Exploring the Apartment Layout in A Raisin in the Sun: A Detailed Look at the Housing Situation in Lorraine Hansberry's Classic Play

by Jasmine Banks2024-07-13

As one of the most iconic plays in American literature, A Raisin in the Sun has captivated audiences for generations. Set in the 1950s, the play follows the Younger family as they navigate the challenges of life in a crowded apartment in Chicago's South Side.

Understanding the Apartment Layout

At the center of the play is the cramped apartment that the Younger family calls home. The apartment is small and poorly maintained, with just two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The living room also serves as a bedroom for Walter and Ruth's son, Travis.

The apartment is in a rundown building in a crowded neighborhood, and the lack of space and privacy is a constant source of tension for the family. The cramped quarters are especially difficult for Mama, who dreams of owning a home with a yard where her family can thrive.

Exploring the Housing Crisis

A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful commentary on the housing crisis that plagued many Black families in the 1950s. Housing discrimination was rampant, and many Black families were forced to live in overcrowded and dilapidated apartments that were woefully inadequate.

The cramped and uncomfortable living conditions in the Younger family's apartment highlight the challenges that Black families faced in finding safe, affordable, and comfortable housing during this time period. The play also explores the impact that housing discrimination had on the mental health and well-being of Black families, and the toll that it took on their relationships and quality of life.

Conclusion

A Raisin in the Sun remains a powerful and relevant play that continues to resonate with audiences today. By exploring the cramped and uncomfortable apartment that the Younger family calls home, the play sheds light on the housing crisis that many Black families faced in the 1950s. Ultimately, the play is a powerful reminder of the importance of safe, affordable, and comfortable housing for all families, and the need to address the systemic issues that perpetuate housing discrimination and inequality.

Discover more about the housing crisis in A Raisin in the Sun at Coohom

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