The play, “A Raisin In The Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry, is very unique in that it focuses upon many central themes. These themes are clearly shown throughout the play, and affect the meaning of the work as a whole. One of these main themes is the importance of family. This is one of the main points shown throughout the play and is definitely tied to an illuminating incident, where the meaning is shown strongest at a certain moment of the play. The illuminating incident of the play is the moment when Walter realizes that the family’s dream to own a house is more important than his own dream, and that he is to stand up for his family, rather than let them face racism alone. This moment in the play serves as a frame, or a casement, to the meaning of the work as a whole, which is the importance of family. The moment when this illuminating incident occurs is when Mr. Linder comes to the Younger house for his second visit. At this point in the play it is already shown that the Younger family is not wanted in Clybourne Park, due to their skin color. Despite having already purchased a house there, the Youngers are told that they would be paid not to move there. Mr. Linder comes for his second visit after Walter states that he is going to accept this bribe, due to his entire dream being crushed. However, when Mr. Linder arrives, things go differently. This is where the main illuminating incident occurs, and it provides a window to the meaning of the work as a whole; the importance of what the family stands for as a unit. Although his individual dream had been destroyed, Walter realizes the importance of his family’s dream to own a house is greater. When Mr. Linder arrives, Walter does not accept the bribe and states that he and his family will be moving to Clybourne Park.
The reason that this moment in the play is an illuminating incident is because it directly shows the overall meaning of the play. Walter shows this