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A Raisin In The Sun Essay

1221 Words5 Pages

In our modern society, the issue of poverty continues to impact African Americans across the globe. A Raisin in the Sun is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry. The title of Hansberry’s play stems from Langston Hughes' poem, Harlem; this says a lot about what the play is about to untell. This play is based on an African American family during the 1950s – Civil Rights Movement– and how the struggles they faced. Lorraine Hansberry illustrates how systemic racism can limit opportunities, bring about financial instability, as well as diminish the dignity of African Americans individually and as a unit. This play explores how race can impact poverty amongst African Americans and how it correlates with today’s society. The Younger family lives …show more content…

The family members all have different dreams and goals, but they are all restricted by the lack of financial resources. An example of this is how Walter dreams of owning his own business, though he is unable to get the money he needs to invest in it. Beneatha dreams of becoming a doctor, but she is unable to afford the education she needs to achieve that goal. Ruth, the mother, dreams of providing a better life for her family, but she is limited by their poverty. The family’s poverty also impacts their relationships with one another, as they are all under constant pressure and stress because of their financial situation. The book highlights how poverty can limit African Americans' opportunities and prevent them from achieving their dreams, and it shows how difficult it can be to escape the poverty …show more content…

The family members have many disagreements, but they also have a decent amount of love and respect for one another that can help them overcome the challenges they are faced with. For example, when Walter loses the family’s money, he’s heartbroken, though his mother, Lena or Mama, forgives him and even encourages him to keep going after his dream. When Beneatha is discriminated against at school her brother, Walter, supports and encourages her to keep fighting for her goals. The Youngers’ relations with each other are not always easy, or pretty, but they are built on a foundation of love and respect that helps them when they are at their lowest. The play shows that family relations can always be a powerful source of strength and support, even when going through

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