A raisin in the sun examines the effects of racial prejudice on the fulfillment of an African - American family's dreams. The play centers on the youngers, a working-class family that lives in Chicago's south side during the mid-twentieth century. Shortly before the play begins, the head of the younger family, Big Walter dies leaving the family to inherit a $10,000 life insurance payment. The family eagerly awaits the arrival of the insurance check, which has the potential to make the family's long deferred dreams into reality. However, the members of the Younger family have conflicting ideas--conflicting dreams--regarding the best use for the money, which causes tension.