"A Raisin in the Sun": the American Dream in Lorraine Hansberry's Play

The American Dream, a concept deeply ingrained in the fabric of American society, has been a subject of exploration and critique in literature and culture. Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun" takes a thought-provoking look at the complexities and challenges of pursuing the American Dream within the context of a struggling African American family. This essay examines the themes and messages presented in the play regarding the pursuit of the American Dream and the various ways it intersects with issues of race, identity, and social mobility.

The Dream of Homeownership

At the heart of "A Raisin in the Sun" is the Younger family's aspiration to move into a better home, a symbol of upward mobility and a chance for a brighter future. This aspiration reflects a fundamental aspect of the American Dream – the belief that with hard work and determination, individuals can improve their circumstances. The Youngers' cramped living conditions in a small apartment symbolize the limitations of their current situation. The family's anticipation of a windfall following the death of the father generates excitement and discussions about how to invest the insurance money.

The house becomes a focal point of their hopes and dreams, with each family member projecting their desires onto it. Walter Lee envisions himself as a successful businessman, Beneatha as a doctor, and Mama as a matriarch in a comfortable home. The house represents their aspirations for a better life and reflects the American Dream's promise of progress through property ownership.

Racial Identity and Discrimination

The play portrays the challenges faced by African Americans in the 1950s, highlighting the impact of systemic racism on their pursuit of the American Dream. The characters' experiences with discrimination, limited opportunities, and societal prejudices reflect the broader struggles of the African American community during that era. Racism is particularly evident in the family's encounter with the Clybourne Park Improvement Association, which tries to dissuade them from moving into a white neighborhood.

Beneatha's experiences as a young African American woman studying to become a doctor illustrate the uphill battle she faces against societal expectations and biases. She encounters skepticism from some family members about her aspirations due to their perception of the limitations imposed on African Americans by a predominantly white society.

Generational Differences

"A Raisin in the Sun" also delves into the generational divide within the Younger family, each member having their interpretation of the American Dream. The elder generation values stability and financial security, while the younger generation seeks personal fulfillment and a sense of identity. Lena Younger, or Mama, longs for a house to call her own, which represents her desire for stability and family unity.

Walter Lee, however, desires financial success through entrepreneurship, driven by a yearning for economic independence and a sense of self-worth. He sees the American Dream as a means to overcome the limitations placed on him by society. Beneatha, the youngest family member, embodies the changing attitudes of her generation. She is determined to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor and challenges traditional gender roles, reflecting the evolving aspirations of young African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.

The Illusion of the Dream

Throughout the play, the characters grapple with the question of whether the American Dream is attainable for individuals facing systemic disadvantages. The title, taken from a Langston Hughes poem, alludes to the idea that dreams deferred can become burdensome, like a raisin left in the sun to dry up. This metaphor symbolizes the potential disillusionment that can arise when the pursuit of the American Dream is hindered by external factors.

As the Youngers' plans for their new home face setbacks and conflicts, the dream starts to feel like an illusion that may never come to fruition. The obstacles they encounter, such as the racial tensions surrounding their neighborhood choice and the misuse of the insurance money, cast doubt on the feasibility of their aspirations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Raisin in the Sun" offers a powerful exploration of the complexities surrounding the pursuit of the American Dream, particularly for African Americans facing racial prejudice and economic challenges. The play captures the essence of the dream's promise while also exposing the harsh realities of systemic inequalities. As the Younger family navigates their aspirations, they confront issues of identity, race, and generational differences. Ultimately, "A Raisin in the Sun" prompts reflection on the evolving nature of the American Dream and its impact on individuals and families striving for a better life.

References

• Hansberry, L. (1959). A Raisin in the Sun. Vintage Books.
• Berry, F. (1988). Langston Hughes: Before and Beyond Harlem. The University of Tennessee Press.
• Lichtenstein, N. (1999). “One for Whom It Was Enough”: African Americans, American Jews, and the 1959 Production of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun. American Literary History, 11(4), 636-656.
• Mance, A. E. (2016). The Raisin Cycle: How Lorraine Hansberry's Raisin in the Sun Revises American Drama. Modern Drama, 59(3), 316-336.
• Young, A. J. (2014). Black Queer Studies: A Critical Anthology. Duke University Press.

Please ensure the accuracy and relevance of these references to your essay before including them.