Themes: Dreams
Dreams are a driving force behind the actions of almost every character in A Raisin in the Sun. Walter wants to improve the material wealth of his family by starting a business, simultaneously elevating himself out of the service industry and into the realm of ownership. Beneatha wants to become a doctor, representing her aspiration to become a respected and independent professional as well as her desire to “fix up the sick” in her community. Lena, meanwhile, aspires to support her family in a different way: homeownership. Lena is a source of strength and support within her family, and she views owning a home in a good neighborhood as a way to invest in the future stability and success of her loved ones. While their individual dreams take different shapes, each of the Youngers seems to want what is best for their family, and they each work to become providers in different ways.
However, for all that dreams provide a source of aspiration, they can also be the cause of conflict and disappointment. The so-called American dream is based on the idea that anyone willing to work hard has the opportunity to find success and prosperity in the United States. However, the Youngers are often held back from achieving their dreams by factors outside of their control—most notably their race, although gender and social class also present barriers. Ultimately, everyone has dreams that inspire them, but racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression unfairly limit the opportunities available to marginalized people.
Expert Q&A
What does the quote from A Raisin in the Sun mean?
“We have decided to move into our house because my father—my father—he earned it for us brick by brick. We don’t want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no causes, and we will try to be good neighbors. And that’s all we got to say about that. We don’t want your money.”
The quote from A Raison in the Sun represents the culmination of Walter Younger and his family’s struggle for dignity and self-respect in a white-dominated society. Each member of the family aspires to a better life but share differing visions. Lena’s dream of moving into a better neighborhood conflicts with the determination of a white homeowners’ association to prevent the family from moving in. Walter defends the family’s decision, having earned the right to live in peace.
What challenges do Walter and Beneatha face when pursuing their goals in A Raisin in the Sun?
Walter and Beneatha both struggle to overcome poverty and racial prejudice in order to achieve their goals in A Raisin in the Sun. They are also faced with the challenge of pursuing their dreams without a solid support system and lack a practical plan to attain their goals.
Does "A Raisin in the Sun" answer Langston Hughes's question, "What happens to a dream deferred?"
Why did Lorraine Hansberry choose Hughes's "Harlem" as the epigraph for A Raisin in the Sun? Which "dream" does the play seem to endorse?
Langston Hughes's poem "Harlem" poses a question: "What happens to a dream deferred?"
Hansberry chose the question "What happens to a dream deferred?" as the epigraph to A Raisin in the Sun because her work centers on the deferred dreams of the members of the Younger family, who have faced the frustrations brought on by racism and poverty. Mama's dream of a suburban home, Walter's dream of wealth, and Beneatha's dream of becoming a doctor all conflict. The play endorses Mama's dream of homeownership and leaves open-ended the answer to Hughes's question.
The dreams and aspirations of each character in "A Raisin in the Sun" and how they are influenced by financial considerations
In "A Raisin in the Sun," each character's dreams and aspirations are deeply influenced by financial considerations. Walter dreams of business success, Beneatha aspires to become a doctor, and Mama wishes to buy a house. However, their financial struggles and the limited resources available to them shape the feasibility and pursuit of these dreams, highlighting the significant impact of economic constraints on their lives.
Langston Hughes's "Harlem" and Deferred Dreams in A Raisin in the Sun
Langston Hughes's poem "Harlem (A Dream Deferred)" and Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun both explore the theme of deferred dreams within the African American community. Hughes's poem questions the effects of postponed dreams, using vivid imagery like a raisin drying up or exploding. Hansberry's play illustrates these themes through the Younger family's struggles to achieve their dreams amidst racial and economic barriers. Both works highlight the psychological impact and the resilience needed to pursue the "American Dream" despite systemic obstacles.
Mama's dream in "A Raisin in the Sun" and her deservingness of it
Mama's dream in "A Raisin in the Sun" is to own a house and provide a better life for her family. She deserves this dream because she has worked tirelessly as a domestic worker, sacrificing her own desires to support her children and provide them with opportunities she never had.
Themes of Dreams, Values, Legacy, and Resilience in A Raisin in the Sun and Real Life
A Raisin in the Sun explores themes of dreams, values, legacy, resilience, and materialism. Walter's pursuit of dreams impacts his family, while Mama and Beneatha embody fighting for values, like family and education. The play illustrates starting over when Walter loses money, but the family persists. It highlights self-respect through Walter's growth and the worthlessness of materialism when money is lost. Family resilience is shown through love and unity, while dreams remain vital despite challenges. Real-life parallels include resistance fighters in WWII and movements like the Arab Spring.
The deferral or realization of each character's dreams in A Raisin in the Sun
In A Raisin in the Sun, characters experience both deferral and realization of dreams. Walter Lee's dream of owning a business faces setbacks but eventually finds hope. Beneatha's aspiration to become a doctor is challenged by financial and societal obstacles. Ruth dreams of a better home and life for her family, which begins to materialize with the purchase of a new house. Mama's dream of providing for her family is partially realized through the new home.
The significance and appropriateness of the title "A Raisin in the Sun" taken from Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem."
The title "A Raisin in the Sun" is significant and appropriate as it references Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem," which questions what happens to a dream deferred. The play explores the struggles of an African American family whose dreams are constantly postponed due to socio-economic hardships, echoing the imagery of a raisin drying up in the sun.
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