Am I an African or an American? Duboisian Double consciousness in A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun is the story that examines the problem of identity and lack of a true self consciousness among the members of an African American family. In this work, Hansberry is mainly referring to the psychological state in which African Americans are seeking whether they are Africans or Americans. In their constant search of identity, they finally comprehend that their identity is neither African nor American but African American, a merged identity. They, thus, must endeavor to reconcile the dual parts of their identity to which Dubois referred as double consciousness. Following Dubois’ theory of double consciousness, this study undertakes to locate African American identity in connection to Africa and America. It, furthermore, demonstrates that their identity cannot be defined solely in regards to Africa or America even if they tried so. Their identity is a merged one, and there is no escape from it.