Similarities Between Walter Beneatha And The American Dream

Jacob Nott English 9 Kadri 5/6/24 A Raisin in the Sun The American Dream popularized by James Truslow Adams during the Great Depression in 1931 is the national ethos of the United States, he said that every person has the freedom and opportunity to succeed and attain a better life. I think that the American Dream is the backbone of American society because it motivates people to keep working hard to try to achieve the dream but they typically are held back or can’t make it so they are stuck working crappy 9 to 5 jobs their whole life People come to America to chase the freedom and luxury of attaining the American Dream although, like a carnival game, it looks easy but is nearly impossible to achieve. So the dreamers work hard every day to support

In this essay, I will be talking about how Walter, Beneatha, and Ruth view the American dream and how their perception of it impacts the way they live. Walter has a pessimistic view of the American dream, although he still has hope that he can make money through the liquor store; he doesn’t believe in anyone else or their attempts to get out of poverty. This is shown when Walter says to Beneatha “WALTER”. Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? If you are so crazy ’bout messing ’round with sick people—then go be a nurse like other women—or just get married and be quiet.” This shows his lack of faith in his sister's plan to become a doctor and pursue the American Dream and it also shows how she couldn’t become a doctor due to the gender roles at the time. He thinks the only way she can be wealthy is to get married to a rich man. Beneatha has an optimistic view of the American dream, thinking that she can get out of poverty by getting a job that helps people along with getting money for the family, and she believes that having good intentions is a good way of living. Her optimism is shown in the quote “BENEATHA. Get over

Ruth has accepted that the American dream is not for their family and that they cannot get to the level of wealth and success they want because of societal standards, but she still tries her best at her job, coming in on off days and even when she's sick. Her realistic point of view is shown in the quote where Beneatha says “BENEATHA. Get over it? What are you talking about, Ruth? Listen, I’m going to be a doctor. I’m not worried about who I’m going to marry yet—if I ever get married.” Mama and Ruth respond by saying “MAMA and RUTH If!” showing that they both have accepted that the American dream is not for them because of their race and the way they are treated in the workplace. In conclusion, the family in A Raisin in the Sun tries to achieve the American dream but is not able to because it is not fair for them and their family as they are not able to break out of the loop even if they have enough money they are not accepted into the nice neighborhood that they are trying to move into because of their