Blog 3- A Raisin In The Sun

    In Act II Scene I of A Raisin In The Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, setting continues to play a major role in the attitudes of Beneatha and Walter. Taking place in the 1950's in southside Chicago, there is still a racial gap between whites and blacks. Also, stereotypical views on what is considered a "white or black man's job" rank people to different levels of respect and income. Beneatha and Walter are aggravated by the separation and lack of equal opportunities among all races, which makes it difficult to attain their dreams which are unheard of for people of their race. Unfortunate how Beneatha and Walter were born into the wrong era and generation. Today, there would be nothing uncommon about a black female doctors or black office executives. However, given this time in history, both characters seek out a life for themselves which they must strive to pursue due to the lack of respect that might arise from their ambitions. In Act II Scene I, " 'We all tied up in a race of people,' "(Hansberry,485). Walter says this, and this reveals his frustration and association with a society in which he tries to differentiate himself from. The society keeps him from the chance of prospering financially and from Bennie prospering intellectually.