International Journal of English and Literature (IJEL) ISSN 2249-6912 Vol. 3, Issue 1, Mar 2013, 1-6 TJPRC Pvt.

. Ltd.

BARRIERS AND BOUNDS IN RELATIONSHIPS: A STUDY OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INTRICACIES IN LORRAINE HANSBERRYS PLAY A RAISIN IN THE SUN
GURSIMRAN KAUR Assistant Professor, Bhai Gurdas Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur, Punjab, India

ABSTRACT
The racial problems faced by the African families on American land have become one of the major themes which African writers deal with. By giving voice to the cries of blacks who suffered at the hands of whites has uplifted their spirit and has added a new chapter in the history of African American literature. The construction of African identity, housing discrimination, the problem of poverty, deferred dreams is highlighted in the play, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. The present study deals with the description of Youngers family engulfed in economic and social pressures that greatly influenced their relationship are clearly portrayed by Hansberry in the play. The serious issues - A cunning attempt made by the white agent, Mr. Linder not to move to all-white neighborhood brings frown at everybodys face, Mama Lena Younger wants to use an insurance cheque to purchase a house in whiten neighborhood and the decision made by Walter to spend money in liquor store brings disharmony in relationships are widely discussed in the paper. The ties and tribulations exist in the relationships due to social and economic pressures in the Youngers decrease the union of the family members are also explored.

KEYWORDS: Afrocentricism, Discrimination, Ghetto, American Dream, NAACP INTRODUCTION

The era of 1950s is considered as a turning point in Black Literature as many new writers came ahead and addressed so many important issues that were experienced by Africans on their native land and America as well. During the year, complacency and conformism, growth of suburbs and commercial culture were deep-rooted which symbolizes social resentment among Africans who live their inferior status and faced discrimination at social, political and economical level. At last the agonized cries against oppression have found a voice through Civil Rights Movement and feminist movement of 1950s. The play, A Raisin in the Sun by great African-American Playwright named Lorraine Hansberry is proved as a silver lining which gives voice to the sufferings of lynching Africans. The play broadly covers an array of issues the struggle for equality, domestic tensions among an entire black family, problem of African-American racial identity and how to quell the evil called racial discrimination. Lorraine Hansberry experienced racial discrimination from her childhood on the so-called Chicago proud to be alive and coarse and strong and cunning (Ralph, Northern Protest: Martin, 67) and Americas largest segregated city (Ralph, Northern Protest: Martin, 46). But an unconditional fight from her families side results in the end of social and economical pressures made by white community. To enjoy the equal rights and freedom, Hansberrys took their case to court when the local Chicago government denied them from moving to a new home in white neighborhood. With the help of NAACP, Hansberrys won the case and felt free to live without any emotional social pressures in white neighborhood. The unstinting struggle for freedom by the family to get rid of ghetto and the sense of triumphing of black spirit amidst racism are showcased in A Raisin in the Sun.

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Robert Nemiroff, in his introduction to the 1987 text, called the play so contemporary (Hansberry, To Be Young 13) because of Lorraine Hansberrys fair attempt to pose a series of questions - the existing social issues, the rise of black feminism, gender roles, conflicts in relationships, the difficulties of the black family, and the death of colonialism are widely observed throughout the play, A Raisin in the Sun. Lorraine Hansberrys powerful drama, A Raisin in the Sun has left an imprint on Black Literature because it throws light upon the social and economical status of many African-American families after the war and before the civil rights movement. It describes that the sphere of racial discrimination is still present though Martin Luther King and other eminent African leaders were engulfed deeply to crush the social and economical pressures made by the whites. The growing domestic tensions and racial discrimination are the strains under which the Younger family lives and tries to weed out the oppressive constraints laid by the white people. Though the play deals with racial conflicts but Hansberry highlights how the relationships suffer due to social and economical pressures. And how relationship between man and woman suffers from racial challenges within the intricacies of universal human nature, social discrimination and the problem of poverty are broached. The fair attempt of the Younger family to rise above their low status and to move to a place where they would get respect becomes the major concern of the play. Hansberry operates these issues together to emphasize the sufferings of African Americans during this era. Side by side Hansberry gives a pictorial description how Africans living in America suffer at the hands of white community. Africans are the victims of exploitation in America at social, political or economical level. They are crushed under the feet of white people. The Younger family lives in Chicago, in America and is exploited socially and economically by white community. The play is fraught with racial conflicts that occur between the Younger family and the white community. Walter describes the pathetic condition of blacks in America. He desperately says, hell find himself sitting in a dungeon, locked in forever and takers will have the key! (Hansberry, A Raisin 132). Hansberry shows that Youngers lives in the ghetto of Chicago, suburban neighborhoods where blacks live with high hopes to flee from shun of oppressive whites. Such areas were overpriced, overcrowded and no public services were provided to them. These black people had hopes of leaving ghetto houses which were poorly maintained. The blacks attempt to rise above such conditions but housing discrimination fails them to live independently. Many socialists observed that real estate agencies play the largest role in maintaining segregated communities (Knowles and Prewitt, Institutional Racism in America 26). They excited black families to move to an all-white neighborhood and made enormous profits from them. They also fetch huge amount of money from whites but white families still feared from losing their property. The real estate agent would then purchase much of whites houses for well below their market value, and resell them well above their market value to blacks who want to flee from ghetto. (Knowles and Prewitt, Institutional Racism in America 27). Housing discrimination has become one of the major themes of the play. With racist nature, the real estate agents sell the houses to black families by taking more money from them. In the play, Walter and Ruth are stunned with Mamas decision of purchasing a new house in an entirely white neighborhood by challenging the constraints set by whites. Mama explains why she saw unwilling to stay in the black community when she states, Them houses they put up for colored in them areas way out all seem to cost twice as much as other houses. I did the best I could (Hansberry, A Raisin 85), also noting that the new houses built for blacks are located in their own segregated communities, way out (Hansberry, A Raisin 85).

Barriers and Bounds in Relationships: A Study of Social and Economic Intricacies in Lorraine Hansberrys Play a Raisin in the Sun

Hansberry clearly depicts the poor living conditions of the Youngers in the ghetto. She describes the Youngers house as they live in a tired and rat trap (Hansberry, A Raisin 3) which is full of spraying infesticide into the cracks in the walls (Hansberry, A Raisin 39). To regain dignity and pride, Mama decides to purchase a house in Clybourne Park, a complete white neighborhood. Her firm decision to shun the sphere of discrimination is not admissible to the family members. The family hesitates to move to white neighborhood. To breathe the sense of freedom, the family has to pay twice of the actual cost. Ruth states that weve put enough [money] in this rat trap to pay for four houses by now (Hansberry, A Raisin 107). Hansberry shows that blacks are socially discriminated and will have to pay heavy amount in order to live a life free from racial discrimination where the problem of African identity evaporates. But the trouble comes when Africans want equal rights to feel liberated on the earth. They feel that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities (Hansberry, A Raisin 104).To realize them that they are still inferior and slaves to whites, Mr. Karl Linder, the white representative from the Clybourne Park Improvement Association came to the Youngers and offers to pay them off in order for them to stay away from Clybourne Park. He attempts to buy their dignity and pride with money, asking for bribe but in vain. He tries to convince them and blurts out that Africans are the others in white neighborhoods and expressed the hatred for blacks as we feel that most of the trouble in this world, when you come right down to it (Hansberry, A Raisin 102). Racial discrimination, class tensions, the problem of afrocentricism which means ones pride in own culture paints bitterness in the relationships. Another important character George Murchison, an educated and wealthy, is a friend of Beneatha. Though George is an African, he assimilates himself into the white culture and has no love and respect for his culture. But Beneatha utter impulsively when George Murchison often comments on the Younger family. She has no regard for the person who forgets his own culture and inherits the new culture which does not belong to him. Her hatred towards George results in the fragmentation of their relationship. The relationship between Beneatha and Joseph Asagai reveals Hansberrys concern with a trend towards celebrating African heritage. Hansberry reveals the theme of afrocentricism through the character of Joseph Asagai. An African-American, Asagai has love and respect for his country. After migrating to Chicago, he does not assimilate himself into the white culture. Walters desire to become an affluent person results in the devastation of the unity of the family. Walters major weakness is that he is a dreamer who always makes strategies with his friends to become a rich person. Unfortunately his dreams become the only reason that vanished away the aspirations of the whole family members. Walters dreams are his world. With a fanatical zeal, Walter wants to use the cheque which has to come for his own purpose. Walter attempts to take risk by taking all the money that the entire family is depending upon for their new house, and for Beneathas college education. But Walter seeks sympathy on his part as a man trying to achieve something in his life and wants to do something for his family members. But being a moralist, Mama wants to purchase a house in all-white neighborhood where they can live with pride. But Walters anti-Christian task twists the whole situation. He wants to spend the money in liquor store. Walters decision to spend money in anti-Christian business is largely responsible for his familys financial upswell. Moreover, his firm determination and fanatical zeal to pursue his goal is proved by denying the dreams of other. Mama is not acceptable with his decision and results in disharmony in the relationships. Mama questions Walter about pondering over the idea of money all round the clock and Walter replies, Because it is life, Mama! (Hansberry, A Raisin 61). The dialogue between them further shows their conflicting views:

Gursimran Kaur

MAMA: Oh so now its life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life now its money. I guess the world really do change WALTER: No it was always money, Mama. We just didnt know about it. MAMA: Nosomething has changed. You something new, boy. (Hansberry, A Raisin 61-62) The power of money is merely realized by Walter as both social and political freedom in American. But Walter feels ignorant that this fact is not understood by any other family member. He knows that money is the best remedy for the twin evils of discrimination and poverty, and that only with this kind of freedom can one speak of having realized the American Dream. Each family member has a dream, but those dreams cost money. Without money, they are all discouraged and tired. They take their frustrations out on each other, especially when Walter loses the insurance money. They see that their dreams must be put on hold for ever longer. Ruth and Mama are disappointed with him, and Beneatha disowns him as a brother. In this play, it is evident that economic issues play a key factor in the conflicts in each relationship in the Younger family. Walter sugar coats his words and sums up his own attitude as, Bitter? Here I am a giant surrounded by ants! Ants who cant even understand what it is the giant is talking about (Hansberry, A Raisin 76). Walters expectations are very high as he needs help to secure his dreams. To realize his dreams, he wants George to talk with his wealthy father about his plans. He is an optimist and in hope that he will get some support from a man to make his dream comes true. But Georges attitude shatters his dreams when he tells Walter that his ideas are unfavorable and do not matter at all to him. These mocking statements given by George give birth to conflict. George simply denies that he will not receive any help from him and his father as well. The relationship between Walter and Ruth is full of strain. Their marriage has lost its importance and charm. Their relationship suffers at various stages. The importance for each other in relationships has dried up like a raisin in the sun because they are engulfed in economical pressures. They are unable to nurture their intimacies with mutual understanding, trust and support. They are no longer satisfied by each other. They are impatient with each other. And Walter loses his temper easily. Ruth is tired of listening from her husband all day about money. And says to him, You get your mind off money and eat your breakfast (Hansberry, A Raisin 8). She bluntly refuses to listen to her husbands talk on money. Later, she discusses her relationship with Walter to her mother-in-law and said, Mama, something is happening between Walter and me. I dont know what it is but he needs something something, which Ruth is referring to is to chance to change their financial status. The money situation is driving Walter crazy and affecting everyone in the family. Their sadness at unfulfilled dreams has left Ruth and Walter dissatisfied. Another factor that disturbs their relationship is the idea of killing an unborn child. Walter and Ruth are depressed about the upbringing of the unborn child whereas Walter often indulges in nagging and passing rude comments instead of nurturing her wifes innocent feelings for an unborn child. Ruths inner conscious does not allow her to endure the pain of taking the life of an unborn child. She even stops Walter from doing such an offensive task. She reminds him that, we a people who give children life, not who destroys them (Hansberry, A Raisin 63). The idea of a childs extermination burns Mamas nerves with contempt and this brings conflict in their relationships. The emotional stress on each other decreases the charm of their relationship. The serious issue which drives Walter crazy is the insurance cheque. The arrival of the cheque will shift their life from dawn to dusk. The familys foremost dream except Walter would be fulfilled. Ruths dream is to shift to a new house and leaving ghetto. But Walters desire for utilizing the money for his own business invites disharmony in their

Barriers and Bounds in Relationships: A Study of Social and Economic Intricacies in Lorraine Hansberrys Play a Raisin in the Sun

relationship. Walter keeps despising Ruth at many different stages regarding the use of money. Walter never realizes that his wife Ruth always cares about her. In a fit of anger, frustrated Walter goes out, bottled up inside and blurts out in a violent way. He gives importance merely to his own dreams. But the deferred dreams bring bitterness in their relationship. But like an Indian woman, Ruth dreams to keep her family together whereas Walters dreams curtail the harmony in relationships. The adverse effect of the economic conditions is visible on their son Travis. Travis asks for fifty cents to his mother. Ruth denies fulfilling what her son asks. She fells that it should not be hidden from Travis that they are financially weak. Ruths fair denial not to give money to his son frustrates Walter. Soon Walter gives double money to his son what he asks for. Ruth shows her pessimistic side as she has lost all hope that everything will be fine. But Walter still has some hope to change everything. He gives Travis the money without even looking at his son, still staring hard at his wife (Hansberry, A Raisin 12) and Ruth watches the father and son interact, with murder in her eyes (Hansberry, A Raisin 12). It is evident from one incident that is a way between them very old and practiced that Ruth has a better relationship with Travis than Walter has. Ruth has more affectionate relationship with Travis as she asks for Travis to kiss her before going off to school every morning. Hansberry portrays the nature of relationship between Beneatha and Walter which is full of mutual teasing at the beginning of the play. Later Walter questions when Beneatha expresses her dream to become a doctor and to serve the humanity. The conflict between Walters adamant nature and Beneathas dream which the family cannot afford bring disharmony in their relationship. Walter doesnt allow her sister to spend the whole money that is to come through an insurance cheque on her education. Being a feminist, she revolts for her equal right on money. But Walters obstinate nature defers her dreams. After listening to their arguments, Mama comes out and says, Brother still working hisself sick about that money?(Hansberry, A Raisin 24). Walter once again becomes the cause of Mamas sadness. He spends Beneathas money for education in the investment of a liquor store. The family gets upset when they come to know that Walter has used all the money. The fact is also revealed by Walters friend, Bobo that Willy Harris has gone with their money. This tragedy adds their sufferings and the family loses the hope at once. But Hansberry portrays the female characters with enough strength who overcome of this problem. Mama and Ruth regain Walters optimism and strength to fight against the odds. This tragedy awakens Walter from an illusionary world. Mama understands him and pathetically remarks, Its when hes at his lowest and cant. He repents at when he has done to the family. He understands that life is divided between the takers and the tooken (Hansberry, A Raisin 131). This tragedy teaches him a lesson and he cant believe in hisself cause the world done whipped him so (Hansberry, A Raisin 136). His doleful soul laments, Hes taught me eye on what counts in this world (Hansberry, A Raisin 131). Mama and Ruth give their full support to Walter. At last, Mamas happiness is uncountable at Walters realization of his duties and responsibilities towards the family. Now Mama shifts the responsibilities to Walter. He becomes the head of the family. At last Mama says, He finally comes into his manhood today, didnt he? Kind of like a Rainbow after the rain (Hansberry, A Raisin 141).

CONCLUSIONS
Thus, in A Raisin in the Sun Lorraine Hansberry discussed the housing and neighborhood problems,African history, social discrimination, problem of poverty. As the family suffers from discrimination, they fight against the white community and proved that they are inferior to none in social values and morale. The enlightenment of moral values in Mama and Ruth strives to keep the family together. They never lose hope when all the money has gone with Willy Harris.

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These issues affect their relationship. But Hansberrys strong female characters reawaken the spirit of courage and strength.

REFERENCES
1. Baraka, Amiri. Enduring Passion, in A Raisin in the Sun and The Sign in Sidney Brusteins Window. Boston: New American Library, 1987. 2. Bigsby, C.W.E. In his Confrontation and Commitment: A Study of Contemporary American Drama, 1959-66. Columbia: U of Missouri P, 1968 3. 4. Cheney, Anne. Measure Him Right. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1984. Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Random House, 1961. ---To Be Young, Gifted and Black. New York: Signet, 1970. 5. Knowles, Louis L., Kenneth Prewitt, ed. Institutional Racism in America. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1969. 6. Ralph, Jr., James R. Northern Protest: Martin Luther King, Jr., Chicago, and the Civil Rights Movement. Cambridge: Harvard UP, 1993.