Characters' Dreams Deferred in "A Raisin in The Sun"

Introduction

In "A Raisin in the Sun," Lorraine Hansberry dives into what happens when dreams are put on the back burner. How does that mess with the characters? The Younger family is at the heart of it, dealing with racism, poverty, and all those social pressures in 1950s Chicago. Mama’s got this dream for a better life for her family. It's a big deal and connects to everyone else’s dreams too. You see how they’re willing to sacrifice stuff. So, this essay checks out how Mama, Walter, and Beneatha deal with their delayed dreams. We’ll look at how chasing these dreams shapes who they are and their relationships.

Mama's Dream

Mama—well, her real name’s Lena—is the boss of the Younger family. She dreams about owning a nice house with a garden where everyone can thrive. Her dream is like a beacon of hope for something better: stability and security, you know? But then there’s racism and money troubles slowing things down, especially when that life insurance check comes along and stirs the pot.

Walter's Dream

Then there’s Walter, Mama’s son. He’s all about making money because he thinks that's what brings happiness and respect. He wants to invest in a liquor store, but not everyone in the family sees eye to eye with him on that one. When his plan falls apart, he's left picking up the pieces and figuring out what's really important to him.

Beneatha's Dream

Beneatha, Mama’s daughter, has her eyes set on becoming a doctor. She’s challenging what society expects from women—and African American women at that time too! Even though she hits roadblocks like sexism and limited chances, she stays focused on her goal. Her journey is all about finding herself and claiming independence—a huge part of the play's message.

The Broader Context

Mama, Walter, and Beneatha have their dreams pushed aside—but it's more than just personal stories. It sheds light on the struggles African Americans went through back then. Their dreams point to bigger fights for equality against racism and economic gaps. The play shows how putting dreams off can cause frustration or tension—or even make people lose themselves.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, "A Raisin in the Sun" paints a picture of characters whose dreams get stalled out—and how that impacts them deeply. Mama’s dream stands for hope; Walter chases after financial success; Beneatha searches for self-identity—all caught up by racism or societal stressors shaping who they become together while revealing challenges faced by African Americans seeking brighter futures.

References

1. Hansberry, L. (1959). A Raisin in the Sun. Random House.
2. Kappel, L., & Baldwin, J. (2004). Approaches to Teaching Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun.
   Modern Language Association.
3. Scheader, C.M (1996). A Reader's Guide To Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun.
   Enslow Publishers Inc.
4. Poitier-Smiths' Take on Broadway Revival (2017) Theater Journal Vol 69 Issue No 4 - Review
   Article by Peter Smith
5. Nadel M.L (1976), ‘The Realistic Drama Of Lorraine Hansberry’ Theatre Quarterly Journal
   Issue Number Two