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A Raisin In The Sun Analysis

Decent Essays

A Raisin in the Sun The American Dream has been in the hearts of people all over the United States and even worldwide for many years. It is an ideal that is not limited to age, race, or social standing, but represents family, a secure job, and a house with a car in the garage. A Raisin in the Sun explores the dreams of the Younger family and how these dreams affect their relationships with one another. Along with dreams and family, another major theme of the book is racial discrimination. These themes intertwine throughout the book by creating what will be lasting memories for the family, both good and bad. The Youngers have to take it a day at a time to decide what is really important in life. Walter Younger’s dream comes to light early on in the play. In the very first scene of Act One he is trying to talk to his wife Ruth about a new business proposition, and judging by her irritated reaction, they have had this conversation probably several times before. Walter becomes frustrated with Ruth when it is apparent that she is not really listening to what he is saying and exclaims, “See—I’m trying to talk to you ʼbout myself—and all you can say is eat them eggs and go to work” (Hansberry 16). He does not believe that Ruth is a good, supportive wife like she should be. Walter is sick and tired of his current job as a chauffeur; driving rich white people around all day seems to have given him an itch for money. As the play progresses, he becomes more and more obsessed with

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