A Raisin In The Sun Essay

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” —Langston Hughes, American poet. Imagine a world where people are not allowed to live where they want to, dress the way they want to, and even have a family due to the harsh and cruel world they live in. Imagine living in a world where people are denied the right to be regular, equal citizens due to the color of their skin. This was the main idea behind the Jim Crow Laws that existed in the United States from the 1890s until the civil rights movement in the 1960s. These Jim Crow laws encouraged the unequal treatment of African Americans through the ideas of racism, segregation, and discrimination. Blacks and whites were segregated in every aspect of life

During this time period, the Great Migration occurred which is when many blacks moved from the southern states to the North to escape racial violence, pursue economic and educational opportunities, and obtain freedom from the oppression of Jim Crow. However, upon arriving, “Blacks continued to be subject to prejudice and inequities related to education, housing, and employment” (University Wire, 2014). Consequently, there was a low possibility for success and opportunities for blacks. Hansberry portrays these issues of prejudice and inequality towards blacks through her incorporation of the black family in “A Raisin in the Sun”. She uses these background issues to fuel her message of the obstacles black families faced while trying to pursue their dreams. Through each family member, she portrays the pressures they feel in the world they live in – how they are discriminated against for simply existing in the color of their skin. These constant pressures and obstacles cause their dreams to become broken or destroyed, much like the broken wings of a

Hansberry does an amazing job highlighting the issues of racism, discrimination, segregation, and prejudice that the white community had towards blacks. Through the Younger family, she was able to portray the effects that these difficulties had on the dreams of black people. She contrasts this harsh reality by shining a light at the end of the tunnel. She contrasts these views of a harsh world by portraying how the elements of resilience, perseverance, and a supportive family can overcome harsh difficulties. While people may have to defer or put off realizing their dreams to a later time, they can still make their dreams a reality. Despite oppression and lack of money, if a family is united, the members can achieve their dreams. This is a very important message for every person to take into consideration, regardless of the color of their skin or the difficulties and obstacles deferring their dreams. Everyone should persevere and become resilient in order to pursue their