Early Life: Facing Adversity with Courage
Lorraine Hansberry was born on May 19, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. Her father, Carl Augustus Hansberry, was a political activist, and her mother, Nannie Louise, was a schoolteacher. Unfortunately, the family faced racism when Lorraine was just eight years old, as their white neighbors attempted to force them to move due to racial differences. However, Lorraine's father remained steadfast and resolute, choosing to confront the challenges head-on.
Education: Nurturing a Passion for Literature and Politics
Lorraine's educational journey began at Betsy Ross Elementary School, where she completed her graduation in 1914. She continued her studies at Englewood High School, graduating in 1918. Later, she attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where her interest in politics flourished. She became involved with The Communist Party of America and played an active role in Henry A Wallace's 1948 campaign. Alongside her political engagement, she pursued her passion for the arts, studying painting at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1949. In 1950, she made the decision to pursue writing as a career and moved to New York, where she honed her creative skills at The New School.
Personal Life and Challenges
While Lorraine achieved recognition for her literary accomplishments, her personal life faced challenges. She married Robert Nemiroff, a political activist and songwriter, in 1953. Despite their mutual understanding, the marriage ended in 1957. Nevertheless, they continued to collaborate professionally until Lorraine's untimely death.
Passing and Legacy
In 1963, tragedy struck when Lorraine suffered a severe attack, leading to her hospitalization. During her examination, she was diagnosed with cancer. Despite facing significant health issues, she continued to engage with her activism, attending events such as "The Black Revolution and the White Backlash." Her health deteriorated further, leading to her loss of eyesight and experiencing brain damage-related lapses and convulsions in October 1964. Sadly, Lorraine Hansberry passed away on January 12, 1965. She was laid to rest at Asbury United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Contributions and Achievements
Lorraine Hansberry's impact on literature is substantial. Her masterpiece, "A Raisin in the Sun," translated into over thirty languages, remains a testament to her literary prowess. Notably, she was the first African-American female playwright to have her work staged on Broadway. The play received the New York Drama Critics Circle Award in 1959, triumphing over plays by renowned authors like Tennessee Williams and Eugene O'Neill. Beyond her literary contributions, she was a significant figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a staunch advocate against imperialism and colonialism.
Her Literary Works and Style
Lorraine Hansberry's literary career began with plays and essays that depicted the struggles of her community. Her debut play, "A Raisin in the Sun," resonated with audiences by addressing the challenges faced by a poor black family against a prejudiced society. Her second play, "The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window," delved into broader societal concerns, including sexuality, gender, and class divisions. Her unique style employed free indirect speech, irony, and literary realism to address racism, discrimination, and injustice. She also incorporated blended words and dialects to critique racial superiority.
Furthermore, her impactful use of irony shed light on social issues. Her recurring themes centered on moral choices, racial discrimination, family dynamics, and one's ability to shape destiny. In her works, she utilized denotation, connotation, paradoxes, and symbols to enhance her storytelling.
Notable Works and Lasting Influence
Lorraine Hansberry's notable plays include "Les Blancs," "A Raisin in the Sun," and "The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window." Additionally, she explored nonfiction with works like "The Movement: Documentary of a Struggle for Equality," "To Be Young, Gifted and Black: Lorraine Hansberry in Her Own Words," "The Arrival of Mr. Todog" (a parody of "Waiting for Godot"), and "On Summer."
Hansberry's lasting impact on global literature endures. Her unique abilities to address prejudice and oppression through her writing continue to resonate with readers. Her legacy has inspired fellow writers and critics alike, shaping subsequent generations of literature.
Famous Quotes by Lorraine Hansberry
“Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most? When they done good and made things easy for everybody? Well then, you ain’t through learning-because that ain’t the time at all…when you starts measuring somebody, measure him right, child, measure him right. Make sure you done taken into account what hills and valleys he come through before he got to wherever he is.” - A Raisin in The Sun“Seem like God didn’t see fit to give the black man nothing but dreams -but He did give us children to make them dreams seem worthwhile.” - A Raisin in The Sun
“[I am] A fool who believes that death is waste and love is sweet and that the earth turns and men change every day and that rivers run and that people wanna be better than they are and that flowers smell good and that I hurt terribly today, and that hurt is desperation and desperation is—energy and energy can move things…” - The Sign In Sidney Brustein’s Window
Discussion
Reflecting on Lorraine Hansberry's life and contributions, what aspects of her unique writing style and themes do you find most compelling and relevant in today's world? How has her work influenced your understanding of social issues and your perspective on the power of literature to effect change?