A Raisin in the Sun by Hansberry - Research Paper Example

Beneatha must face the tribulations posed by a patriarchal society. D. Ruth faces the challenges of poverty which renders them unable to have another child. II. Another important theme explored is that of racial discrimination and class distinction. A. When the Youngers decide to move into a neighborhood occupied primarily by white people, they are requested to stay away and are offered a decent sum of money to do so. B. The play illustrates not just individual and historic racism, but also institutional racism. C. The prevalence of class division, particularly within the African American community is demonstrated mainly through the relationship between Beneatha and her well-to-do boyfriend, George Murchinson. D. Beneatha is not wholly accepted by the Murchinsons as she hails from a poor family. III. The role of dreams and aspirations in an individual’s life is also very lucidly depicted. A. Beneatha dreams of becoming a doctor, while Walter wishes for wealth and money. B. The destructive power of dreams, when one becomes obsessed by them is also revealed through Walter’s relentless quest for money, regardless of the moral implications of his acts. C. Hence, the matter of whether the end justifies the means is raised. D. In the end, however, the Youngers decide that the foremost objective is to do what is in the best interests of the whole family.

A Raisin in the Sun by Hansberry: An Analysis of Themes Explored “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.” These words, by C.S. Lewis aptly encompass the significance of literature and its study. Literature, be it prose, poetry, plays, fragments or anecdotes, has a way of deepening lives through its depiction of characters, themes and symbols, quite unique yet human and relevant.

Hence, it is through the analysis of the themes within a work of literature that the reader is able to fully comprehend and appreciate the said work. A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, is a play that depicts the experiences of an African-American family known as the Youngers and their battle for survival, against deprivation, bigotry and society as a whole. The play demonstrates how the family receives the insurance amount after the death of the father of the household, and how each member of the family has different wishes with regard to the money.

An analysis of the play reveals that the major themes explored in the work include the development of an individuals’ struggle against society, racial discrimination and the significance of dreams in a person’s life. Social acceptance and recognition are essential to an individual’s happiness and overall development. While society has presented man with the opportunity to connect and associate, it has also placed upon him the burden of integrating into the social system. Most men may choose to conform to the norms and stipulations consigned to them by society, and are thus easily accepted into the social sphere.

And yet there are a few that may need to struggle against society, its expectations and norms, in order to be able to survive. This theme of how individuals must struggle against society in order to survive is lucidly depicted in A Raisin in the Su