The American Dream and Identity Explored in "A Raisan in the Sun"
The American Dream and Identity Explored in Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”
Dreams are the very essence of individuality. While we live in a world that tries to shape us into becoming what they want us to be, we have our dreams that guide us to follow our own tendencies. The American Dream is one that everyone understands; the notion is practically synonymous with the United States. Hundreds of thousands of individuals come to America to pursue this dream because they know that when they are working toward something positive, they become better individuals. The idea of identity is closely linked with the American Dream because to have a dream, one must have some sort of idea of what one likes to do. In addition, success generally follows making attempts if one is good at something. Those that achieve the American Dream are perceived as successful, intelligent, motivated individuals. The search for self and the quest for an identity become central themes in Lorraine Hansberry’s play, “A Raisin in the Sun.”
In the play, Lena Younger’s children, Walter and Beneatha learn what it means to think, behave, and react like an adult before the conclusion. Walter and Beneatha are searching for their identity in a world that is not going to give them much in the way of achieving anything significant for their futures. They learn different lessons about who they are as a result of their circumstances and this helps them understand what the American Dream is all about and what it is worth. Powerful characterization makes Hansberry’s play a success in that we can feel their pain as well as the pride.
Historically, the play is significant because it reflects the sentiments of many African Americans during the 1950s. Prejudice was a very real thing and racism kept many African Americans from simply achieving a decent life much less one that could be remotely close to the notion of this American Dream. This is significant because the American Dream is real to
Dreams are the very essence of individuality. While we live in a world that tries to shape us into becoming what they want us to be, we have our dreams that guide us to follow our own tendencies. The American Dream is one that everyone understands; the notion is practically synonymous with the United States. Hundreds of thousands of individuals come to America to pursue this dream because they know that when they are working toward something positive, they become better individuals. The idea of identity is closely linked with the American Dream because to have a dream, one must have some sort of idea of what one likes to do. In addition, success generally follows making attempts if one is good at something. Those that achieve the American Dream are perceived as successful, intelligent, motivated individuals. The search for self and the quest for an identity become central themes in Lorraine Hansberry’s play, “A Raisin in the Sun.”
In the play, Lena Younger’s children, Walter and Beneatha learn what it means to think, behave, and react like an adult before the conclusion. Walter and Beneatha are searching for their identity in a world that is not going to give them much in the way of achieving anything significant for their futures. They learn different lessons about who they are as a result of their circumstances and this helps them understand what the American Dream is all about and what it is worth. Powerful characterization makes Hansberry’s play a success in that we can feel their pain as well as the pride.
Historically, the play is significant because it reflects the sentiments of many African Americans during the 1950s. Prejudice was a very real thing and racism kept many African Americans from simply achieving a decent life much less one that could be remotely close to the notion of this American Dream. This is significant because the American Dream is real to
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