Dreams Theme in The Play a Raisin in The Sun

Introduction

In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, the theme of dreams is depicted through the eyes of Ruth, Mama, Walter, and Beneatha. The play revolves around the Younger family, whose dreams are often deferred because achieving wealth is challenging. For example, Mama struggles to give Travis the fifty cents he needs for a classroom activity. Nonetheless, this play is about an African American family striving to improve their circumstances based on what they can afford. They are not only trying to better their situation but also looking beyond the segregation and disenfranchisement prevalent in 1950s Chicago.

Ruth and Mama's Dreams

Ruth’s dream is interchangeable with Mama’s, as Ruth desires a bigger and better house for her family, similar to Mama's wish for a spacious home with a garden. Mama dreams of nurturing plants as she nurtures her family. However, both of their dreams are deferred due to financial constraints, forcing them to live in a crowded apartment. Mama's dream is further tied to the $10,000 insurance claim from her deceased husband, Big Walter Lee. This money represents a chance to provide the happiness that Walter envisioned for his family.

Walter's Ambitions

Walter’s dream is to open a liquor store with his friend Willy Harris. However, this plan is met with skepticism by his family, who view it as selfish and self-centered since Walter would be the primary beneficiary. This dream highlights Walter's desire for financial independence and success, yet it clashes with the family's collective aspirations.

Beneatha's Aspirations

Beneatha’s dreams reflect her concern for others, as she aspires to become a doctor. Walter intended to allocate $3,500 for Beneatha's medical school expenses, but his financial missteps in pursuing the liquor store cause her dream to be deferred. Beneatha's ambition signifies the broader struggle for self-identity and empowerment within the African American community.

Societal Context and Activism

Lorraine Hansberry, the author, wrote this play inspired by her own experiences of segregation growing up on the South Side of Chicago. The activist side of Hansberry emerges when she includes the quote of Walter questioning Mama about moving to Clybourne Park, a predominantly white neighborhood. Mama’s response reflects her determination to find the best place for her family despite societal barriers. In an interview, Hansberry stated, "The problem is that Negroes are just as segregated in the city of Chicago now as they were then" (Hansberry, 1959). This highlights the persistent racial segregation and the family's defiance against it.

Conclusion

As seen in Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem," dreams deferred "shrivel up like a raisin in the sun" (Hughes, 1951). Each family member faces deferred dreams, yet they struggle to maintain their aspirations throughout the play. Ultimately, they share a collective dream of owning a house that unites them as a family, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

References

• Hansberry, L. (1959). A Raisin in the Sun.
• Hughes, L. (1951). Harlem. In Montage of a Dream Deferred.