In A Raisin in the Sun, incredible sacrifices are made for the benefit of the family. Some family members are more willing to shoulder sacrifice than others, however, which leads to conflict. Accepting sacrifice for the benefit of the family is a recurring theme throughout the play, culminating in its final scene.
Questions About Sacrifice
- Who sacrifices the most in A Raisin in the Sun?
- Is sacrifice seen as a positive, admirable attribute? Why? By whom?
- What are people willing to sacrifice? What aren’t people willing to sacrifice?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Ruth and Lena are willing to sacrifice anything except their dignity.
Beneatha does not sacrifice anything for her family, and in fact takes her family’s sacrifices for granted.