The American Dream in “A Raisin in The Sun” By Lorraine Hansberry
A Raisin In The Sun is a book based around what each individual sees as the better life. Every human has a different idea of what they think is the better life. The book focuses on completing your dream no matter the struggle. Mama wants to take care of her family (even though Walter should be doing that) with her husband. Every morning mama waters her plants and tells everyone that even though it doesn’t get enough sunlight it’s still breathing. This sentence is talking about how mama never gave up on her dreams even though it seemed unlikely.
Then mama didn’t want her family to split up used some of the money to buy a house so they can live together in an all-white neighborhood. Mama is the king of the house and always makes sure that her family are taken care of and that each one is a good person. She wants them to have more respect for themselves and to succeed. Ruth or Walter’s wife wants the same dream as mama. She wants a big happy family that can live together in a big house, and Ruth got so happy when she found out mama bought a house.
Beneatha’s dream is to become a doctor and prove that your race doesn’t matter and that should always strive for your dreams. She grew up in a society where women stay at home and tedious work instead of actual jobs. And money was also a big part in holding her back since before the check she was most likely not be able to go to med school. She is different to where she is not like other girls her age because it’s usual to be a sit inside wife and tend to the house. Beneatha and her brother Walter didn’t agree on what a better life actually was. Beneatha thinks Walter’s idea is a waste of money, and she thinks Walter doesn’t have the drive or skills to be successful and is happy mama said no to the liquor store.
Walter’s character is someone who can change their attitude instantly throughout the book (to be honest Walter sounds bipolar) because of his idea of a better life. Walter isn’t a bad person it’s just his idea of a better life has made him act differently because he was given the chance to have more money. He wants so badly to be the only provider and the one who takes care for the house. Walter is also embarrassed about his job as a chauffeur driver. He thinks he is loved by how much he makes and how successful he is. Because of this he goes through with his plan even though Mama, and Beneatha said no and loses all his money to Willy who ran off with the money, and even bobo his other partner said he put his savings into it.
After a good talking to he realized how important family and what is more important in life. Besides all the problems the Youngers went through they were still able to stick together and move to the new house the dream they all should have had.
