76 pages • 2 hours read
Lorraine HansberryA Raisin in the Sun
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1959A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry tells the story of the Younger family, who live in a small Chicago apartment and await a $10,000 insurance payout following the death of Walter Younger Sr. The family dreams of how the money could improve their lives while confronting community resistance and financial mishaps, ultimately striving to maintain dignity in the face of racial adversity. The play addresses themes of racism and slavery.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun is widely praised for its powerful portrayal of racial and economic struggles in mid-20th century America, resonating deeply with modern audiences. Critics laud its realistic characters and emotional depth, though some note the pacing can feel slow. Overall, it remains a compelling, seminal work in American theater.
Who Should Read A Raisin in the Sun?
Readers who appreciate A Raisin in the Sun are often drawn to powerful narratives about racial and social struggles. Fans of To Kill a Mockingbird and The Color Purple will find resonance in Hansberry's exploration of African American family life and dreams in 1950s Chicago. Ideal for those who value poignant, character-driven stories with social themes.
RecommendedReading Age
14+yearsLexile Level
NP