Comparing Douglass And A Raisin In The Sun

The illustration of the house with the white picket fence has generally been noted to represent the idea of the American Dream. A Raisin in the Sun, a play written by Lorraine Hansberry in 1959 tells the story of one' mans' American Dream of becoming rich, so he would be happy. A second piece entitled " Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass" discuss how Fredrick Douglass' American Dream is learning to read and write, so he would be free as a slave. The narrative and play are similar and different in many ways. Both discuss the American Dream, however, they have different interpretations of the American Dream.

First, the characters in the narrative and play both want something better for themselves. For examples in the narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass", Fredrick importance in life is education and self-improvement. " I succeeded in learning to read and write. In accomplishing this, I will be compelled to resort to various stratagems." In the play, Walter chases after money in order to gain happiness. " I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy... Mama look at me." Another way they are the same is that both characters find themselves in difficult stages in their life. For instance, Walter is unhappy with his life and is in financial need. Frederick Douglass is an American slave

One of the difference is each character American Dream is different from the other. For example, in the narrative, Frederick American Dream is education. " I often found myself regretting my own existence, and wishing myself dead; and but for the hope of being free." In the play, Walter American Dream is Money. "WALTER sits down and grasps in close and counts off the zeros) Ten thousand dollars." Another difference is between the two is their identity. Walter is a married man who willing to do anything in order to provide for his family, while Frederick Douglass in a salve who wish to be