Raisin in the Sun is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry that explores the lives of an African-American family living in Chicago during the 1950s. The play is renowned for its powerful depiction of the struggles that the family faces in a society that is plagued by racism and poverty. One of the most striking aspects of the play is the use of family quotes, which provide insight into the characters and their relationships with each other. In this article, we will explore some of the most memorable family quotes from Raisin in the Sun and discuss their significance.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Raisin in the Sun is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry that explores the lives of an African-American family living in Chicago during the 1950s. The play is renowned for its powerful depiction of the struggles that the family faces in a society that is plagued by racism and poverty. One of the most striking aspects of the play is the use of family quotes, which provide insight into the characters and their relationships with each other. In this article, we will explore some of the most memorable family quotes from Raisin in the Sun and discuss their significance.
What is the significance of family in Raisin in the Sun?
Family is a central theme in Raisin in the Sun. The play explores the dynamics of an African-American family living in a society that is hostile to their existence. The family members are united by their shared experiences of racism, poverty, and discrimination. They rely on each other for emotional support, financial assistance, and spiritual guidance. The family quotes in the play reveal the depth of their relationships and the challenges that they face as a unit.
What are some of the most memorable family quotes in Raisin in the Sun?
1. "We have decided to move into our house because my father—my father—he earned it for us brick by brick." (Walter Younger)
This quote is significant because it highlights the sacrifices that the father of the family made to ensure that his children had a better life. It also underscores the importance of home ownership in the African-American community, where owning a home was seen as a symbol of success and stability.
2. "Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most? When they done good and made things easy for everybody? Well then, you ain't through learning—because that ain't the time at all." (Lena Younger)
This quote is significant because it challenges the notion that love is only deserved when someone has done something good for you. It suggests that love should be given freely, even when it is difficult or inconvenient.
3. "I'm telling you to be the head of this family from now on like you supposed to be." (Lena Younger)
This quote is significant because it highlights the tension between the male and female members of the family. It also underscores the importance of gender roles in the African-American community, where men were expected to be the providers and protectors of their families.
4. "Mama, you know it's all divided up. Life is. Sure enough. Between the takers and the tooken. I've figured it out finally. Yeah. Some of us always getting tooken." (Beneatha Younger)
This quote is significant because it highlights the sense of powerlessness that many African-Americans felt in the 1950s. It suggests that the system was rigged against them and that their only hope was to resist and fight back.
5. "You read books and go to school to get an education, don't you? Well, that's what I'm trying to do—get an education." (Beneatha Younger)
This quote is significant because it highlights the importance of education in the African-American community. It suggests that education was seen as a pathway to success and upward mobility.
Conclusion
The family quotes in Raisin in the Sun provide a window into the experiences of African-American families living in the 1950s. They reveal the challenges that these families faced and the strategies that they used to survive and thrive. The quotes also underscore the importance of family, home ownership, and education in the African-American community. Raisin in the Sun remains a powerful and relevant play that continues to inspire and educate audiences today.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the significance of family in Raisin in the Sun?
A: Family is a central theme in Raisin in the Sun. The play explores the dynamics of an African-American family living in a society that is hostile to their existence. The family members are united by their shared experiences of racism, poverty, and discrimination. They rely on each other for emotional support, financial assistance, and spiritual guidance. The family quotes in the play reveal the depth of their relationships and the challenges that they face as a unit.
Q: What are some of the most memorable family quotes in Raisin in the Sun?
A: Some of the most memorable family quotes in Raisin in the Sun include "We have decided to move into our house because my father—my father—he earned it for us brick by brick," "Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most? When they done good and made things easy for everybody? Well then, you ain't through learning—because that ain't the time at all," and "Mama, you know it's all divided up. Life is. Sure enough. Between the takers and the tooken. I've figured it out finally. Yeah. Some of us always getting tooken." These quotes highlight the sacrifices that families make for each other, the importance of love and education, and the challenges that African-American families faced during the 1950s.
