From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

What is the role of the American Dream in Lorraine Hansberry's play “A Raisin in the Sun”?

Lorraine Hansberry's seminal play, "A Raisin in the Sun," stands as a monumental work of American literature that explores the profound complexities of the American Dream within the context of the African American experience. Through vivid characterizations, compelling dialogue, and thought-provoking themes, Hansberry weaves a tapestry of hope, struggle, and identity that illuminates the dream's transformative power and its inherent challenges.

Set in the 1950s on Chicago's South Side, "A Raisin in the Sun" follows the Younger family, an African American household grappling with the promise of a life-changing insurance check. At the heart of the play lies the American Dream, which manifests as the pursuit of economic prosperity, upward mobility, and the quest for a better future. Each member of the Younger family yearns for a different iteration of the Dream, reflecting their individual aspirations and desires.

Mama, the matriarch of the family, embodies the Dream's resilience and its connection to personal dignity and pride. Her dream centers around providing a better life for her family, symbolized by the purchase of a house. For Mama, the American Dream represents the opportunity to escape the confines of their cramped apartment and create a nurturing home environment where her children can flourish. The dream of homeownership is a tangible manifestation of her hopes and represents the promise of a brighter future.

Walter Lee Younger, Mama's son, is consumed by his own version of the American Dream. He yearns for financial success and autonomy, believing that wealth will grant him respect, freedom, and the chance to provide for his family. Walter's dream embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of the American Dream, as he seeks to invest in a liquor store venture that he believes will elevate his social status and open doors to a life of affluence.

Beneatha, Walter's sister, represents the Dream's intellectual and existential dimensions. As an aspiring doctor and an avid seeker of knowledge, she yearns to shatter societal expectations and carve her own path. Beneatha's dream encompasses personal growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of her identity. Her desires extend beyond material wealth and encompass the liberation of the mind and the breaking of societal barriers.

Hansberry skillfully portrays the challenges and obstacles faced by the Younger family as they strive to achieve their dreams. The play confronts the harsh realities of racism, poverty, and systemic oppression that stand as formidable barriers to the realization of the American Dream for African Americans. The Youngers encounter resistance and discrimination as they navigate the predominantly white world, revealing the structural inequalities that pervade society and hinder their progress.

The role of the American Dream in "A Raisin in the Sun" extends beyond individual ambitions and encompasses broader themes of identity, cultural heritage, and social justice. Hansberry interrogates the notion of the Dream itself, questioning its universality and exploring how race and social circumstances shape its attainability. The play prompts us to reflect on the limitations and contradictions embedded within the Dream, as it intersects with race and class.

Hansberry's masterful storytelling exposes the complexities of the American Dream, challenging simplistic notions of success and prosperity. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's dignity, integrity, and cultural heritage in the face of adversity. The play serves as a powerful social commentary, highlighting the need for social change and equity in order to truly realize the promises of the Dream for all individuals, regardless of their background.

"A Raisin in the Sun" delves deep into the intricacies of the American Dream, exploring its multifaceted nature and its impact on the lives of the Younger family. Through its compelling characters and resonant themes, the play illuminates the challenges, triumphs, and sacrifices inherent in the pursuit of the Dream. It calls into question the systemic injustices that hinder marginalized communities from attaining the Dream's full potential. Hansberry's work stands as a timeless examination of the human spirit, resilience, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.