In the play A Raisin In The Sun, many things could be thought as the major idea. But in my opinion, the idea of not selling out is.

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A Raisin In The Sun Essay

        In the play A Raisin In The Sun, many things could be thought as the major idea.  But in my opinion, the idea of not selling out is.  Lorraine Hansberry uses characters to reflect a larger idea.  Throughout Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin In The Sun, Linder, Beneatha, and Walter represent the lifestyle of the 1950’s.

        Primarily, Hansberry’s use of the character Linder throughout the play A Raisin In The Sun represents the oppressive white society in the 1950’s.  More specifically, Linder represents segregation.  He lives in Clybourn Park and is on the “Welcoming committee”.  The Youngers are moving into Clybourn Park and Linder comes to their house and since there are no colored people in the neighborhood Linder’s group is  “prepared, through the collective effort of [their] people, to buy the house from [the Younger’s] at a financial gain to your family”(Hansbery 118), to ensure that it will stay an all white neighborhood.  This book takes place after the Civil Rights Movement so the Youngers may move into Clybourne Park if they wish.  The movement was not passed long ago and there are yet any colored people to move into the neighborhood therefore it is still segregated.  Like most white people during this time they do not want this to change and will do anything for it, even pay money.

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        In addition, Hansberry’s use of the character Beneatha throughout the play A Raisin In The Sun represents the new generation of African-American’s.  Her mother was the old generation, the maid, but Beneatha wishes to be a doctor, “[she] wanted to care” (Hansberry 133).  Beneatha could have not worked and just stayed home and settled with George, but she wants to make her own living.  She also hates the term assimilationist negro’s.  This term is used for the rich African-Americans who try to be white.  Next, she does not believe in G-d.  Mama does and when Beneatha says she doesn’t, Mama gets upset. ...

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