A Raisin In The Sun American Dream Essay

A Raisin in the Sun: the American Dream

The American Dream is embodied by the idea that anyone, no matter their race or gender, can follow their aspirations and achieve success. Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun highlights the disconnection between the American Dream and the reality faced by Black Americans. The Younger family’s pursuit of the American Dream is hindered by systemic structures that uphold racial inequality. This novel reveals the ways in which American social structures create barriers that prevent Black Americans from achieving the American Dream, through the Marxist lens. Although progress has been made over the past 60 years, these systemic issues continue to hinder Black Americans to achieve their aspirations.

Walter Lee Younger, the father and head of household, dreams of being a successful businessman; Lena Younger (Mama), Walter and Beneatha’s mother, dreams of bringing her family to a better home; Beneatha Younger, daughter of Mama, dreams of becoming a doctor; Ruth Younger, Walter’s wife, dreams of building a happy life and bringing the family to a better home. Each member of the Younger family has their own dream they wish to achieve and all of their aspirations highlight the desire to have a better life and a sense of hope for a life without discrimination. There is still a sense of hope that comes from Mama and the $10,000 insurance check she is receiving. When Walter receives a portion of this money he says to his son Travis, “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, II.ii). This showcases Walter wanting to see his family’s dreams succeed alongside his leadership. However, with society against them, their dreams are harder than ever to fulfill. Walter still faces obstacles such as financial struggle which prevent his dream of being a successful businessman. Beneatha also faces the struggles of poverty to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor as it prevents her from paying for tuition. The Younger

The Marxist lens can be seen through A Raisin in the Sun as it showcases the ways American systems exploit the Younger family. In the context of the Younger family, Marxist theory highlights economic and social structures maintaining inequality which are shown through the family’s struggle to pursue the American Dream. While waiting for the insurance money to come in, Walter has the dream of opening a liquor store. Ruth does not like this dream as she is exhausted from Walter’s obsession with money. Mama is also against this because of her religious beliefs and wants the money put towards Beneatha’s education. Walter gets very upset and yells, “No! ‘Cause ain’t nobody with me! Not even my own mother!” (Hansberry, II.i). This highlights the obsession of being successful and wealthy which is what powers most Americans. Through the Marxis lens, living in an unfair society that is against you obtaining money and success drives families such as the Younger’s to resentment. Social structures are working against Black Americans despite the economy growing. The Younger’s are part of America's rigged system that goes against their dreams. Despite wanting and trying to achieve a better life, they are being held back by a system that is against