Abstract

With a focus especially on The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, this article argues that Hansberry’s work is, in a sense, underappreciated. Hansberry’s fame relies chiefly on A Raisin in the Sun, and critics have often failed to appreciate Brustein because of its general allusion to life in the Village and comparative lack of adherence to Black topics. The article however argues that this is an indicator of Hansberry’s overall strength as an author, rather than a weakness. The article assesses the work’s importance with allusions to Anne Cheney and comparisons to the writing of August Wilson. It additionally explores her upbringing in the Black bourgeosie.