One of the major themes presented in A Raisin in the Sun is the theme of searching for our own individual vision of the “American Dream.

Question:- One of the major themes presented in A Raisin in the Sun is the theme of searching for our own individual vision of the “American Dream.” What are the “dreams deferred” by Mama, Ruth, Beneatha, and Walter, and what commentary do you think Hansberry is making on the concept of the “American Dream” through her representation of the dreams of these characters?

Answer

In A Raisin in the Sun, each member of Younger family has his or her rather dream postponed. Mama has a dream of having her own house where she can have stability for the family. Years of financial struggle have postponed her dream. Ruth has big dreams of escaping the small apartment that her family lives in, but this dream is on hold since his family cannot afford to do so. Beneatha dreams of being a doctor, but infrastructure and economical barriers have made it difficult to realize that dream. Walter dreams of wealth and business success, but racism and the closed door to opportunity prevent his ambition.

With the help of portraying postponed dreams about Younger family, Hansberry talks about how often experiences African Americans’ “American Dream” related to historic inequality and injustice. The American Dream promises prosperity by hard work, but the play hints that this ideal is imperfect for those who are discriminated against. Every character’s struggle shows the battles and obstacles that can sometimes stand in the way of those disadvantaged groups from realizing their dreams here in America (LitCharts, 2024). Hansenberry encourages one to think about how the American Dream might evolve in order for it to become more inclusive.