A Raisin in the Sun-Lorraine Hansberry

	What happens to a dream deferred? This question, asked by African American poet Langston Hughes, forms the basis for Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun. This play is the story of a Chicago family and their dreams. They were constantly faced with setbacks. This family, the Youngers, wanted a larger home where their children would have room to grow, so they persevered and bought a new house. Three characters, George Murchison, Mr. Lindner, and Willy Harris, represent ideas that conflict with the beliefs of the Younger family.
	George Murchison, a wealthy, educated young man, presents several beliefs and ideas that contradict those of the Youngers. One of these ideas is assimilation. When Beneatha, a young member of the family, decides to get back to her roots by making her hair look natural, George says that she is only being “eccentric”. When Beneatha protests, saying that a natural hairstyle cannot be peculiar, George says, “That’s what being eccentric means-being natural,” (pg. 80). His ideas are conflicting with Beneatha’s belief that she should not succumb to the dominant white culture. George also thinks that a woman should not express her opinion. When Beneatha tries to talk to George about her feelings, he states, “I don’t go out with you…to hear all about your thoughts,” (pg. 96). He seems irritated by her willingness to discuss opinions and feelings. He starts trying to kiss her, thinking that women should only be attractive. Throughout the play, George’s stereotypical ideas clash with those of Beneatha.
	Another key conflict for the Youngers is intolerance and segregation, represented by Mr. Lindner. Mr. Lindner comes to the Youngers pretending that he only wants them to be happy, but he actually wants to keep them from moving into an all-white neighborhood. He reveals this by saying, “What do you think you are going to gain by moving into a neighborhood where you just aren’t wanted?” (pg. 119). Mr. Linder also comments that the Younger family is honest and hard working, but then goes on to say that the hard working people of Clybourne Park don’t want the Youngers to move in and threaten their lifestyle. Thus, Mr. Lindner is being racist, though he tries to conceal his true feelings. By ignoring Mr. Lindner and moving into the all-white neighborhood of Clybourne Park, the Youngers have prevailed over another conflicting idea.
	Willy Harris, Walter Younger’s business partner, represents thievery and lack of judgment. He runs away with the money that Walter, Beneatha’s brother, entrusted to him. When Bobo, Walter’s other partner, tells him the news, Walter starts weeping, for the money Willy stole was earned by Walter’s father. Willy ruins the Youngers’ dreams, showing the reader how indecent he is. The Youngers believe that one should work hard and be honest. For example, Mama, the matriarch of the family, does not approve of Willy’s decision to open a liquor store, as she considers it disrespectable. She is proud of her neighborhood and thinks that a liquor store would give it a bad reputation. Thus, the Youngers’ ideas clash with those of Willy Harris.
	Throughout the play, the Youngers are at conflict with three antagonists. George Murchison represents assimilation and old-fashioned ideas about the role of women; these ideas disagree with those of Beneatha. Mr. Lindner represents racial discrimination by trying to convince the Youngers not to move into a white neighborhood. Stealing Walter’s money, Willy Harris represents lack of morality and decency. By having her characters triumph over the difficulties they face, Hansberry explains how she believes all black families should respond to conflict.