A raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

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A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry’s play, ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and Langston Hughes’ poem, ‘A Dream Deferred,’ have many commonalities. One of the common themes between the two works is how hard it is for people to succeed in following their dreams when there are economic and social barriers. Hughes feels that a dream deferred may dry up (Hughes). The play illustrates this theme of dreams deferred by following the unachievable dreams of the African Americans. For example, Walter Lee has a dream of opening and running a liquor store (Petrie et al. 1.1). However, this dream is hindered by his economic and social position.
Hansberry’s play explores the theme of assimilation as a necessity and not a choice. It is clear that the some of the Youngers hate the thought of assimilating, as they are proud of their African heritage. However, circumstances force them to act like white people to achieve their desires. For example, while Beneatha’s suitor, George, comes to visit the Youngers, he finds Beneatha in a traditional African costume dancing (Petrie et al. 2.1). George forces her to wear and to act like a white person to receive acceptance from the society. Clearly, she desires to live as an African, but her need for acceptance outweighs her desire.
During the days of segregation in the United States, some people felt that the black people were content while living lowly and did not intend to climb up the social ladder. Hansberry challenges this view in the play by depicting African Americans who have the dreams to change the situation.

Walter, for example, intends to invest in the liquor business. Beneatha wants to go to college and become a doctor (Petrie et al. 1.1). These dreams show that African Americans are not lazy, and they desire to better their lives.
Mama’s little houseplant symbolized the undying spirit of the Youngers to achieve success. Just as the plant lacks sunshine but still perseveres, the Youngers lack an enabling environment for growth, but they do not give up. The plant evolves to symbolize Mama. As they are leaving to another house, Mama carries her plant, and when criticized by Beneatha, she says, “It expresses me!” (Petrie et al. 2.3). This shows that the plant symbolizes her too. Other symbols in the play are Walter’s eggs, representing his dreams, and Mama’s insurance check, which represents hope for the Youngers.

Works Cited
Hughes, Langston. “Harlem by Langston Hughes.” Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46548/harlem. Accessed 10 July 2018.
Petrie, Daniel, Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil, and Lorraine Hansberry. A Raisin in the Sun. New York, N.Y: Time-Life Video, 1961.