A Raisin in the Sun - Essay

 

The title “A Raisin in the Sun” is derived from Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem,” which poses the question, “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?” The poem captures the frustration of unfulfilled dreams, a central theme in the play. Each character in the Younger family has a dream: Walter dreams of financial success, Beneatha dreams of becoming a doctor, and Mama dreams of owning a house. However, their dreams are consistently delayed or threatened by economic and social barriers, particularly racism and poverty. Walter's dream is deferred by systemic inequalities that limit his opportunities as a Black man, and Beneatha's is postponed by financial constraints and societal expectations of women. The title reflects the wear and tear on these dreams, symbolizing how prolonged deferral can cause them to wither, but the play ultimately suggests that perseverance and dignity can keep those dreams alive.

In “A Raisin in the Sun”, Lorraine Hansberry explores the theme of gender roles through the contrasting characters of Ruth and Beneatha, each representing different perspectives on a woman’s place in society. Their differing outlooks on life and gender expectations reflect the broader tension between traditional and progressive views of women’s roles during the mid-20th century.

 

Ruth embodies the traditional gender roles expected of women during that era. As a wife and mother, Ruth’s primary focus is on maintaining the household and supporting her family, often at the expense of her own dreams and desires. She works tirelessly as a domestic worker and carries the weight of family responsibilities, but her contributions are often undervalued. Ruth’s emotional and physical exhaustion is palpable throughout the play, particularly when she discovers she is pregnant and contemplates having an abortion due to the family’s financial struggles. This difficult decision highlights the immense pressure placed on women like Ruth to prioritize their family’s well-being above their own aspirations.

 

Despite her weariness, Ruth’s sense of duty and self-sacrifice aligns with the traditional expectations for women to be caretakers and nurturers. She is pragmatic and realistic, focused on ensuring her family’s survival in a harsh world. When Mama buys the house in Clybourne Park, Ruth expresses relief and joy, seeing it as an opportunity for a better life for her son, Travis. For Ruth, the dream of owning a home and providing stability for her family is her ultimate goal, even if it means adhering to conventional gender roles that confine her to domestic life.

 

In contrast, Beneatha represents a more modern, progressive view of gender roles. As an educated, ambitious young woman, Beneatha rejects the idea that her identity should be defined by traditional notions of marriage and domesticity. She aspires to become a doctor, a field dominated by men, and refuses to let societal expectations dictate her choices. Beneatha’s intellectual curiosity and determination to pursue a career outside of the home reflect the growing feminist movement of the time, which advocated for women’s rights to education, professional opportunities, and personal autonomy.

 

Beneatha’s relationships with George Murchison and Joseph Asagai further illustrate her resistance to traditional gender roles. While George expects Beneatha to conform to a more conventional role as his future wife, content with wealth and social status, Beneatha rejects his shallow views and seeks deeper meaning in her life. Asagai, on the other hand, encourages Beneatha’s exploration of her cultural roots and supports her desire for self-actualization. Through these relationships, Hansberry contrasts the differing societal expectations for women: one that confines them to the roles of wife and mother, and another that promotes intellectual and personal freedom.

 

The tension between Ruth and Beneatha also reflects the generational divide between women who adhered to traditional roles and those who sought to challenge them. Ruth, though exhausted by the demands of her domestic life, finds comfort in the stability it provides, while Beneatha refuses to settle for a life limited by societal expectations. Their differing perspectives highlight the evolving roles of women in society and the broader cultural shifts occurring during the 1950s and 1960s, as women began to push against the constraints of gender norms.

 

Mama represents traditional values such as faith, family, and the pursuit of the American Dream. She is deeply religious and grounded in her belief that hard work, moral integrity, and maintaining a strong family bond are key to overcoming adversity. Throughout the play, she emphasizes the importance of dignity, reminding her family that material success should not come at the cost of their values. Mama's decision to purchase a house in Clybourne Park with the insurance money is motivated by her desire to fulfill her late husband's dream and provide a stable home for her family, symbolizing her commitment to building a better future for them. Her influence is profound, as she provides moral guidance for Walter, helping him realize the importance of family and dignity when he considers accepting Mr. Lindner’s offer. In the end, Mama’s traditional values serve as a moral anchor for the family, guiding them through their struggles.

Walter Lee Younger undergoes significant character development in “A Raisin in the Sun”. At the beginning of the play, Walter is frustrated and dissatisfied with his life as a chauffeur, yearning for a way to provide more for his family and earn the respect he believes comes with financial success. His fixation on investing in a liquor store symbolizes his desire for upward mobility, but it also blinds him to the needs of his family and the moral implications of his actions. His recklessness and desperation lead him to entrust the insurance money to Willy Harris, who betrays him, resulting in the loss of the family’s financial security.

However, Walter’s turning point occurs when he is faced with Mr. Lindner’s offer to buy them out of moving into Clybourne Park. Initially, he considers accepting the money, but ultimately, he rejects it, realizing that compromising his family’s dignity is too great a cost. This decision marks his maturation as a character. By choosing to honor his family's legacy and values, Walter emerges as a more responsible and self-aware individual, capable of leading his family with a sense of pride and integrity.

The setting of the Youngers' small, cramped apartment is integral to the themes of “A Raisin in the Sun”. The apartment symbolizes the limitations and constraints faced by the family, both economically and socially. It is overcrowded, with Ruth, Walter, Beneatha, Travis, and Mama all sharing the space, which highlights their financial struggles and inability to afford a larger home. The worn and outdated nature of the apartment reflects the weariness of the characters’ deferred dreams, as they have lived there for many years with little change in their circumstances.

 

The apartment also serves as a metaphor for the family's stagnation, their lack of mobility, and their longing for a better life. Mama’s plant, which she tends to despite the poor conditions, symbolizes her hope and resilience. The family’s decision to move to Clybourne Park represents their desire to escape the limitations imposed by their socioeconomic status and environment, and their determination to achieve upward mobility despite the obstacles they face. The setting effectively mirrors the play’s central themes of struggle, hope, and the pursuit of a better future.

In “A Raisin in the Sun”, systemic racism is a central force that shapes the lives of the Younger family and hinders their ability to achieve their dreams. The play takes place in the 1950s, a time when racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans were entrenched in American society, particularly in housing, employment, and education. The Younger family’s dreams—whether it is Walter’s desire for financial independence, Beneatha’s aspiration to become a doctor, or Mama’s dream of owning a home—are all impacted by these social and racial barriers.

 

The most overt example of racism in the play is the response the family receives when they attempt to move into the all-white neighborhood of Clybourne Park. Mr. Lindner, representing the Clybourne Park Improvement Association, offers the family money to dissuade them from moving into the neighborhood, clearly illustrating the racial prejudice that permeates even their ability to choose where they live. This attempt to block the Youngers’ upward mobility based solely on their race shows how systemic racism limits the family’s opportunities and reinforces social inequalities.

 

Moreover, Walter’s frustrations throughout the play are a direct result of the limited economic opportunities available to Black men during this time. Despite his aspirations and hard work, Walter struggles to find a way to advance in life, trapped in a job as a chauffeur for a white man. His feelings of emasculation and inadequacy are intensified by the knowledge that race prevents him from accessing the same opportunities as white men. His desperate investment in a risky liquor store deal reflects the economic desperation that many African Americans felt, being systematically excluded from more stable and legitimate paths to wealth.

 

Beneatha’s experiences also reflect how racism intersects with other societal limitations, particularly regarding gender and education. Although she aspires to be a doctor, a field dominated by men, she faces additional challenges as a Black woman seeking professional success in a racist and patriarchal society. Her struggle to define herself beyond the narrow roles available to Black women adds another layer to the family’s collective battle against systemic racism.

 

The play ultimately portrays racism not just as a personal prejudice but as a structural force that works to keep African American families like the Youngers in a state of economic and social stagnation. Yet, despite the oppressive weight of racism, the Youngers resist it by affirming their dignity and refusing to give in to the limitations imposed on them. Walter’s final decision to reject Mr. Lindner’s offer is a powerful assertion of the family’s right to define their future on their own terms, even in the face of racism. The play suggests that while systemic racism may hinder the pursuit of dreams, the strength of the family’s values and identity offers a way to push back against it.