Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

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A Raisin in the Sun is a play written in the 1950’s that focuses a great deal of attention on 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 a “better life.” In A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry concentrates on the importance of dreams regardless of the various oppressive struggles of life. Primarily, in A Raisin in the Sun Walter is an example of one struggling to achieve their dream or desire. Walter serves as the hero and villain of the play due to the actions he takes revolving his dream. “Walter, who firmly believes in the American Dream of economic independence, wants to own his own business, and a liquor store, because he…show more content…
As Howes explains, “the matriarch of the family, Lena Younger, is a commanding presence who seems to radiate moral strength and dignity”(206). “Mama’s American dream for peace is compromised by the rampant segregation that her family faces in being compelled not to buy a house from the Clybourne park white neighborhood” (M’Baye, 5). Harold Bloom suggests that Mama’s dream is to own a house with a garden and yard so that her family can become more whole and peace can be instilled. Although Lena/Mama faces a slight dilemma with Mr. Linder and numerous of conflicts with her family members, in the end her American Dream is accomplished. Another thing that Lena Younger/Mama dreamed of was raising her children the right way. Lena claims that they (Big Walter &ump; Her) tried to instill a sense of pride and ambition in their children, and she is dismayed by the materialism and cynicism they express (Howes, 206). Howes also suggests that Lena does not understand how Beneatha doesn’t believe in God and how Walter thinks money is the most important thing in the world (206). In the play Lena tries to fix these faults in her children by force and communication. She slaps Beneatha and forces her to say “In my mothers house there is God, and she tries to change Walter’s way of thinking by having a conversation with…show more content…
“Beneatha Younger is an intelligent, energetic college student who intends to become a doctor, if she can get the money for tuition” (Howes, 207). “All of the characters have their dreams challenged: Beneatha is courted by a wealthy black man who she feels has lost himself in the white culture” (Marie, and Brantley, 530). ____ suggests that because of the time period Beneatha is in, it is very difficult for her to achieve her dream due to her being a woman. Additionally, her fellow family members give her difficulties. (Bloom.207) Beneatha’s dream of being a doctor is very difficult to achieve. Woman during her time seldom became doctors because society didn’t accept that. Furthermore, Asagai confronts her many times about assimilating to an oppressive culture. Somewhat adolescent in her behavior and interests, Beneatha tends to lath onto fads, pursuing such expensive hobbies as horseback riding and guitar playing, which some critics called fan attempt to adopt middle-class white values (Howes, 207). Her dreams and ambitions are contrary to what is expected of a young woman in both cultural traditions. ( ___, Pg. 480) Beneatha also wants to be different from the woman of her generation. She expects to achieve her dream by Mama’s insurance money. Beneatha’s character explicates a determined woman with ambition on achieving her American
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