A Raisin in the Sun Themes Dreams. Dreams possess great importance in A Raisin in the Sun, with the play's name coming from a 1951 Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes
James Mercer Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. He moved to New York City as a young man, where he made his career. One of the earliest innovators of the then-new literary art form called jazz poetry, Hughes i…
Full Answer
What is the theme of A Raisin in the Sun?
What is the major theme in A Raisin in the Sun? Dreams and dreams deferred are the central themes in the play. Each character has a dream of their own and in some way, each of their dreams conflicts with someone else's dream.
What is the theme in Act 1 of A Raisin in the Sun?
Beneatha prides herself on the progress that she has made towards achieving her dream of becoming a doctor, which is why she resists Mama's suggestion that God has a role in the fulfillment of her ambition.
How is poverty a theme in A Raisin in the Sun?
Throughout the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry a very prominent theme is poverty. This theme is exhibited through the difficulties the Younger family have balancing all of their needs due to financial difficulty.
What is the main dream or goal in A Raisin in the Sun?
Walter dreams of becoming wealthy and providing for his family as the rich people he drives around do. He often frames this dream in terms of his family—he wants to give them what he has never had.
What is the setting of Act 1 Scene 1 in A Raisin in the Sun?
Summary: Act I, Scene i. It is morning at the Youngers' apartment. Their small dwelling on the South Side of Chicago has two bedrooms—one for Mama and Beneatha, and one for Ruth and Walter Lee. Travis sleeps on the couch in the living room.
Why is it called A Raisin in the Sun?
The play's title is taken from “Harlem,” a poem by Langston Hughes, which examines the question “What happens to a dream deferred?/Does it dry up/like a raisin in the sun?” This penetrating psychological study of a working-class black family on the south side of Chicago in the late 1940s reflected Hansberry's own ...
How is the theme of A Raisin in the Sun similar to the theme in the poem Harlem?
The play “A Raisin In the Sun” and the poem “Harlem” both concentrate on the attainment of the forever promised “American Dreams” (higher education, prosperity, equality, freedom to come and go as you desire and to be whoever and whatever you want).
What scene does Walter lose the money?
Act II, scene iii.
Is Beneatha selfish?
Instead of being grateful for her family's sacrifices, Beneatha often comes off as being selfish, and at times, downright obnoxious. This is obvious in the way that she seems to sometimes look down on her family for not being as educated as she is.
What is the theme of A Raisin in the Sun quizlet?
A Raisin in the Sun is essentially about dreams, as the main characters struggle to deal with the oppressive circumstances that rule their lives. The title of the play references a conjecture that Langston Hughes famously posed in a poem he wrote about dreams that were forgotten or put off.
Did Walter achieve his dream?
Walter decided to sacrifice his dream of opening a liquor store, just to obtain respect from his family and his manhood again. For him it was a tough decision since he was already suffering, but at the end he ended up giving up on money and prove his family that he is proud and that he is not blinded by wealth.
What is Mama's Meaning of Life A Raisin in the Sun?
Mama is suggesting to Ruth of what could be a better future for her son and their family. She will soon have an opportunity to make this thought into a reality if she wished. Another example of Mama's motivation for her goal is her dreams…show more content…
About the Title
The title A Raisin in the Sun comes from the poem "Harlem" by Langston Hughes, which begins, "What happens to a dream deferred?/Does it dry up/like a raisin in the sun?" Many of the main characters feel beaten down because they have failed to realize their dreams.
Summary
This study guide and infographic for Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun offer summary and analysis on themes, symbols, and other literary devices found in the text. Explore Course Hero's library of literature materials, including documents and Q&A pairs.
Themes
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What is the theme of a raisin in the sun?
Dreams are one of the most important themes in A Raisin in the Sun. In fact, the title of the play actually comes from a poem written by famous author Langston Hughes called ''Harlem (Dream Deferred).'' In the poem, Hughes questions whether a dream that is put on hold will eventually dry up like a raisin that's left out in the sun, or if it will explode. This seems to be exactly what's happening to the Younger family, the play's main characters.
What is the theme of a story?
Theme is the big idea in a story or piece of literature. It's an important point that the writer expresses over and over again throughout a story. To figure out the theme, it's important to pay attention to the various story elements such as the conflict and setting, including the characters' thoughts, actions, words, feelings, and relationships. These show us what big messages the author wants us to walk away with. Let's take a look at some themes in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun.
Race Relations
Hansberryexplores the black experience in Chicago and nationwide, illuminating racial issues that continue into the present. One of those issues is the debate over assimilation. The characters ask themselves the following questions: Should African Americans adopt aspects of a culture that is predominantly white? Will thi…
Gender Roles
- Through the Youngers, Hansberryshows how men and women face different obstacles and have different priorities. She questions the validity of many accepted gender stereotypes. The exploration of gender roles is shown through women breaking barriers. Beneatha works toward a career in the male-dominated field of medicine. In a more subtle way Ruth and Mama not only pr…
God and The Generation Gap
- The Youngers range in age from 10 to roughly 65. Hansberryilluminates generational differences, particularly through issues of faith and reverence. Mama is from a generation that remembers her elders' stories of transitioning from slavery to freedom. She considers a free life and a unified family as the highest goals. Her belief in God guides her decisions. Respect is important to her, …
School Versus Work
- The Youngers, like many people, define themselves partially through their occupations. Work, education, and their relation to identity preoccupy the characters. Beneatha's family both supports and derides her for pursuing an advanced degree. Travis, as a young student, considers what he'd like to do as an adult. The Youngers respect education, but at the same time they debate its prac…
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