Frontina Taylor
English Comp II
Jaime Barrett

Compare and Contrast A Raisin In The Sun Essay

In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, and 1961 movie written by Lorraine Hansberry and presented by Columbia pictures, one of the most important themes is the American Dream. Many of the characters have hopes and dreams. They all strive towards their goals throughout. However, many of the characters have different dreams that clash with each other. Problems seem to arise when different people’s dreams conflict with one another. Another theme is racism. Racism was rampant during the 1950’s and this often hindered African American dreams. What is the American dream? In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, …show more content…

Walter was presented as a more aggressive and arrogant man in the film vs. the play. One example of Walter’s aggressive side was when he gets up on the table in the play and film and acts like he is African. An adaptation that was taken out of the film was the mentioning of Benetha’s hair. In the play in Act II Scene I Benetha is observed with her hair cut off, this is not mentioned in the film. A scene that was left out of the film was the appearance of Mrs. Johnson. This scene is only in the play. Mrs. Johnson is a neighbor who brought with her news and the reminders of racism. She reminded the Younger’s of how an African American family’s house was burned in the Clybourne Park neighborhood. Mrs. Johnson’s negativity and discouragement of moving into the Clybourne Park neighborhood may be one of the reasons this part was left out of the film. In the play, Lena (mama) beats Walter in the face with her hands when she finds out all the money is gone. In the film, Benetha stops her as she motions towards his face. In the play, The Younger’s gave Lena (mama) presents at the apartment before Bobo arrives with the bad news about Willie taking off with the money. In the film, the Younger’s gave Lena (mama) presents at the end at the new house and after Bobo arrived with the bad news. The ending of the play and film are the same in that Walter decline’s Linder’s