A Raisin in the Sun
By: Lorraine Hansberry
Irony is additionally presented throughout the work in
various other ways. In the title, A
Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry presents the theme of unachieved dreams and
there effect on the dreamer. For, just as a grape dries in the sun to become a crinkled
and depleted raisin, so to do dreams that have been forgotten. One such dream
is the American dream which ironically is best understood and visualized by the
one non-American in the play, Joseph Asagai. As the others begin to lose hope
in achieving success and building a better life, Asagai reminds them of their
freedom and that their dreams existed before the money. Asagai points out that
there dreams are still achievable even if all money is lost. Money in how it is
perceived to be gained additionally becomes a representation of irony in itself
as Walter thinks that wealth can only be gained from graft and, resolutely,
loses all wealth to graft.
“Well that’s the way the cracker crumbles (512).” Just as in
this humorous and clever pun, Lorraine Hansberry uses irony throughout the
entirety of the play to address social issues. In this wise statement by
Beneatha in reference to Karl Lindner, the tension between races is addressed.
Additionally, the statement becomes ironic and represents the separation of
generations as it presents the changing attitude of African-Americans who have
begun to see that their fight is no longer simply for freedom, but rights.
Irony is additionally presented throughout the work in
various other ways. In the title, A
Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry presents the theme of unachieved dreams and
there effect on the dreamer. For, just as a grape dries in the sun to become a crinkled
and depleted raisin, so to do dreams that have been forgotten. One such dream
is the American dream which ironically is best understood and visualized by the
one non-American in the play, Joseph Asagai. As the others begin to lose hope
in achieving success and building a better life, Asagai reminds them of their
freedom and that their dreams existed before the money. Asagai points out that
there dreams are still achievable even if all money is lost. Money in how it is
perceived to be gained additionally becomes a representation of irony in itself
as Walter thinks that wealth can only be gained from graft and, resolutely,
loses all wealth to graft.
From social references to individual challenges, Hansberry
uses irony to present the themes of the novel with a humorous twist. Through
puns and irony, the tone of the play develops a lighter touch but maintains seriousness
in addressing prevalent issues. “That’s the way the cookie crumbles.”
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