"A Raisin in the Sun"

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Recommended: What dreams are put into effect in a raisin in the sun

The play "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry, provides the reader with a clear view on the reality of the struggle for African Americans during the late 1950's. Full of conflict and racial tension, Hansberry creates a strong distinction between her different and unique characters. The main theme of dreams creates conflicts that are evident in the play because the family is aiming for an individual dream that seems to never happen; however, in the end, they get away form the individual dream and finally reach a common ground.

One conflict that divides the family from seeing the dream is the clash between mama her other family members. Walter feels that mama is blocking his dream of owning a liquor store because of her religious background. Her value system is so strong and the fact that it is her apartment, amplifies this conflict. Due to her domineering personality, Walter is not able to partake in the liquor store business. Mama also shows conflict with Beneatha when their view on religion differs. As a result, mama uses her domineering ways to keep Beneatha down by telling her that she can't speak against God as long as she lives in her house. Lastly, mama finds out from Ruth that she might get an abortion. This is unacceptable and is also against her religious beliefs. Since mama is the matriarch of the family, she is very much in control of her children's lives. She is driven by a strong sense of pride and a strong faith in God.

Another conflict that controls the dream is the living conditions the family faces. Walter discusses using the money from the government for the business and then moving to get out of the current situation. However, Ruth says no to the opportunity. As a result, Walter is left with the same unsatisfying job, poor economic condition, in a ghetto where everyone is consumed by their socio-economic downfalls.

The conflict as a whole is the individual dream of each member verses the actual responsibility each member should contribute. The obvious on is that Walter wants to own a business. He wants to help his family, as an individual, to change the environment. His son sleeps in the front room of the house because there are already three rooms taken up. However, Walter's sister is trying to do the same this, but invest money in education where she can become a doctor.

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