“A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry is a seminal work in American literature that explores themes of race, class, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
While it is not traditionally classified as a Marxist play, it contains elements that can be analyzed through a Marxist lens, particularly in its portrayal of the Younger family’s struggle for economic and social advancement in a society marked by systemic inequality and oppression.
- Economic Exploitation: Marxist analysis focuses on the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist ruling class. In “A Raisin in the Sun,” the Younger family represents the proletariat, struggling to escape poverty and achieve upward mobility. They are exploited by the capitalist system, which denies them opportunities for economic advancement and perpetuates their economic marginalization.
- Housing and Property: A central conflict in the play revolves around the Younger family’s desire to move to a better neighborhood and improve their living conditions by purchasing a house in a predominantly white suburb. This struggle for homeownership reflects broader issues of housing inequality and the unequal distribution of wealth and resources, which are central concerns in Marxist analysis.
- Walter Lee’s Aspiration for Capital: Walter Lee’s dream of investing in a liquor store represents his desire to accumulate capital and achieve financial independence. His pursuit of this dream can be interpreted as a reflection of Marxist ideas about the commodification of labor and the alienation experienced by workers under capitalism. However, his single-minded focus on material wealth also highlights the ways in which capitalist ideology can distort human relationships and values.
- Conflict between Classes: The play depicts tensions between different social classes, particularly within the African American community. Characters like Karl Lindner, the representative of the white neighborhood association, symbolize the oppressive forces that seek to maintain the status quo and preserve racial and economic segregation. The Younger family’s defiance of these forces can be seen as a form of resistance against capitalist exploitation and racial injustice.
- Solidarity and Collective Action: Marxist theory emphasizes the importance of solidarity and collective action in challenging capitalist oppression. While the Younger family’s struggle is primarily portrayed on an individual level, there are moments of solidarity and community building, particularly in their interactions with other members of the African American community. These moments underscore the potential for collective resistance against systemic inequality and exploitation.
While “A Raisin in the Sun” may not fit neatly into the category of Marxist literature, its exploration of economic inequality, social injustice, and the human cost of capitalist exploitation resonates with Marxist themes and provides fertile ground for Marxist analysis. By examining the play through a Marxist lens, we can gain deeper insight into its portrayal of the systemic forces that shape the lives of its characters and the broader social context in which their struggles unfold.