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The american dream in the raisin in the sun
Theme of racial discrimination in a raisin in the sun
The american dream in the raisin in the sun
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A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry is realistic fictional drama in which the play 's title and the character represent the play 's theme. The play focused on Black America 's Struggle to reach the American Dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness during the 1950s and the 1960s. The idea of everyone having the chance to achieve a better life should exist for all. Hansberry conceives her title using a line from Langston Hughes poem “A dream deferred”. The original poem was written in 1951 about Harlem. Hughes’ line from the poem state that when dreams are deferred “Does it dry up like a Raisin in the Sun”. This meant that they describe them as being small and already pretty withered. Hughes poem further suggested that when …show more content…
Beneatha 's American dream was to become a doctor. She was going to achieve this dream by going to a medical school. Her dream was deferred because of the money Walter lost. Mama said, “You mean your sister’s school money… You used that too… Walter?...” (129). This show that there 's no more money for Beneatha 's education. Beneatha 's American Dream of women 's rights was also deferred because Beneatha lives in a time when society expects women to build homes rather than careers. Walter said, “Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? If you so crazy about messing around with sick people, then go be a nurse like other women or just get married and be quiet…” (38). This shows how people think during those times that women just get married and stay home cleaning. Beneatha 's American dream is that she wants a good man was also deferred, because she wants someone to love her for who she is. Beneatha 's said, “Mama George is a fool honest” (97). This demonstrate, that she wants no fool. She wants someone that is serious with her. Overall, through her character, Beneatha Younger, Hansberry created a real example of a black American dream. All her dreams are deferred of becoming a doctor, her women’s rights, and a good …show more content…
It represented the values of people living in the 1950s and 1960s. Everyone wanted to be successful. Everyone wanted to achieve life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Walter Younger was a real example of Black America 's struggle to reach the American Dream when he wanted materialism and wealth because he believe that money is the key to life 's happiness. Beneatha Younger was a real example of Black Americans struggle to reach the American Dream when she wanted to go to a medical school because she wants to have a career and not depend on someone else. Lena Younger was a real example of Black Americans struggles to reach the American Dream when she desire a garden because she wants to keep her husband 's legacy alive. People can relate to their struggles to achieve the American, because everyone has their own version of the American Dream that they are striving to
“What happens to a dream deferred?” Langston Hughes asks in his 1959 poem “Dream Deferred.” He suggests that it might “dry up like a raisin in the sun” or “stink like rotten meat” but, at the end of the poem, Hughes offers another alternative by asking, “Or does it explode?” This is the poem that the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is based on. The play is about an African-American’s family struggling to break out of poverty.
Everyone wants their dreams to become a reality; however, the unfortunate reality is that more often than not, dreams are not achieved and become deferred. Langston Hughes let this theme ring throughout his poetic masterpiece “Harlem,” in which he posed many questions about what happens to these dreams. In “A Raisin In the Sun,” Lorraine Hansberry draws so many indisputable parallels from “Harlem.” Hansberry consistently uses the dreams of Mama Younger, Big Walter, and Walter Lee to allude to Hughes poem. The intensity of the dreams coupled with the selfishness of some characters eventually adds an abundant amount of emotional strain to the family, once again demonstrating Hansberry’s dedication to Hughes poem.
Beneatha on the other hand is more of a realistic character. She is optimistic some days and pessimistic on others. Beneatha is optimistic in the sense that she is a colored woman living in the ghetto and still, she strives and dreams to be a doctor.
A Raisin in the Sun is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry. The primary focus of the play is the American Dream. The American Dream is one’s conception of a better life. Each of the main characters in the play has their own idea of what they consider to be a better life. A Raisin in the Sun emphasizes the importance of dreams regardless of the various oppressive struggles of life.
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore– And then run?" (Langston Hughes). It is important to never lose sight of one’s dream. Dreams are what keep people moving in life, but if they are ignored, they may morph and lose their prevailing form. This is evident in Lorraine Hansberry’s "A Raisin in the Sun", as Walter’s, Beneatha’s, and Mama’s dreams become delayed, distorted, and blurred.
First, if Beneatha achieved her dream, she could help her family financially. The Younger family would first have to be willing to live in their apartment for another eight years, or longer. While Beneatha is in medical school, Walter and Ruth could try to support the family. After Beneatha ...
When asked if she had given up on caring about her dream after Walter gave up the money she says “Yes, I think so” (133). She wants it so badly, it causes her to feel the only way that she can deal with the pain is not to care anymore. Clearly, Beneatha is desperately in pursuit of her dream.
A Raisin in the Sun is a play telling the story of an African-American tragedy. The play is about the Younger family near the end of the 1950s. The Younger family lives in the ghetto and is at a crossroads after the father’s death. Mother Lena Younger and her grown up children Walter Lee and Beneatha share a cramped apartment in a poor district of Chicago, where she and Walter Lee's wife Ruth and son Travis barely fit together inside. Lena's husband, the family's father, died and his life insurance brings the family $10,000.
This can be observed during her conversation with Mama on page 48. The text states, “Beneatha: People have to express themselves one way or another. Mama: What is it you want to express? Beneatha: Me!” Beneatha’s excitement to express herself reveals that she does not want to do what is expected of her race and gender. She wants to express herself as an individual and let people know the true Beneatha. She is not afraid to stand out, even if she is judged for being unique. Wanting to build herself into a confident individual, Beneatha can be seen during her conversation with Asagai, a close friend, on page 62. Asagai mentions to Beneatha that the first time they had met at school, Beneatha said to him, “Mr. Asagai— I want very much to talk with you. About Africa. You see, Mr. Asagai, I am looking for my identity!” Even when she was younger, Beneatha has always wanted to have her own identity. Most african american girls in this time period were ashamed of their race and gender, however, Beneatha rises above this prejudice by wanting to stand out in a positive way. There are many other times in the play where Beneatha can be seen finding confidence by standing out. On page 62, Beneatha decides to cut her hair short, something not common and frowned upon for african american girls during this time period. She and Asagai have a conversation, Asagai admitting he is confused by her action. “It’s not mutilation!” Beneatha states to defend herself. She completely goes against the prejudice of her african american race, and has the confidence to defend herself, showing pride and confidence by projecting herself as an
Beneatha is the most educated of the whole Younger family and she too has a dream which is to one day become a doctor. Her lover , George, believes the same as Walter. They both believe that women were made to just cook and clean but Beneatha believes different. She wants to make a change and show that women, black women, were not just made to cook and clean, they were made to be...
In order to live one's life one must have values. In “A Raisin in the sun” by Lorraine Hansberry values play an important role in Beneatha's life which is also, clear in my life. Beneatha and I both believe that adventure, Moral judgment, and personal consistency, as well as Education, are values that we share.
Beneatha’s dream is to become a doctor. She believes that her dream was deferred when she was born since she is coloured and a female. Although she fights this, her dream is deferred even more when Walter looses the money which she needed to get into medical school.
An Analysis of A Raisin In the Sun & nbsp; "A Raisin In The Sun" is a play written by an African-American playwright - Lorraine Hansberry. It was first produced in 1959. Lorraine Hansberry's work is about a black family in the Chicago South Side. the Second World War. The family consisted of Mama(Lena Younger), Walter.
A Dream Deferred in A Raisin in the Sun and Harlem In Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun, the author reveals a hard-working, honest African-American family struggling to make their dreams come true. Langston Hughes' poem, "Harlem," illustrates what could happen if those dreams never came to fruition. Together, both Hansberry and Hughes show the effects on human beings when a long-awaited dream is thwarted by economic and social hardships. Each of the characters in A Raisin in the Sun has a dream for which they base their whole happiness and livelihood on attaining. However, the character of Lena Younger, or Mama, differs from the other members of her family.
Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun is a play about segregation, triumph, and coping with personal tragedy. Set in Southside Chicago, A Raisin in the Sun focuses on the individual dreams of the Younger family and their personal achievement. The Younger's are an African American family besieged by poverty, personal desires, and the ultimate struggle against the hateful ugliness of racism. Lena Younger, Mama, is the protagonist of the story and the eldest Younger. She dreams of many freedoms, freedom to garden, freedom to raise a societal-viewed equal family, and freedom to live liberated of segregation. Next in succession is Beneatha Younger, Mama's daughter, assimilationist, and one who dreams of aiding people by breaking down barriers to become an African American female doctor. Lastly, is Walter Lee Younger, son of Mama and husband of Ruth. Walter dreams of economic prosperity and desires to become a flourishing businessman. Over the course of Walter's life many things contributed to his desire to become a businessman. First and foremost, Walter's father had a philosophy that no man should have to do labor for another man. Being that Walter Lee was a chauffeur, Big Walter?s philosophy is completely contradicted. Also, in Walter?s past, he had the opportunity to go into the Laundromat business which he chose against. In the long run, he saw this choice was fiscally irresponsible this choice was. In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, Walter Lee's dreams, which are his sole focus, lead to impaired judgement and a means to mend his shattered life.