A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun

Year: 1961

Runtime: 128 min

Language: English

Director: Daniel Petrie

Drama

Following the death of her husband, Lena Younger finds her family’s life irrevocably changed by an inheritance. The money offers the Younger family—Lena, her husband Walter, his son Walter Jr., and her sister Beneatha—the opportunity to pursue their individual dreams. Walter yearns to start a liquor store, while Beneatha hopes to become a doctor. Lena envisions a home for her family, but differing aspirations and financial pressures threaten to tear them apart as they grapple with questions of race, identity, and the true meaning of success.

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Timeline & Setting – A Raisin in the Sun (1961)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Raisin in the Sun (1961). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story takes place in a contemporary setting of the mid-20th century America, reflecting the social issues of the time, including racial discrimination and economic hardship. It captures a pivotal moment in history where African American families sought better living conditions and opportunities amid societal constraints.

Location

Chicago's South Side

The movie is set in Chicago's South Side, a historically significant area known for its rich African American culture and contributions to the arts. It serves as a backdrop for the Younger family's struggles, reflecting the socio-economic challenges prevalent in many inner-city communities. The decaying apartment symbolizes the decay of hope and ambition faced by the family.

🏙️ City 🏠 Home

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:24

Main Characters – A Raisin in the Sun (1961)

Meet the key characters of A Raisin in the Sun (1961), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Walter Lee Younger (Sidney Poitier)

Walter Lee Younger is the ambitious yet troubled head of the Younger family, striving for financial success to uplift his family's plight. His initial materialistic pursuits lead him to question his values and responsibilities towards his family. Ultimately, Walter's character arc showcases a transformation toward prioritizing family dignity over wealth.

👨‍👦 Family 💭 Aspirations 🔄 Transformation

Ruth Younger (Diana Sands)

Ruth is Walter's weary wife, embodying the struggles of a mother trying to maintain peace within her family amidst financial despair. Her resilience and quiet strength shine through as she navigates the challenges posed by their living situation and Walter's ambitions. Ruth represents the emotional backbone of the Younger family, striving for stability.

👩‍👦‍👦 Resilience 💔 Sacrifice 🏠 Home

Beneatha Younger (Diana Sands)

Beneatha Younger is the spirited younger sister of Walter, aspiring to become a doctor. She vacillates between her cultural identity and the lure of material success, reflecting the inner conflict of African American women of her time. Beneatha's journey highlights the struggle for self-identity and the importance of embracing one’s heritage.

🌱 Ambition 🌍 Identity ⚖️ Conflict

Lena Younger (Claudia McNeil)

Lena, affectionately known as Mama, is the matriarch of the Younger family whose strong values and resilience guide her children. Her vision of securing a better home for her family symbolizes hope and dignity. Mama's unwavering faith propels the family's dreams amid external challenges, underscoring her role as a pillar of strength.

👵 Wisdom 🙏 Faith 💖 Family

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:24

Major Themes – A Raisin in the Sun (1961)

Explore the central themes of A Raisin in the Sun (1961), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Financial Aspirations

The theme of financial aspirations runs deeply through the film as the Younger family grapples with dreams of a better life. Walter's desire to invest in a liquor store and Mama's wish to buy a house highlight the stark contrasts in their views of money. Ultimately, the narrative leads to a critical examination of the true cost of financial security vs. dignity.

🌍 Cultural Identity

Cultural identity plays a crucial role, especially for Beneatha, who finds herself torn between two suitors representing different paths. Joseph Asagai encourages her to embrace her African heritage, while George Murchison symbolizes the materialistic allure of assimilation. This conflict underscores the importance of cultural pride in the face of external pressures.

💪 Family and Struggles

The film encapsulates the theme of family unity amidst adversity. The pressures faced by the Youngers challenge their bond, yet ultimately, through trials and tribulations, they find strength in their relationships. The collective courage of the family signifies the importance of standing together in the face of societal challenges.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:24

Unlock the Full Story of A Raisin in the Sun

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Raisin in the Sun in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Raisin in the Sun is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Raisin in the Sun Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Raisin in the Sun, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Raisin in the Sun Summary

A Raisin in the Sun Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Raisin in the Sun with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Raisin in the Sun Timeline

More About A Raisin in the Sun

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Raisin in the Sun: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Raisin in the Sun

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