An Interpretation Of Blackness In Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin In The Sun

As one of the minority nationalities in multi-cultural America, African Americans have been the focus of attention for an increasing number of writers, artists and scholars. There are many famous African American authors in contemporary literature cycles. Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965) is one of the brightest in the1950s’ American theater. Unfortunately, at the age of35, she died from cancer. Nevertheless, she made a great contribution to Afro-American literature:creating five plays and lots of articles, poems and speeches as well. As one of African Americans, she experienced the hardships the Blacks suffer in the White-dominated America and witnessed their persistent pursuit, freedom and equality. Meanwhile, she ardently glorified and carried forward the Black racial culture and the Black heritage. A Raisin in the Sun is the first and the most important drama of Lorraine Hansberry. The drama A Raisin in the Sun centers around the life of the Youngers whose life is thwarted by the economic deprivation and racial discrimination on Chicago’s Southside. They preserved and developed their Blackness when they have a great leap toward their new life. Blackness may refer to Black Nationalism, Black pride, Negritude. The play touches upon many important contemporary issues such as the Black culture, the racial discrimination and inequality, the Black women’s position as well as the movement for independence in Africa. Among all these issues, Blackness, Black dignity and Black culture are the heated ones in Afro-American literature. It is very significant to study the Blackness of A Raisin in the Sun. This thesis interprets the Black Culture, Black Dignity, and the Black family consciousness in A Raisin in the Sun. Through analyzes it confirmed that the Black culture is the spiritual support of Black people, although the Youngers suffered many oppression from White society. They preserved their Black Dignity in this process. In the end of the play, the Youngers united together, and began their new life in the White community.