Compare Contrast a Raisin in the Sun
Frontina Taylor
English Comp II
Jaime Barrett
Compare and Contrast A Raisin In The Sun Essay
In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, and 1961 movie written by Lorraine Hansberry and presented by Columbia pictures, one of the most important themes is the American Dream. Many of the characters have hopes and dreams. They all strive towards their goals throughout. However, many of the characters have different dreams that clash with each other. Problems seem to arise when different people’s dreams conflict with one another. Another theme is racism. Racism was rampant during the 1950’s and this often hindered African American dreams. What is the American dream? In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, Walter is depicted as being a very ambitious and determined man. He often had dreams of making a better life for his family and himself. One way of making a reaching his dream was to open a liquor store. “I got a dream….I got to take hold of this here world; I’m going to open a liquor store.” (p. 701). This is all Walter dreams about. A way for him to achieve this dream is to utilize the $10,000 insurance money from his father’s death. Walter’s dream conflicts with his mother’s, Lena’s (mama’s), dream. Lena, known as mama, is a strong, caring, and very religious woman. She works very hard to try and help her family have the best. She dreams of owning a house for the family “You should know the dream I have of owning a house and fixing it up and making me a little garden” (p.707). This brings about conflict with the other family members, particularly Walter who is already set on opening his own liquor store. Benetha, Walter’s sister, has dreams of her own. The play A Raisin In The Sun (Hansberry) portrays Benetha as a very opinionated smart young lady. She dreams of being a doctor. This dream requires money. Benetha was hoping to get this money from the $10,000 insurance money. Benetha’s dream
English Comp II
Jaime Barrett
Compare and Contrast A Raisin In The Sun Essay
In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, and 1961 movie written by Lorraine Hansberry and presented by Columbia pictures, one of the most important themes is the American Dream. Many of the characters have hopes and dreams. They all strive towards their goals throughout. However, many of the characters have different dreams that clash with each other. Problems seem to arise when different people’s dreams conflict with one another. Another theme is racism. Racism was rampant during the 1950’s and this often hindered African American dreams. What is the American dream? In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, Walter is depicted as being a very ambitious and determined man. He often had dreams of making a better life for his family and himself. One way of making a reaching his dream was to open a liquor store. “I got a dream….I got to take hold of this here world; I’m going to open a liquor store.” (p. 701). This is all Walter dreams about. A way for him to achieve this dream is to utilize the $10,000 insurance money from his father’s death. Walter’s dream conflicts with his mother’s, Lena’s (mama’s), dream. Lena, known as mama, is a strong, caring, and very religious woman. She works very hard to try and help her family have the best. She dreams of owning a house for the family “You should know the dream I have of owning a house and fixing it up and making me a little garden” (p.707). This brings about conflict with the other family members, particularly Walter who is already set on opening his own liquor store. Benetha, Walter’s sister, has dreams of her own. The play A Raisin In The Sun (Hansberry) portrays Benetha as a very opinionated smart young lady. She dreams of being a doctor. This dream requires money. Benetha was hoping to get this money from the $10,000 insurance money. Benetha’s dream