Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry - 11th Grade quality and in MLA Format - Essay Example

However, Walter cherishes the idea of investing in liquor shop, in collaboration with his friends, which, he believes will solve the entire problems of the family. Walter’s wife supports her mother-in-law and contends that the safe environment of a good house will be helpful for son’s grooming. On the other hand, Beneatha wants to pursue medical profession and she feels that this will enable her to take care of the family. Thus, through portraying the internal strife of the family, their dreams and aspirations, Hansberry illustrates the struggles that the African American community had undergone and their anguish due to discrimination that prevailed in the society.

The story is set in the 1950s America, where the blacks have to suffer discrimination and victimization by the Whites. However, they too cherish their dreams and aspirations about good homes, decent education and a happy life. The play communicates this theme by depicting the struggle of the Youngers to come up from their poor financial and educational status as evident from the aspirations of Walter and Beneatha, who represent the present generation. On the other hand, Lena, who symbolizes the previous generation, aspires for a decent home, which she feels will provide the family better space.

The “space” in this context subtly espouses the concept of the rights and privileges of African-American society within the country, without discrimination. Lena also contemplates that “She will get her dues one day,” which, again, connotes to the black community deep rooted yearning for equality as humans (Hansberry). Thus, through portraying the worries of Lena, Hansberry paints the larger picture of the African-Americans’ anguish. Hansberry further emphasizes the audacious and rampant nature of discrimination, which prevailed in the American society during that time through the episode where the White people send Karl Lindner from the community where Lena has bought the house, with an offer a buy back at a higher price.

This clearly illustrates the prejudice of the Whites, who believes that if a black family comes into their neighborhood, it will be contaminated. Such has been the force of bias against the African-Americans that the Whites harbored during those times. However, Lena, with her determination to improve the conditions of herself and the family does not budge to the pressure and finally wins her battle when her son, Walter also denies the offer later. This is the moment when she recognizes the fact that her son has become “a man” (Hansberry).

Every man needs to take pride in his inheritance and culture no matter what the color of his skin is and Walter comes of age when he recognizes the responsibility and owes it up. This maturity in the protagonist also reflects on the African American community’s need to recognize their values and stand up proudly to what they are. Another major element in the story that encapsulates the African American’s struggle for freedom and equality is represented through Beneatha, who aspires to become a doctor to serve her family and take care of them.

In this context, one needs to consider the times when a girl from a poor family nourishes in her such a desire. However, she does not merely dream like her brother, instead is prepared to do the hard work for attaining her dreams. Lena, despite all her difficulties