Significance of the title "A raisin in the sun" and its relation to the story,

with quotes showcasing the connection between title and the story

The title "A Raisin in the Sun" holds significant symbolism in Lorraine Hansberry's play. It is derived
from a line in Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem" (also known as "A Dream Deferred"). The Younger
family’s pursuit of a better life and the obstacles they face in achieving those dreams can be seen in
the play.
The title "A Raisin in the Sun" serves as a metaphor for the dreams and aspirations of the Younger
family. Like a raisin left in the sun, their dreams are at risk of drying up and becoming unattainable
due to the harsh realities of racism, poverty, and societal obstacles. The play explores the struggles
and sacrifices the family makes in their pursuit of a better life, highlighting the resilience and
determination of individuals in the face of adversity.
Here are a few quotes that showcase the connection between the title and the story:
"What happens to a dream deferred? / Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?" (Act 1, Scene 2)
This quote directly references the title and introduces the central theme of dreams and their potential
to wither and fade away. It poses the question of what happens when dreams are delayed or denied,
setting the stage for the conflicts and challenges faced by the Younger family.
"Mama: Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most? When they done good and
made things easy for everybody?" (Act 1, Scene 1)
Mama believe that achieving financial stability and success will enable them to love and support one
another more fully.
"Walter: You wouldn’t understand yet, son, but your daddy’s gonna make a transaction... a business
transaction that’s going to change our lives." (Act 1, Scene 1)
This quote reflects Walter's ambition and his belief that a financial windfall will transform their lives.
It demonstrates the dreams and hopes the Younger family has for their future and their yearning for a
better life.
Overall, the title captures the essence of the play's themes and underscores the challenges faced by the
Younger family as they strive to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Main themes of A Raisin in the Sun along with Quotes

The main themes in Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun" include:
1. Dreams and Aspirations:
- "Walter: Yeah. You see, this little liquor store we got in mind cost seventy-five thousand and we
figured the initial investment on the place be ’bout thirty thousand, see. That be ten thousand each."
(Act 1, Scene 1)
This quote showcases the theme of dreams and aspirations as Walter discusses his plan to invest in a
liquor store. It highlights the characters' desires for financial success and a better life.
2. Racism and Discrimination:
- "Beneatha: I’m not worried about who gets to be president of the United States and things like that,
I’m just trying to find out something about me!" (Act 1, Scene 1)
This quote reflects the theme of racism and discrimination as Beneatha expresses her frustration with
societal expectations and the limitations placed on her because of her race. It emphasizes the
characters' struggles against racial inequality.
3. Family and Unity:
- "Mama: There is always something left to love. And if you ain’t learned that, you ain’t learned
nothing." (Act 2, Scene 3)
This quote highlights the theme of family and unity as Mama emphasizes the importance of love and
support within the family. It underscores the strength and resilience of the Younger family despite
their challenges.
4. Gender Roles and Feminism:
- "Walter: You tired, ain’t you? Tired of everything. Me, the boy, the way we live—nothing’s good
enough for you." (Act 2, Scene 1)
This quote touches on the theme of gender roles and feminism as Walter expresses his frustration with
his wife, Ruth. It reveals the societal expectations placed on women and the impact it has on their
relationships.
5. Identity and Pride:
- "Asagai: You came up in my estimation today... You are becoming yourself." (Act 3, Scene 1)
This quote reflects the theme of identity and pride as Asagai praises Beneatha's growth and self-
discovery. It highlights the characters' journey to find their true selves and embrace their heritage.

These quotes exemplify the main themes in "A Raisin in the Sun," which explore dreams and
aspirations, racism and discrimination, family and unity, gender roles and feminism, as well as
identity and pride. The play delves into the complexities of these themes, shedding light on the
struggles and triumphs of the Younger family as they navigate societal challenges and strive for a
better future.

Important characters in A Raisin in the Sun with their famous quotes

1. Lena Younger (Mama):

- "Lord, if this little old plant don't get more sun than it's been getting, it ain't never going to see
spring again." (Act 1, Scene 1)
This quote reflects Mama's nurturing and hopeful nature as she tends to her plant. It symbolizes her
desire for her family to thrive and her determination to provide them with a better life.
2. Walter Lee Younger:
- "I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy... I want to buy some liquor stores."
(Act 1, Scene 1)
This quote showcases Walter's dreams and aspirations for financial success. It reveals his frustration
with his current circumstances and his eagerness to make a big investment that could change his
family's future.
3. Beneatha Younger:
- "I'm interested in what is real. I'm interested in the truth." (Act 1, Scene 1)
This quote reflects Beneatha's intellectual and independent nature. It demonstrates her desire to
uncover her true identity and pursue her dreams, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
4. Ruth Younger:
- "I'm telling you to be the head of this family from now on like you supposed to be." (Act 2, Scene 1)
This quote showcases Ruth's determination and support for Walter. It reveals her belief in his potential
to lead the family and her desire for him to fulfil his responsibilities.
5. Joseph Asagai:
- "You wear it well... very well... mutilated hair and all." (Act 2, Scene 3)
This quote reflects Asagai's appreciation for Beneatha's natural beauty and his encouragement for her
to embrace her African heritage. It symbolizes his belief in her strength and resilience.
6. George Murchison:
- "Assimilationism is so popular in your country." (Act 2, Scene 1)
This quote highlights George's belief in assimilation and his disregard for African heritage and
culture. It reveals his contrasting views with Beneatha, who values her African roots.

These quotes showcase the perspectives and motivations of the important characters in "A Raisin in
the Sun." Each character's words reveal their dreams, aspirations, struggles, and beliefs, contributing
to the overall themes and conflicts within the play.

Character analysis of Lena Younger (mama) with her famous quotes

Lena Younger, also known as Mama, is one of the central characters in Lorraine Hansberry's play "A
Raisin in the Sun." She is the matriarch of the Younger family and serves as a symbol of strength,
wisdom, and resilience.
Mama's character in "A Raisin in the Sun" embodies strength, faith, and selflessness. Her famous
quotes reflect her resilience, unwavering love for her family, and the importance she places on unity
and sacrifice. Throughout the play, Mama's character evolves, showcasing the depth of her love and
her determination to create a better future for her family.

Here is a character analysis of Mama, along with some of her famous quotes:

1. Strength and Resilience:

Mama is portrayed as a strong and determined woman who holds her family together. Despite facing
various challenges and setbacks, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of a better life for her loved ones.
Her unwavering strength is evident in her famous quote:
- "There is always something left to love. And if you ain't learned that, you ain't learned nothing."
(Act 2, Scene 3)
This quote showcases Mama's resilience and her belief in the power of love and unity within the
family. It demonstrates her ability to find hope and positivity even in difficult circumstances.
2. Faith and Spirituality:
Mama's deep-rooted faith and spirituality play a significant role in shaping her character. Her religious
beliefs guide her decisions and actions throughout the play. She finds solace and guidance in her faith,
as depicted in her famous quote:
- "You got to love him. It's all there is to it." (Act 2, Scene 1)
This quote reflects Mama's belief in the importance of love and forgiveness, even in the face of
hardship. It demonstrates her unwavering faith and her commitment to following her religious values.
3. Nurturing and Sacrifice:
Mama is a nurturing and selfless character who constantly puts the needs of her family before her
own. She is willing to make sacrifices to ensure her loved ones have a better future. This aspect of her
character is highlighted in her famous quote:
- "Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most? When they done good and made
things easy for everybody?" (Act 1, Scene 1)
This quote showcases Mama's selflessness and her belief in the importance of supporting and loving
one another, especially during difficult times. It demonstrates her willingness to make sacrifices for
the well-being of her family.

Character analysis of Walter Lee with his famous quotes

Walter Lee Younger is a complex and dynamic character in Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the
Sun." He is the son of Lena Younger (Mama) and serves as one of the main protagonists.
Walter Lee's character in "A Raisin in the Sun" is marked by his dreams, struggles with identity, and
his sense of familial responsibility. His famous quotes highlight his aspirations for success, his
longing for self-discovery, and his commitment to providing a better life for his family. Throughout
the play, Walter Lee undergoes a transformation, grappling with the challenges that come with
pursuing his dreams and ultimately learning valuable lessons about family, identity, and the true
meaning of success.

Here is a character analysis of Walter Lee, along with some of his famous quotes:

1. Dreams and Aspirations:

Walter Lee is driven by his dreams and aspirations for a better life. He yearns for financial success
and believes that money will solve all of his family's problems. His desire for a better future is evident
in his famous quote:
- "I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy... I want to buy some liquor stores."
(Act 1, Scene 1)
This quote showcases Walter Lee's ambition and his belief that investing in a liquor store will provide
the financial stability he desires. It reflects his yearning for success and his frustration with his current
circumstances.
2. Identity and Self-Discovery:
Throughout the play, Walter Lee grapples with his identity and strives to find his place in the world.
He questions societal expectations and aims to define himself on his own terms. This aspect of his
character is reflected in his famous quote:
- "I'm trying to talk to you 'bout myself and all you can say is eat them eggs and go to work." (Act 1,
Scene 1)
This quote showcases Walter Lee's frustration with being reduced to his role as a provider and his
longing for a deeper understanding of himself. It highlights his desire to be seen and heard for who he
truly is.
3. Family and Responsibility:
Despite his flaws and struggles, Walter Lee deeply cares for his family and feels a sense of
responsibility towards them. He wants to provide a better life for his loved ones and is willing to
make sacrifices to achieve that. This aspect of his character is evident in his famous quote:
- "I'm telling you to be the head of this family from now on like you supposed to be." (Act 2, Scene 1)
This quote reflects Walter Lee's recognition of his role as the head of the family and his determination
to step into that position. It showcases his desire to take on the responsibility of leading his family
towards a brighter future.

Character analysis of Beneatha with his famous quotes

Beneatha Younger, known as Beneatha, is a vibrant and progressive character in Lorraine Hansberry's
play "A Raisin in the Sun." She is the daughter of Lena Younger (Mama) and sister of Walter Lee.
Beneatha's character in "A Raisin in the Sun" is marked by her intellectual curiosity, cultural identity,
and independent spirit. Her famous quotes highlight her quest for truth, her celebration of her African
heritage, and her rejection of societal norms. Throughout the play, Beneatha's character undergoes
growth and transformation as she navigates her own path towards self-discovery and challenges the
limitations imposed upon her by society.

Here is a character analysis of Beneatha, along with some of her famous quotes:

1. Intellectual Curiosity:
Beneatha is a highly intelligent and educated character who is passionate about knowledge and self-
discovery. She challenges societal norms and seeks to find her own identity. Her intellectual curiosity
is evident in her famous quote:
- "I'm interested in what is real. I'm interested in the truth." (Act 1, Scene 1)
This quote showcases Beneatha's desire to uncover the truth about herself and the world around her. It
reflects her intellectual pursuits and her rejection of superficiality and conformity.
2. Cultural Identity:
Beneatha is deeply connected to her African heritage and embraces her roots. She explores her
identity through her interest in African culture and her desire to connect with her ancestors. This
aspect of her character is reflected in her famous quote:
- "Assimilationism is so popular in your country." (Act 2, Scene 1)
This quote highlights Beneatha's rejection of assimilation and her belief in celebrating and preserving
her African cultural heritage. It showcases her determination to embrace her roots and challenge
societal expectations.
3. Independence and Feminism:
Beneatha is a strong-willed and independent woman who challenges traditional gender roles. She
seeks to define herself outside of societal expectations and strives for personal and professional
fulfillment. This aspect of her character is evident in her famous quote:
- "I'm not interested in being someone's little episode in America, man. I'm interested in something
bigger than that." (Act 2, Scene 3)
This quote showcases Beneatha's determination to pursue her dreams and ambitions beyond societal
expectations. It reflects her feminist ideals and her refusal to be reduced to a supporting role in
someone else's life.

Character analysis of Ruth with her famous quotes

Ruth Younger is a resilient and pragmatic character in Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the
Sun." She is the wife of Walter Lee Younger and the mother of Travis.
Ruth's character in "A Raisin in the Sun" is marked by her resilience, sacrifice, and hope. Her famous
quotes highlight her practicality, selflessness, and desire for a brighter future. Throughout the play,
Ruth's character evolves as she navigates the challenges of poverty and racism, demonstrating her
strength and determination to create a better life for herself and her family.
Here is a character analysis of Ruth, along with some of her famous quotes:

1. Resilience and Pragmatism:

Ruth is a strong and practical woman who faces the challenges of life with resilience and
determination. She often takes on the role of the peacemaker within the family and strives to maintain
stability. Her resilience is evident in her famous quote:
- "I'm a woman...I'm supposed to wear clothes, aren't I?... Just because my garments are near the end
of their days, don't mean yours have to be." (Act 1, Scene 1)
This quote showcases Ruth's practicality and her ability to make the most of what she has. It reflects
her willingness to work with what she has and her determination to maintain a sense of normalcy for
her family.
2. Sacrifice and Responsibility:
Ruth is a responsible and selfless character who prioritizes the well-being of her family. She often
puts her own needs and desires aside for the sake of others. This aspect of her character is reflected in
her famous quote:
- "I'm tired... Tired of working, tired of caring, tired of doing the best I can. Ain't you tired, Mama?"
(Act 2, Scene 1)
This quote showcases Ruth's exhaustion and her longing for a better life. It highlights her selflessness
and the burden she carries as she fulfills her responsibilities as a wife and mother.
3. Hope and Dreams:
Despite the challenges she faces, Ruth still holds onto hope and dreams for a brighter future. She
yearns for a better life for herself and her family. This aspect of her character is evident in her famous
quote:
- "I seen...him...night after night...come in...and look at that rug...and then look at me...the red
showing in his eyes...the veins moving in his head...I seen him grow thin and old before he was
forty...working and working like somebody's horse...killing himself...and you—don't you think you
going to kill him just...drive him to it...you—don't you think you going to kill your boy!" (Act 2, Scene
2)
This quote showcases Ruth's fear and concern for her husband's well-being. It reflects her hope for a
better life and her determination to protect her family from the hardships they face.