Hansberry, Lorraine: 1930-1965

A Raisin in the Sun, 1959 - Thematic Parallels: Discrimination

Hansberry, Lorraine: A Raisin in the Sun, 1959
The main topic of this play is the struggles of an African American family trying to improve their lives amid racial discrimination and economic hardship.
The following books are thematically similar. They lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Boyle, T.C.: The Tortilla Curtain, 1995, ~350pp
  This novel explores issues of race, class, and immigration in America, addressing discrimination and social justice themes.
  - Both works share a focus on social inequity, racial tension, and the complexities of pursuing the American Dream, each through different cultural lenses — Latino immigrant experiences in "The Tortilla Curtain" and African American experiences in "A Raisin in the Sun."
- Lessing, Doris: The Grass Is Singing, 1950, ~240pp
  This novel deals with racial and social tensions in colonial Africa, touching on discrimination and economic hardship.
  - Both novels share thematic concerns about the impact of racial injustice, the clash of traditional and modern gender roles, family tensions, and struggles for identity and survival within oppressive social structures.
- Paton, Alan: Cry, the Beloved Country, 1948, ~250pp
  This novel centers around the social and racial injustices in South Africa during the era of apartheid. It explores themes such as racial inequality, poverty, the breakdown of tribal society, and the impact of urbanization.
  - Both works portray black families striving to overcome systemic racism and socio-economic hardships while maintaining a deep sense of pride and hope for a better future. Additionally, both narratives reflect on how personal losses and social issues drive characters toward growth, understanding, and resilience.
- Wright, Richard: Native Son, 1940, ~400pp
  This novel explores racial discrimination and poverty faced by African Americans, much like A Raisin in the Sun.
  - Both works use their characters and narratives to reflect the common Black experience of confronting systemic racism, familial responsibility, and the elusive promise of the American Dream in mid-20th century urban America.
List of general discussion questions on Discrimination (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Discrimination (pdf)