Dreams have value and purpose, but are both changing and changeless.
The play, “A Raisin in the Sun”, is about attaining the American dream. Each member of the Younger family has his or her separate individual dream. The American dream for each of the characters has become a way out of their despair and poverty.
Each character struggles to attain their dream. Walter, the central character, is both the antagonist and the protagonist. He is a victim of circumstance and is his own worse enemy. He wants money to be able to buy things for his family. Yet his get rich quick schemes only cause him heartache and lower his self-esteem. Mama, Lena, is head of the household, although she allows Walter in the end to control the money. She dreams of a family home - a house of her own. The potted plant that Mama nurtures symbolizes her care and love for her family. The plant also symbolizes her dream of having a garden. Mama quietly goes about attaining her dream by taking the money and making a down payment on a house. Beneatha, Walter’s sister, wants to become a doctor. She embraces her African heritage and learns that her goals to become a doctor might follow a non-traditional path. Ruth, Walter’s wife, just wants a better life for her family. To get out of the slums and have a “real” home is her ultimate goal. She has become mechanical in her approach to life. She has no spark in her day.
The Youngers struggle throughout the play to attain their dreams. Their day-to-day life is directly related to their attainment or to their failure to realize their dreams. Mama is really the only character to actually achieve her dream. Walter loses the money on another scheme, and Beneatha has no tuition for medical school. Ruth does get a home but only through Mama’s determination and not from her own efforts alone. With everyday concerns, emotions running hot and cold, and dreams being changed, the Youngers still must deal with racism. The racial discrimination that occurs at the end of the play brings the family together. Walter gains self-esteem by not giving in to his love of money and realizes the greater good of a home for his family. The entire family becomes resolved not to defer their dreams any longer. Even though they will face the dangers of racism, they are determined to live a better life in a home of their own.
Dreams are crucial to our lives. Dreams drive and motivate us, as they do the characters in the play. In a positive way, dreams lift us up from our everyday existence. In a negative way, dreams sometimes place too much emphasis on materialistic goals. The American dream is changeless in that the family is central to attaining our dreams. As long as the family does its best, works together, and supports one another, the American dream will be realized.