A Raisin in the Sun: Diction: throughout

     Throughout the play A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry gives the reader clues as to how each character is similar to a real person.  Hansberry does this to show how educated and smart children feel is nervousness.  She does this through the diction she had her characters use.  In Act I Scene 1 Walter says, " 'That's what you mad about, ain't it?' " (Hansberry, 438).  The diction in this conversation seems to emulate qualities of African Americans.  The way Walter talks is very African-American.  All of the family members and the African-Americans in the play talked with a slight southern draw and informal speech.  This is notable by the language Hansberry used.  She uses the words ain't and man for her characters because they are not very educated and are talking informally throughout the play.  Hansberry crafts the diction to express the characteristics of the family.