world. Beneatha instead tries to find her identity by looking back to the past and to Africa.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
what is the book raisin in the sun about?

Answer 4

A poor black family is living in a small apartment and they all have a (different) dream. The grandfather dies and leaves behind some money, they all fight over what to use it for. The dad wants to buy into a liquor store, but his wife doesn't want him to. Beneatha needs some money for her education, and the rest of the family want a new house. Everyone gets their designated money, or so they thought. The father gives all of the money to his "business partner" who then runs away with it, taking the dream of the liquor store and Beneatha's education with him. The all get sad about it, but they still buy a house which happens to be in a white suburb. The white people don't want them to move in... and I pretty much forgot what happened after that. I read the book over 6 months ago... I hope it helped some.

Answer 5

OK the first answer is a good synopsis. I was substitute teaching, co-teaching this book two days in a row with the English teacher, so from her (and NYS) perspective:
It's about DREAMS.
It's about the way that the family operates, and doesn't operate, when Black and poor and discriminated against.
It's about pride, no matter what others say! And standing up for yourself!
It's about being African, and being African-American, and figuring out the difference, and how to BE in the 1950's in America.
My favorite lesson of all, learned when I was 14 and doing this play in school-
to paraphrase-
"You mean to tell me that you jes' wanna love yo' brotha when he do right? Chile', I'ma tell you whut- you got to love dem when dey so far down dey jes' can't get no more low. That's when dey need yo love de mos'!"
Ain't no wisdom like that, nowheres in my Victorian play readin's, no way, no how!

Answer 6

You should read it for yourself and gain insight. Asking others is a way of NOT having to read the book. You are missing a good one!

Answer 7

The first answer is good. It's a great play (my favorite), and I highly recommend seeing it if you ever have the opportunity.

Answer 8

FAMILY LIVING IN THE CHICAGO "GHETTO" TRYING TO ACHIEVE "THE AMERICAN DREAM"! THE SITCOM "GOODTIMES" WAS LOOSELY BASED ON THE BOOK. ALSO, SIDNEY POITIER PLAYED THE LEAD ROLE OF "WALTER" IN THE MOVIE (1965).

Answer 9

Read and find out.