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American Dream In A Raisin In The Sun And Ellis Island

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The American Dream in Literature The American Dream is a common theme in literature, representing the ideals of freedom, opportunity, and equality for all, regardless of their background. In A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, “Two Kinds' ' by Amy Tan, and “Ellis Island' ' by Joseph Burchac all explore the idea of the American Dream. Through the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of the characters in each piece of literature, the authors put a unique perspective on the complexities of achieving the American Dream. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry portrays the theme of the American Dream through the Younger family’s aspirations for a better life and the obstacles that they face along the way. In the play, Walter Lee dreams of financial independence and success, which he believes will bring him and his family a better life. He tells 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” (Act I, Scene 2). This quote shows Walter’s desire to provide for his family and give those in his family anything they desire, as long as he archives the American Dream through hard work and determination. Additionally, Hansberry wrote, “We have decided to move into our house because my father- my father- he earned it for us brick by brick” (Act II, Scene 2). Benetha’s statement highlights …show more content…

For example, Bruchac wrote, “as dreams of forests and meadows / waiting for those who’d worked / a thousand years / yet never owned their own” (Lines 10-13). This quote says they have dreamed so long of the day that they come to the land of the free and own what they never would have worked hard enough to gain in their old countries. By arriving at Ellis Island, their dreams have come true, and they have gained freedom with the price of leaving

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