The Sunny Slums of South Chicago

The setting in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun is one of the most influential aspects of the story.  Many parts of the setting affect the plot in different ways.  The time period plays a large impact in the later developments of the story.  African Americans were still being treated harshly, even in the northern part of America, which likely led to their low social status.  They do menial jobs for rich white people who oppress them from social advance meant.  Another large factor in the setting in the location of the entire play.  The characters often are at odds with each other, and this can partially be attributed to the small space they all live in.  The room is a beaten up old living room, described as, "Weariness has, in factm won in this room. Everything has been polished, washed, sat on, used, scrubbed toooften.  All pretenses but living itself have long since vanished from the very atmosphere of this room," (Hansberry, 23-24).  This opening description shows that the room is tired, which could suggest everyone in it is also tired.  They are ready for the glamorous world of riches that they believe will come with their money.  The frustration of the characters at their current residence is exemplified by their excitement to abandon it and move to a place they believe will bring them happiness.  In the end, they ultimately find that their happiness comes from their pride, not their residence or social status.