The American Dream and Identity Explored in “A Raisan in the Sun”

The American Dream and Identity Explored in Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” Dreams are the very essence of individuality. While we live in a world that tries to shape us into becoming what they want us to be, we have our dreams that guide us to follow our own tendencies. The American Dream is one that everyone understands; the notion is practically synonymous with the United States. Hundreds of thousands of individuals come to America to pursue this dream because they know that when they are working toward something positive, they become better individuals.

The idea of identity is closely linked with the American Dream because to have a dream, one must have some sort of idea of what one likes to do. In addition, success generally follows making attempts if one is good at something. Those that achieve the American Dream are perceived as successful, intelligent, motivated individuals. The search for self and the quest for an identity become central themes in Lorraine Hansberry’s play, “A Raisin in the Sun. ”

In the play, Lena Younger’s children, Walter and Beneatha learn what it means to think, behave, and react like an adult before the conclusion. Walter and Beneatha are searching for their identity in a world that is not going to give them much in the way of achieving anything significant for their futures. They learn different lessons about who they are as a result of their circumstances and this helps them understand what the American Dream is all about and what it is worth. Powerful characterization makes Hansberry’s play a success in that we can feel their pain as well as the pride.

Historically, the play is significant because it reflects the sentiments of many African Americans during the 1950s. Prejudice was a very real thing and racism kept many African Americans from simply achieving a decent life much less one that could be remotely close to the notion of this American Dream. This is significant because the American Dream is real to all races but many African Americans felt they were fighting a losing battle when it came to their dreams because they were still living in a white man’s world.

Things have certainly changed with the election of Barack Obama but almost 60 years ago, racism was a very real and very large stumbling block. This reality affects Walter in many ways because he sees it in action every day when he goes to work; In addition, most of the wealthy people he encounters are white. When he comes home, he lives with his mother and sister because he cannot afford to provide for his wife and child; they live in a cramped apartment where children encountering rats is not a surprising event. Walter sees the good life and wants to live that life, too.

He is working against a system that has not encouraged him to be all that he can be so his aspirations are often coupled with notions of get rich quick schemes. Walter chooses this route because he feels as though it might be the only way for him and his family to experience a better life. His identity is under assault throughout most of the play because he feels inadequate in that he cannot provide for his family. Through the deal with Willy, Walter discovers who he is and emerges a stronger and wiser man. L. M. Domina notes, that by “choosing life, they defy their struggle.

In defying their struggle, they refuse the possibility of defeat. ” (Domina) This is the essence of the play; it tells us we do not win by giving up or giving in but by moving forward despite how we feel or how things might look. A sense of self and a sense of identity are established through difficult circumstances because it is through tough times that we realize our abilities. Kimball King asserts that Hansberry emphasizes the search for identity by exploring the “pursuit of and disillusionment with the American Dream. (King 296) “She shows that the American Dream is within the black people’s grasp, though, in order to win it, they must often face and overcome not only institutionalized racism but also internal racist ideas. ” (King 296) King suggests that the Youngers’ struggle is significant because it demonstrates that everyone “strives for recognition, love, and happiness. ” (297) The old adage that anything worth having is worth fighting for is demonstrated in the Younger’s fight for what they believe to be their right and by fighting against preconceived notions about African Americans.

While racism is a theme in the play, it is not emphasized as heavily as the search for significance through identity. Domina suggests that racism is important to the structure of the play because it “considers racism specifically within the context of a particular family’s dreams. Mama Makes her decisions . . . based on her love for her family rather than primarily on an ideological opposition to segregation. ” (Domina) She is simply selecting the best neighborhood for her family to live.

Domina maintains, “It is eventually the family members’ ability to live by their own decisions rather than to simply react to the decisions of others which affords them their greatest dignity. ” (Domina) This is significant to understanding the play’s theme because the Youngers are living in a world in which they have needed to react to many circumstances. To have the chance to make a decision based on something other than their environment provides a sense of stability and pride. Walter becomes the central focus of the play because it is through him that everyone learns a valuable lesson.

He must suffer through this horrible event in order to discover his true identity. Gerald Weales notes that the play is “concerned primarily with his recognition that, as a man, he must begin from, not discard, himself, that dignity is a quality of men, not bank accounts. ” (Weales) This becomes a difficult concern in that Walter has it in his mind that he can elevate his family’s status with a simple investment. Through action, he is attempting to discover what defines manhood and he learns that it is not what he believed it to be initially.

He wants to provide a good example for his son and he would dearly love to give his family a nice home. Walter is selfish because he wants the money to himself and behaves like a rotten child when he gives all of it away. He wants to blame his life, his circumstances, and finally his mother for his troubles. He tells Lena that she does not understand him and his feelings of his life being a “big, looming, blank space–full of nothing” (Hansberry 2228) and has the nerve to tell her that she “butchered up a dream” (2238) of his. Walter cannot see beyond his own fear of failure to see what would happen if the liquor store deal fell through.

He did not consider the law of unintended circumstances and lived to regret it. Lena is the matriarchal figure that provides a solid base for her family and her dream for her family is straightforward – she wants her family to live in a nice home in a decent neighborhood. From her perspective and life experience, there really is nothing else to do with the insurance money. Weales agrees, adding that she is “a more conventional figure, the force, compounded of old virtues and the strength of suffering that holds the family together. She is a sentimentalized mother figure. (Weales) The money will provide the solution that they need to escape their immediate circumstance. Lena is also aware that this might be the only time that she has to do something significant for her family. When Walter confronts her about this issue, she tells him, “We was going backward ‘stead of forwards–talking about killing babies and wishing each other was dead . . . When it gets like that in life–you just got to do something different, push on out and do something bigger. ” (Hansberry 2238) She understands that the money is her chance to do something bigger.

David Krasner contends that Lena is determined that her children will “embrace the rightness of certain moral values that she holds. ” (Krasner 174) Her belief that no one should be owned by anyone else demonstrates her desire to expose her children to a healthy lifestyle and that includes moving into a white neighborhood because it is the safest place for her family to be. Krasner likens Lena’s attitude to that of Rosa Parks in that she is refusing to accept the constraints that society is thrusting upon her.

Lena provides Walter with “two weapons against his oppressed existence as a Chauffeur to the rich: the money that he sees as proof of having made it in America and the moral courage and acuity capable of transforming him. ” (Krasner 174) L. M. Domina suggests, “Mama cares for all living things, even those that do not seem to thrive. ” (Domina) She is less concerned about getting on someone’s good side than she is providing for her family. She also wants to do the right thing when she can. Her forgiveness of Walter despite what he has done illustrates what a caring person she is.

Domina maintains, “Throughout the play, Mama has been trying to lead Walter into the realization of his own dignity, and it is finally through her forgiveness and trust that he achieves it. ” (Domina) Lena is the anchor that the family needs to keep them still in the midst of stormy waters. The conflict between Walter and Lena is also significant to developing a sense of identity because that is what Lena wants her son to have. Charles Washington maintains that the presence of Walter and Lena and their conflict give the play its dramatic tension as well as “intellectual and emotional appeal. (Washington 112) This structure also “points to the primary meaning of the play: the tragedy of Walter’s reach for the American Dream. ” (112) Washington maintains that Walter has many positive qualities that are often overlooked until the play’s conclusion. Washington asserts that Walter has an “iron will” (112) along with high expectations and a strong determination. At times, however, these qualities reduce him to the “role of villain” (112) when compared to Lena but Washington believes this is a poor comparison.

Lena might project a more positive image but Washington suggests that this is because Lena must “rely on, and fight with, Walter using the only tools available to her: patience, understanding, selflessness, and love. ” (112) these qualities are no doubt genuine but Washington believes that there is “no real enmity” (112) between the two of them because they are both seeking to improve their lives. Washington does not believe that being African American should affect Walter too much in his aspirations. If it did, Walter would have no reason to attempt anything: good or bad.

Washington maintains that those who view Walter as a man with expectations that are too high have a problem as opposed to Walter having a problem. He asserts, “If one has been conditioned to expect little, as many Blacks have been through racism … then the demand for any degree above this conditioned less will seem extreme. ” (112) from this perspective, Lena’s dream seems more reasonable, normal, and logical. She wants her family to have a nice home in a nice neighborhood and this notion seems so much more “sensible” (113) than Walter’s dream of starting his own business.

Washington also contends that Lena is from a different era than Walter and this plays heavily in their relationship. Lena’s line of thinking is coming from a more racist society than what Walter knows. In addition, her children are modern in ways to which she cannot relate. Her fears stem from lynching while her children are unable to relate. It is the typical generation gap that parents often encounter with their children. Lena’s experiences as an African American woman have had a profound effect on her.

Racism has shaped her thought processes from a young girl to a grown woman with children of her own. Washington maintains that while Lena’s experiences did not “destroy her self-esteem, they did color her outlook on life, narrowing her perspective and restricting her beliefs about what a Black person could reasonably expect to achieve in American society. ” (113) her actions prove that she is a fighter that makes the necessary changes to ensure the best for her family. Washington says that Lena is no less a fighter when she is older and this is demonstrated in her decision to buy a house for her family.

Her decision, however, is what sets her at odds with Walter. She is still looking at her piece of the American Dream but it is not the true version of it but rather a “second-class version of it reserved for Black Americans and other poor people. ” (Washington 114) Washington also claims that she cannot be faulted for doing what she does but that her dream is unacceptable to Walter who will have “nothing less than the complete American Dream, since her version of it only amounts to surviving, not living in the fullest sense. (114) Walter did not have the same experience as Lena did and Washington posits that he is an American before he is anything else, believing in “American values, rather than stereotypes, myths, and untruths about Blacks. ” (114) He believes in the notion that in America, one can achieve anything. Washington notes that it is ironic that his family’s influences and their values are what prepared Walter to “accept mainstream American values and strive to reach his goal. ” (Washington 114) He wants the complete American Dream and Washington notes that a significant aspect of Walter’s dream is the “power that money brings.

Power being the essence of the only kind of manhood he is willing to accept. ” (118) Washington goes on to say that an aspect of Walter’s dream is a “radical change in his family’s living conditions” but it is a wider scope than what Lena intends because Walter wants more than a home in a safe neighborhood, he wants to “move up the socio-economic ladder” (118) and completely abandon poverty. In its complexity, Washington insists that Walter’s dream “rests on a morally sound foundation” (119) and the fact that he does not achieve it makes him a tragic hero of sorts.

Not in the traditional sense, of course, because Walter does redeem himself at the end of the play and within his newfound character, we find a sense of hope that he is a changed man. The most encouraging aspect of Walter’s character is the fact that he learns from what has happened. From Willy, Walter now understands that there are those that take from others and the “tooken’” (Hansberry 2258), knowing he has been taken and adding that he is “mixed up bad. ” (2258) unfortunately, he has to learn an expensive lesson when it comes with the lesson of those who take and those that allow themselves to be taken.

Walter can be commended in that he does not let the experience ruin him for life. While it is true that he threw away his family’s security, we can rest assured that he will never do such a thing again. He learns to keep his “eye on what counts in this world. ” (2258) it is as if he had to lose almost everything to come to a point in his life where he began to look at things differently. Before he was swindled, he continued to believe in getting rich quick, and had the liquor store failed, he would have simply moved on to the next scheme to make money fast.

However, he takes what he can from the lesson and turns it into a positive thing, which is incredibly difficult to do. After thinking things over, he decides that he can still salvage something from his life and takes a stand against Mr. Lindner. Walter tells him that his family is proud of who and what they are and they are planning to move to Clybourne Park because his father “earned it. ” (2261) He also tells Mr. Lindner that his family “don’t want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no causes – but we will try to be good neighbors.

We don’t want your money. ” (2261) this scene is compelling because Walter rises up to defend not just himself but also his family and his dead father. Walter undoubtedly, shocks everyone in the room. Margaret Wilkerson suggests that Walter is important to the play at this point because he “signals the wave of the future. He is restless, hungry, angry – a victim of his circumstance but at the same time the descendant of proud forebears. ” (Wilkerson) Walter is struggling to “transcend his victimhood” (Wilkerson) at this point and he does so with grace.

Wilkerson notes that when Walter refuses the payoff, he becomes the “symbolic father of the aggressive, articulate black characters. ” (Wilkerson) The family moves knowing that Walter has assumed the role of the powerful father figure that the family needs since his father’s passing. Domina claims that Walter “finally realizes that there is always something left to love, even in himself. ” (Domina) Furthermore, Walter comes to understand that “just as his dreams cannot be realized for him by others, neither can they be destroyed for him by others.

He rises into renewed dignity not simply because he has access to some money but because he has a renewed sense of himself. ” (Domina) While his change does not right the wrong that the family suffered, it goes a long way in establishing Walter in a position that allows him to be positive. In mentioning the search for identity, Beneatha cannot be overlooked. Her character evolves as the play progresses and she has Walter to thank for much of her growth. However, Beneatha is spoiled, even for a girl from such humble roots.

She jumps from one hobby to another and simply expects that someone will take care of her needs for her. She expresses interests in horseback riding, acting lessons, and other things that become a waste of money as she never stays with anything for very long. In a way, she seems to think she is entitled to certain things, such as an education. However, Beneatha is not a despicable character. While she is spoiled to a certain extent, she has drive and that goes a long way in her world. She is determined and independent and explores her heritage along with being a woman.

Beneatha is also an interesting character because she is actively pursuing a way of life that offers some sort of improvement. She is attending college and actively doing something to improve her life while it seems that Walter wants to believe in the dream but not work hard for it. Beneatha’s ultimate dream is to become a doctor. She believes it to be one of the “most marvelous things in the world. ” (Hansberry 2253) Beneatha’s dream is noble even though her perception of it might be naive. Her attitude changes as a result of Walter’s actions.

At one time, healing the sick was all that mattered to Beneatha and she truly believed that she could make a difference in the world. After Walter’s bad deal, she seems less enthusiastic about such an endeavor and confesses that healing any physical illnesses could not come “close enough to what ails mankind. ” (2254) Walter’s stupid mistake shatters his sister’s dream and allows her to witness the cruelty of the world. It is important to note that Beneatha finds a way to accept her brother’s mistake and gain some respect for him at the end of the play.

Beneatha is significant to the play because she represents the growing number of intellectual African Americans that have real dreams in a real world. She also has a realistic view on relationships. When Asagai states that love should be enough for a woman she responds with a vengeance, telling him that she is not interested in being a part of anyone else’s dream; she wants to pursue her own dream and if that happens to fit into her man’s plan, then all is good. When Asagai wants her to return to Nigeria with him, she hesitates, as if she is not ready to make such a commitment.

While she was wearing Nigerian robes earlier with pride, the notion of actually moving to a different country with a different culture is threatening, even if that country happens to be in her heritage. She comes to realize that she might be happier keeping Africa in her heritage and in the past; therefore, she does not have to face a completely new set of circumstances that she may not enjoy. Again, this action reveals that she is a strong woman not afraid of being alone or without a man.

Don Rubin suggests that the issue of identity with Beneatha who is confused about “Many things, including her identity. ” (Rubin 424) To emphasize the struggle, Hansberry presents her with two suitors. George despises Africa while Asagai encourages Beneatha to explore her African roots and heritage. In Rubin’s opinion, Beneatha’s choice is more than simply choosing one man over the other. The choice “represents a system of values, a way of life and an identity. ” (424) She knows how Asagai feels about women and she understands that she does not like that aspect of him.

She also realizes that if she relocates to another locale, she will be more dependent on Asagai than she would be in the states. This would be a situation that he would like but she would find detestable. Dreams are significant because they accentuate life and give meaning to human purpose. The American Dream is unique in that it becomes a goal of millions of people that live within its borders. The American Dream is appealing because it is not a selector of persons; hard work and perseverance allow individuals to achieve their dream.

Dreams are important because they help us determine who we are. We know more about ourselves when we are able to determine what it is we want from life and what we are willing to do to get that. For African Americans on the brink of the civil rights movement, the American Dream was significant because the fight for that dream held hands with the attempt to overcome racist thought and preconceptions. “A Raisin in the Sun” focuses on these ideas with a look at the Youngers. They have a chance to achieve that dream but they are sidetracked by Walter’s notion that he can get more.

The family’s loss is tragic because it seems to indicate a sense of finality for the family. However, the characters least likely to rise up and fight for what is right stand up and save the day. Lena is exhausted at the play’s conclusion; she is also bewildered and broken. Beneatha is so completely distraught over Walter’s mistake that she calls him a toothless rat. It would seem that he deserves the wrath of his family since he did throw their dreams away. However, Walter decides that he will not let his mistake wear him down or get the best of him. When he stands up to Mr.

Lindner, we see a new man that has pride not only for himself but also for his family. He decides that the past is finished but the future is not. Walter loses the most from his mistake with Willy but he also gains the most from the experience because he is willing to take it and turn it into something good. In short, he finds himself in all the mess. He learns the value of dreams as they relate to his family; he learns the importance of working hard for a living. He learns who he is after all is said and done and nothing is more significant than this.

The American Dream suddenly becomes something that the entire family will work together to achieve and from this work, a sense of self emerges. Works Cited Hansberry, Lorraine. “A Raisin in the Sun. ” The Heath Anthology of American Literature. Vol. II. Lexington: D. C. Heath and Company. pp. 2202-63. Domina, L. M. “An Overview of a Raisin in the Sun. ” New York: Gaile Group. 1997. Krasner, David. A Companion to Twentieth Century American Drama. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell Publishers. 2005. King, Kimball. Western Drama through the Ages.

Santa Barbara: Greenwood Publishing Group. 2007. Rubin, Don. The World Encyclopedia of Contemporary Theatre. London: Taylor and Francis. 2000. Washington, Charles. “A Raisin in the Sun Revisited. ” Black American Literature Forum. 1988. JSTOR Resource Database. Site Accessed April 21, 2008. Weales, Gerald. “Thoughts on a Raisin in the Sun. ” New York: Gale Group. 1959. Wilkerson, Margaret. “The Sighted Eyes and Feeling Heart of Lorraine Hansberry. ” Black American Literature Forum. 1983. JSTOR Resource Database. Site Accessed April 22, 2008.