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Theme Of Dreams In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

1159 Words5 Pages

Dreams are one of the most important concepts of the play. In A Raisin in the Sun, all 5 characters, Ruth, Walter, Mama, Travis, and Benethea have individual dreams which they crave to achieve. Ruth desires to make her family happy, Walter dreams of getting out of the poor social class, Beneatha wants to become a doctor, and Mama dreams of a house with a garden. The characters struggle obtaining these dreams due to financial circumstances. The author, Lorraine Hansberry describes their dreams as “dried up” like a raisin in the sun. It’s difficult for them to obtain their dreams when money is holding them back. All of their dreams are expensive and there is only $10,000 to share between 3 people. Although they are challenged, they all learn a lot along the way during their dream journey. …show more content…

I don’t know what it is – but he needs something – something I can’t give him anymore. He needs this chance, Lena.” Page 45 Ruth knows that Walter isn’t satisfied with his life. Ruth feels as if she can’t give what he really wants to him. Being his partner, she feels obligated to support him and give him everything. Seeing a loved one reach for a dream and not be able to get it hurts her. She just wants her family to be happy and provide for them. Being a mother and not giving her family everything there is makes her sick resulting in her passing out. “Do you know what this money means to me? Do you know what this money can do for us? I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy…Mama – look at me.” Page 75. Money is mentally consuming Walter’s mind. He has so many hopes and dreams for his family and being the man of the household, not being able to provide for his family results in him lashing out. He craves the idea of owning a liquor store, he wants a house, he wants to be able to give his family a better life, he wants to buy his wife pearls, he desires to give his family everything that white people

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