A Raisin In The Sun Quote Analysis

Not everyone can access the American Dream because the world is not fair. People will be treated unfairly due to differences. In A Raisin in the Sun, the Younger family didn’t have equal opportunities. If they wanted to achieve the slightest amount of success they would have to go out of their way to achieve it. Walter wanted to open a liquor store because you could make a big profit off of liquor. Yet, selling liquor was immoral according to his mother. “Well—whether they drinks it or not ain't none of my business. But whether I go into business selling it to 'em is, and I don't want that on my ledger this late in life.”(pg 501) This quote implies that his mother does not approve of selling liquor with her money, yet Walter wants to become successful and achieve the American Dream and liquor is the only steady product that has high sales.

Walter knows it’s the fastest way to pave the way for his success, even if it doesn’t agree with his beliefs.

For example, later on in the play, Walter uses Berneatha’s school money for his liquor store. Walter was so determined to make money and achieve success that he lost himself and lost all of the money. Walter thought that if he could make fast money with liquor, he could pay for his sister’s schooling. In fact, Walter believes that the only key to success is money. “Mama: “Son, how come you talk so much ‘bout money?” Walter: “Because, it is life, Mama!” Mama: “Oh—so now it’s life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom use to be life—now its money. I guess the world really do change…” Walter: “No—it was always money, Mama. We just didn’t know about it.” p. 74 This connects back to the primary point, if you want to achieve the slightest bit of success as a minority, you’d have to go out of the way to achieve

it.
Even when you did achieve success you might not be happy. A large amount of the American Dream is to be successful and happy. There is no follow up after the play ends, but I infer that the Younger family will face persecution for the color of their skin. The people of Clybourne Park even sent a representative to try and convince the Youngers to reclaim their money and disown the house. I think that the Younger family will not be happy if everyone hates them. They’re human too and I assume that they’ll feel sad when everyone hates them. “What do you think you are going to gain by moving into a neighborhood where you just aren’t wanted and where some elements--well--people can get awful worked up when they feel that their whole life and everything they’ve ever worked for his threatened.” p.554 There is no way a person can be happy when they can feel the hate. They might block the hate out but they can’t be happy.