A Raisin In The Sun American Dream
The American Dream is a central theme in Lorraine Hansberry’s play A Raisin in the Sun. Set in the 1950s on the South Side of Chicago, the play follows the struggles of the Younger family as they strive to achieve the American Dream of economic stability and upward mobility.
The play opens with the Younger family living in a cramped, rundown apartment. The family is struggling financially, and the patriarch of the family, Walter, is frustrated with his job as a chauffeur and the lack of opportunities available to him as a black man. When the family receives a $10,000 life insurance check following the death of the matriarch, Mama, the family is forced to confront their conflicting desires for how to use the money.
Walter sees the money as an opportunity to invest in a liquor store and finally achieve the American Dream of economic stability and success. Mama, on the other hand, wants to use the money to buy a house in a better neighborhood for the family. Beneatha, Walter’s sister, wants to use the money for her medical school education. The tension between these conflicting desires leads to a series of conflicts and ultimately, tragedy.
One of the most striking aspects of the play is the way in which it illustrates the ways in which the American Dream is unattainable for black families like the Youngers. Walter’s desire to invest in a liquor store is met with discrimination and racism, and the family’s attempts to buy a house in a better neighborhood are met with hostility and violence. The play highlights the ways in which the American Dream is not only unattainable for black families, but actively thwarted by systemic racism and discrimination.
The play also explores the ways in which the American Dream can be detrimental to individuals and families. Walter’s obsession with achieving the American Dream leads him to make poor decisions and ultimately, to his downfall. Mama’s desire for a better life for her family also leads to conflict and tragedy.
Despite the difficulties the Youngers face in their pursuit of the American Dream, the play ultimately suggests that the dream is still worth pursuing. Mama’s determination to buy a house in a better neighborhood for her family is a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. Walter’s desire to better himself and provide for his family is also admirable. The play suggests that the American Dream is not a guarantee of success, but it is still worth striving for in order to achieve a better life.
In conclusion, A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful play that explores the complexities of the American Dream. It illustrates the ways in which the American Dream is unattainable for black families, and how the dream can be detrimental to individuals and families. Despite this, the play ultimately suggests that the American Dream is still worth pursuing in order to achieve a better life. The play is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
It’s worth noting that the American Dream is a concept that has been discussed and debated in American culture for decades. Many argue that the dream, as it is often portrayed, is no longer attainable for many Americans, due to factors such as economic inequality, limited upward mobility, and a lack of affordable housing. Others argue that the American Dream is alive and well, and that it simply requires hard work and determination to achieve.
In any case, the American Dream is a powerful and enduring concept that continues to shape the way Americans think about their lives and their future. A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful and thought-provoking play that adds to this ongoing conversation and invites us to consider the complexities and contradictions of the American Dream.
Walter’s Dream in A Raisin in the Sun
In Lorraine Hansberry’s play A Raisin in the Sun, the character of Walter represents the struggle of many African Americans to achieve the American Dream of economic stability and upward mobility. The play follows Walter and his family as they navigate the challenges and obstacles that stand in the way of their pursuit of the American Dream.
Walter’s dream is to become financially stable and successful, and to provide a better life for his family. Throughout the play, he is frustrated with his job as a chauffeur and the lack of opportunities available to him as a black man. When the family receives a $10,000 life insurance check following the death of the matriarch, Mama, Walter sees this as an opportunity to invest in a liquor store and finally achieve his dream. He believes that owning a business will provide him with the financial stability and respect he desires.
However, Walter’s pursuit of his dream is met with many obstacles. His plans to invest in the liquor store are met with discrimination and racism from white business owners and the community. Despite the difficulties he faces, Walter is determined to make the business work, believing that this is the only way to achieve the American Dream and provide a better life for his family.
As the play progresses, we see Walter’s dream evolve. He begins to realize that his pursuit of financial success is not just about providing for his family, but also about gaining respect and validation as a black man. He wants to prove to himself, his family and the community that a black man can be successful and respected. This realization is highlighted in the famous monologue where he says “I am a man”, signifying his desire to be seen as a human being with dignity and agency.
However, Walter’s dream ultimately leads to tragedy. His obsession with achieving the American Dream and his poor decision-making ultimately leads to his downfall. This is a reminder that the American Dream is not a guarantee of success and that it can be detrimental to individuals and families.
In conclusion, Walter’s dream in A Raisin in the Sun is to achieve financial stability and success, and to provide a better life for his family. However, his pursuit of this dream is met with many obstacles, including discrimination and racism. As the play progresses, we see Walter’s dream evolve, as he realizes that it is not just about providing for his family, but also about gaining respect and validation as a black man. However, Walter’s dream ultimately leads to tragedy, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of the American Dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the American Dream in A Raisin in the Sun? The American Dream in A Raisin in the Sun refers to the desire for economic stability and upward mobility. The play follows the struggles of the Younger family as they strive to achieve this dream, despite the obstacles of discrimination and racism.
- How does the play illustrate the unattainability of the American Dream for black families? The play illustrates the unattainability of the American Dream for black families by showing the ways in which discrimination and racism prevent the Youngers from achieving their goals. Walter’s desire to invest in a liquor store is met with discrimination and racism, and the family’s attempts to buy a house in a better neighborhood are met with hostility and violence.
- How does Walter’s dream evolve throughout the play? Walter’s dream evolves throughout the play as he begins to realize that his pursuit of financial success is not just about providing for his family, but also about gaining respect and validation as a black man. He wants to prove to himself, his family, and the community that a black man can be successful and respected.
- How does the play suggest the American Dream is still worth pursuing? The play suggests the American Dream is still worth pursuing by showing Mama’s determination to buy a house in a better neighborhood for her family as a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite the difficulties the Youngers face in their pursuit of the American Dream, the play ultimately suggests that the dream is still worth striving for in order to achieve a better life.
- What is the significance of the title “A Raisin in the Sun”? The title “A Raisin in the Sun” is taken from a line in Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem”, which asks “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?” The title is significant because it symbolizes the Youngers’ deferred dream of achieving the American Dream and the consequences of that deferred dream.
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