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Comparative Report - a Raisin in the Sun vs. a Have a Dream

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Comparative Report - a Raisin in the Sun vs. a Have a Dream
Ottawa, April 18th, 2013
ENG4C
By: Eumar Tovar

COMPARATIVE REPORT

In the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry and the discourse I have a dream by Martin Luther King, Jr. there are many similarities. These texts are strongly related to each other by three important topics such as Dreams, Barriers and Family, because they per se give the people the courage to face challenges in life.

Dreams are represented in both texts as a part of strong desires to achieve personal goals either for the family's greater good or society in general. A good example it is in the Hansberry's play, when every member of the Younger family had a separate and individual dream. Beneatha wanted to become a doctor, but Walter wanted to have money for his business so that he could afford things for his family. Throughout the play the family struggled to achieve these dreams. However, by the end they learn that the dream of Mama's house is the most important dream because it keeps the family together. In the same way it happens in the King's speech, because he had a dream where all people were created equal, although not the case in America at that time, King felt it must be the case for the future. Based on his prophet-like beliefs and desires he said: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character". Then, Dreams are crucial in life, because they drive and motivate people to do either personal or group changes.

Barriers in this context, are those dissatisfying situations in life where is up to people manage them to face and conquer challeges. There is a magnificent example in A Raisin in the Sun when the Youngers’ new neighborhood, sends Mr. Lindner to persuade them not to move into the all-white Clybourne Park neighbourhood and Mr. Lindner and the people he represents offer to bribe the Youngers to keep them from moving.

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