A raisin in the sun
Decort 1
Mikaela Decort
Mr. Johnsmeyer
English 102, Essay #2 The American Dream in “A Raisin In The Sun”
A Raisin in the Sun is a play that focuses on the “American Dream” and one’s conception of a “better life”. Each character in the play has their own view on what that dream is and what they perceive a better life to be. Hansberry focuses on the importance of achieving one’s dreams regardless of the various harsh struggles in life.
Mama has dreams of providing her family with a better life she and her husband ever had. Mama said, “Lord if this little plant don’t get more sun than it’s been getting it ain’t never going to see spring again.” The plant symbolizes Mamas dedication to her dreams. Every morning she tends to her plant and explains that even though it doesn’t get the amount of sunlight that is needed the plant is still alive. This also symbolizes that even though her dreams have been deferred throughout her life she still keeps them alive and strives to achieve them. Mama Decort 2 decided to put a down payment on a house in a white neighborhood knowing that this would keep the family together. This also shows her belief in achieving the ideal American Dream. Mama is the head of the household and always makes sure her children remember where they came from and to take pride in what they believe in. She wants them to respect themselves and to succeed while maintaining moral boundaries.
Ruth has similar dreams as Mama does, she wants to build her own happy family and move towards a bigger and better house. Ruth said to mama, “So you went and did it! PRAISE GOD! Please honey let me be glad, you be glad too. Ok walter a home..a home.” Ruth’s reaction to how happy she was when she found out Mama bought a house shows how much she does care for her family and wants that American dream as well. Ruth believes that ownership can bring happiness and that is the idea of her “better life”.
Mikaela Decort
Mr. Johnsmeyer
English 102, Essay #2 The American Dream in “A Raisin In The Sun”
A Raisin in the Sun is a play that focuses on the “American Dream” and one’s conception of a “better life”. Each character in the play has their own view on what that dream is and what they perceive a better life to be. Hansberry focuses on the importance of achieving one’s dreams regardless of the various harsh struggles in life.
Mama has dreams of providing her family with a better life she and her husband ever had. Mama said, “Lord if this little plant don’t get more sun than it’s been getting it ain’t never going to see spring again.” The plant symbolizes Mamas dedication to her dreams. Every morning she tends to her plant and explains that even though it doesn’t get the amount of sunlight that is needed the plant is still alive. This also symbolizes that even though her dreams have been deferred throughout her life she still keeps them alive and strives to achieve them. Mama Decort 2 decided to put a down payment on a house in a white neighborhood knowing that this would keep the family together. This also shows her belief in achieving the ideal American Dream. Mama is the head of the household and always makes sure her children remember where they came from and to take pride in what they believe in. She wants them to respect themselves and to succeed while maintaining moral boundaries.
Ruth has similar dreams as Mama does, she wants to build her own happy family and move towards a bigger and better house. Ruth said to mama, “So you went and did it! PRAISE GOD! Please honey let me be glad, you be glad too. Ok walter a home..a home.” Ruth’s reaction to how happy she was when she found out Mama bought a house shows how much she does care for her family and wants that American dream as well. Ruth believes that ownership can bring happiness and that is the idea of her “better life”.