Comparing The American Dream In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

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The Elusive American Dream
The pursuit of the American dream has enticed many people regardless of race or experience to come to the United States. Even those born here are wanting to chase this goal. However, as in every society, discrimination is present. Discrimination alters the character and mindset of those affected. In A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry portrays how the elusive American dream has an unfavorable effect on both Beneatha and Walter Younger due to discrimination and other obstacles.
To begin, obstacles cause Beneatha Younger to look outward for her self identity and to overcome the challenges of becoming a doctor. Beneatha tells Asagai the story of when she first desires to become a doctor. Beneatha admires how doctors can help those hurt “and make them whole again” (Hansberry 133). Beneatha wants to do the same for herself. She sees how Asagai is in touch with his African side and reaches out for help to find her identity. She also continues with her education despite Walter’s derogatory comments about being a girl. One early morning, Walter agitates Beneatha with the same question because there “Ain’t many girls who decide to be a doctor” (Hansberry 36). Beneatha is likely to face this …show more content…

Karl Lindner, a member of the Clybourne Park Improvement Association, comes into Walter’s home with the intention of making a business deal with the Youngers. Lindner explains to the Youngers how he believes that "our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities" (Hansberry 118). He offers to buy the house back from the Youngers to keep them out of Clybourne Park. Walter considers the idea before officially declining. Karl Lindner would not have considered buying the house back from the Youngers if they were white. To summarize, the internalized racial superiority of Karl Lindner complicates Walter's dream of living in a

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