A Raisin In The Sun Essay

1533 Words7 Pages

During the 1950s and 1960s, African Americans faced numerous challenges as they fought for their rights and sought to fulfill their aspirations in a racially divided society. Lorraine Hansberry's play, "A Raisin in the Sun," explores the dreams and values of the Younger family as they navigate the obstacles of poverty, racism, and generational differences in pursuit of a better life. Mama is an elderly widow and the matriarch of the Younger family. Mama's problem is the struggle to provide a better life for her family and maintain their values and dignity. Walter Lee Younger is Mama's son and the protagonist. Walter’s struggle is the tension between his dreams of financial success and the moral dilemmas that arise from his choices. Beneatha …show more content…

"You know, it's strange. It's the first time in my life l've had something that's just mine...! don't know if I can make you understand." Mama's dream of buying a house symbolizes her desire to establish a stable home and improve her family's living conditions. Her values emphasize the importance of family and providing a nurturing environment, as seen in her determination to make a better future for her children and grandchildren. "Son - I come from five generations of people who was slaves and sharecroppers- but ain't nobody in my family never let nobody pay 'em no money that was a way of telling us we wasn't fit to walk the earth." Mama's refusal to accept the money offered by Mr. Lindner reflects her pride and refusal to compromise her family's dignity. Her values are deeply rooted in her African American heritage and the struggle for equality and self-respect. "There is always something left to log, And if you ain't learned that, you ain't learned …show more content…

The quote also reflects the gender dynamics of the time, with Walter's wife, Ruth, dismissing his dreams as unrealistic and urging him to focus on more immediate concerns. It underscores the conflicts between personal aspirations and the practicalities of urging him to focus on more immediate concerns. It underscores the conflicts between personal aspirations and the practicalities of everyday life. In summary, Walter's dreams in A Raisin in the Sun reflect the values of his character and his generation, emphasizing the pursuit of financial success and the desire for a better life. His aspirations embody the hope for upward mobility and the belief in the transformative power of economic prosperity. However, his dreams also face challenges and conflicts, illustrating the complexities of pursuing personal aspirations in the face of societal barriers and familial responsibilities. Beneatha's dreams in A Raisin in the Sun reflect her character's values and the values of her generation, highlighting the pursuit of education, self-discovery, and cultural identity. Beneatha aspires to become a doctor and explores her African heritage.``i'm going to be a doctor.