Character Definition of Terms

CHAPTER II THEORETICAL REVIEW

A. Review of Related Studies

The existence of a literary work always invites criticism from some critics. The criticism can be an agreement or disagreement toward the play or the story. There are some criticisms directed to A Raisin in the Sun and those criticisms are needed to support the analysis of this study. One of the criticisms is from Martin Luther King, Jr. He said that “Hansberry’s commitment of spirit, her creative ability and her profound grasp of the deep social issues confronting the world today will remain an inspiration to generations yet unborn” http:www.raisinonbroadway.comnews.html. Furthermore, Brenda Bell says that in Lorraine Hansberrys A Raisin in the Sun, the Younger family is faced with several issues. The setting of the story takes place in the 1950s when African American families had to deal with blatant issues of poverty, segregation and culture. A reflection of Hansberrys personal experience can be seen in A Raisin in the Sun http:projects.edtech.sandi.netkearnyraisin. Kuiper in Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature 1995: 513 states “A Raisin in the Sun is an insightful study of the stresses that both divide and unite a working-class black family when it is presented with a chance for a better life”. An idea by David D. Cooper in Guerin, Labor, Morgan, Reesman and Willingham, 9 1979: 1585 states that “A Raisin in the Sun is a play about distress, futility, and tragedy, but also about hope and pride and what kind of conviction and commitment it takes to bring hope out of hopelessness, courage out of fear, and idealism out of fatalism”. Those statements refer to The Youngers, especially Walter and Mama who has motivation to bring a bright future for the family’s life, their effort can be clearly seen when they try to fulfill all family’s needs. Another writer Tammy Burris in Reuben’s article PAL: Perspectives in American Literature - A Research and Reference Guide - An Ongoing Project writes that “Her Hansberry’s writings reflected her fight for black civil rights, and her views against racism, and sexual and statutory discrimination. Due to her short life her legacy left only a few works but all with dramatic effect on all, no matter race or color, who came in touch with them” http:web.csustan.eduenglishreubenpalchap8hansberry.html. A realistic play like A Raisin in the Sun according to Stanley Hochman in the Encyclopedia of World Drama 1984: 444 is “a realistic portrayal of a black family struggling to maintain its pride and identity”. It is clearly seen from Walter’s characterization as an African-American in pursuing his family’s hopes to be successful and equal with the whites and also from Beneatha’s characteristics who is struggling to be a doctor in the middle of white community. 10