Similarities Between A Raisin In The Sun And The Great Gatsby

In addition to the important roles of women within the texts, the inclusion of children within the works of fiction allows the reader to view the authors points regarding the dysfunctional relationship that is the male lead “American family.” Examples of children being used to exemplify problems in the “American family” model can be found in both A Raisin in the Sun and The Great Gatsby. Though both texts use children to emphasizes points about problems within marriage, the execution and purpose behind the inclusion of children within the stories differ substantially. The Great Gatsby uses children as a means to show the reader a disconnect the character of Tom and Daisy Buchanan have with their family in addition to demonstrating their lack

of empathy towards others. The materialistic and superficial characteristics demonstrated by Daisy and Tom are best exemplified when Nick Carraway states, “Their interest rather touched me and made them less remotely rich nevertheless, I was confused and a little disgusted as I drove away. It seemed to me that the thing for Daisy to do was to rush out of the house, child in arms, but apparently there were no such intentions in her head” (Fitzgerald 13). Within the context of The Great Gatsby the traits shown by Tom and Daisy towards their practically nonexistent daughter, Pammy, though brief, demonstrates the lack of empathy one can obtain as the joys of wealth occupy and become a larger part of the individual, but within the confines of the “American household” narative, the disregard for children opens the doors for the reader to see how the external problems that come with wealth can severely degrade relationships between family members.
In relation to the role of children in The Great Gatsby, but in great contrast to it, is the roll Travis plays in A Raisin in the Sun. Travis throughout the book is seen as a source of inspiration to do better, hope for the future of the family, as well as a reflection of the economic standards of the Youngers. The positive outlook Travis brings to the play is most memorably shown during his conversations with Walter regarding his future when Walter states, “Just tell me where you want to go to school and you’ll go. Just tell me, what it is you want to be—and you’ll be it. …Whatever you want to be—Yessir! You just name it, son … and I hand you the world!” (Hansberry 110). The innocence Travis displays throughout the book allows the reader to clearly see him as a source of hope for the Youngers. Despite the large shift from children being a reflection of neglect to children being a source of hope and motivation, both of the texts reflect the common idea that the treatment of children can be a reflection of a family's economic status & values largely due to the external factor that is, the American economic structure.
The poor treatment of children and the apparent role of women in the family both overshadowed by the oppressive and degrading actions of the husbands of the "American Family”. The toll men exert on woman throughout the texts are seen through the emotional as well as physical appearance of the wives. There is no example more clear than that of Delia in Sweat. During Delia’s struggles with constant abuse and harassment from Sykes in Sweat we are also able to see the discussion between two men about the current physical state of Dalia when they state, “There's plenty men dat takes a wife lak dey do a joint uh sugar-cane. It's round, juicy an' sweet when dey gits it. But dey squeeze an' grind, squeeze an' grind an' wring tell dey wring every drop uh pleasure dat's in 'em out. When dey's satisfied dat dey is wrung dry, dey treats 'em jes lak dey do a cane-chew. Dey throws em away. Dey knows whut dey is doin' while dey is at it, an' hates theirselves fuh it but they keeps on hangin' after huh tell she's empty. Den dey hates huh fuh bein' a cane-chew an' in de way” (Hurston 4). The accurate parallel between the marriage of Delia and the consumption of sugar cane displays the toll the abuse of Skyes has had on her. From his deranged idea of bringing a snake into the house, to giving his wife the first brutal beating only the two months after the wedding, Sykes embodies the often dysfunctional powerful husband in the “American Family”.
Mirroring these acts oppression are the un-sympathetic and hurtful actions of Walter in A Raisin in the Sun towards his family members.

In A Raisin in the Sun Walter routinely abuses the powers given to him by his status of the “American family” as well as the money given to him by Mama in order to opress and hurt other members of his family. For example, Walter is seen abusing his power as the “man of the household” in a conversation with Ruth when Hansberry states, “WALTER:Why? You want to know why? ’Cause we all tied up in a race of people that don’t know how to do nothing but moan, pray and have babies! (The line is too bitter even for him and he looks at her and sits down) RUTH: Oh, Walter … (Softly) Honey, why can’t you stop fighting me? WALTER: (Without thinking) Who’s fighting you? Who even cares about you?” (Hansberry 88). In addition to the verbal abuse he demonstrated towards Ruth, he also demonstrates little interest in her personal well being by taking little notice of the obvious signs of her pregnancy. On top of oppressing the thoughts and feeling of Ruth, Walter is also seen attempting to prohibit the education of Beneatha with degrading language and by claiming her college funds as his own through personal investment. In relation to these acts of oppression The Great Gatsby displays multiple women who are forced to cope with acts of oppression by their husbands and from the

economy.
These display most prominently start with Daisy and her inability to create her own voice and opinion in her relationships (as previously stated). In addition to the oppression of Daisy’s voice, is the relationship that Myrtle Wilson is in with George Wilson shows opression of women, but within the light of the American economy. The efforts of Myrtle to enrich herself through her relationship with Tom Buchanan in order to bring herself out of poverty alongside the whole hearted love George demonstrates towards Myrtle shows the reader that the oppressions opposed on woman by the American economic system deprive women of familial investment even when emotionally supported. The continual verbal abuse Ruth experiences, as well as the lack of empathy Walter has for her and the economic oppression of Myrtle, again demonstrates the oppressive behavior of not just men in America, but also the American economy as a whole.
The main themes of oppression and falsehoods in the “American Dream”when discussing The Great Gatsby, A Raisin in the Sun, and Sweat are what makes these texts pieces of significant historical American fiction, but these themes often overshadow the other major theme of the unrealistic relationship that is the “American Family”. The complex & subtle relationships between family members within the texts when taken in context, allow us as readers to see how internal as well as external factors make the sustainability of the perfect “American family” structure near impossible as well as imorall. Specifically, these three texts demonstrate the internal struggles of oppression of women from men, woman not being able to differ from their roles as housewives, and how the external force of the American economy can affect every part of a family’s relationship. The reflection one can make when regarding these texts on the subject matter of familial relationships, can significantly alter the common and frequent perspectives and themes one has.