Raisin in the Sun Article - Essay Example

Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun: a play about one culture, or about all cultures? Sandra Seaton’s article on A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry reviews some conflicting views about the play which have appeared in scholarly literature. Some critics view the play as an exploration of African American culture and consequently see the work either as parochial or authentic, depending on their view of the literary quality of the work. Other critics view the play as an exploration of generic human issues which could happen in any family, regardless of the ethnic and cultural context in which that family exists.

For some scholars such apparent universality is a positive feature, showing how insightful Hansberry’s work is, while for others this is a negative feature which involves rejecting African American values and culture in favor of imitating those of the Northern, white, and middle class people. Seaton’s conclusion suggests that the play demonstrates in fact deep appreciation of African American culture and at the same time also some elements of universality. In other words, it is not necessary to choose between these opposing critical views because “they are not exclusive positions but partial ones” (Seaton, 1992, 47).

This article could be very useful as a source for an essay on A Raisin in the Sun because it clarifies some of the main themes that occur in the play such as the struggle of African Americans to achieve their dreams in a society which is inherently racist and the changing values of different generations of African Americans. The article would be particularly useful in providing a structure for setting out how the play has been viewed in the past. Seaton also provides useful evidence to support the view that the play moves beyond stereotypes because it portrays a range of different characters who view the family’s dilemma in very diverse and complex ways.

ReferencesHansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: First Vintage/Random House, 1994. [First published 1958].Seaton, Sandra. “A Raisin in the Sun: A Study in Afro-American Culture.” Midwestern Miscellany XX (1992), pp. 40-49.