A Raisin in the Sun: The Impacts of Racial Segregation and Identity Crisis by Yamna Khatoon
“When the world gets ugly enough, a woman will do anything…” (Hansberry 77).
This quote speaks to the desperation that can arise when a person or group is marginalized and oppressed. This sense of desperation is often present in discussions of the American Dream, which centers on the idea that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve prosperity in the United States. Khatoon explores how the characters in the play grapple with this sense of desperation and their dreams in the face of systemic racism and discrimination.
“On our Great West African Heritage!… the great Ashanti empires; the great Songhay civilization; and the great sculpture of Benin… the word heritage!” (Hansberry 83)
The quote emphasizes the cultural heritage and history of West Africa, relating to the article’s discussion of how characters in the play grapple with their African-American identity. The quote also ties into discussions of the American Dream, as it highlights the struggles of African Americans to assert their cultural identity and achieve success in a society that has historically marginalized them.
“Seem like God didn’t see fit to give the black man nothing but dreams – but He did give us children to make them dreams seem worthwhile” (Hansberry 48)
This quote highlights the importance of family and community support in striving towards one’s dreams, especially in the face of adversity and systemic racism. It underscores the idea that dreams are often intertwined with the hope for a better future for one’s family and children.
The Racial Tensions Depicted in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun by Persieus S. Balog
“I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy…Mama – look at me” (Hansberry 75)
The information from the article is connected to the play, which explores the characters’ frustration and desperation as they struggle to achieve the American Dream in the face of systemic racism and poverty. The American Dream represents the ideal of equal opportunity and upward mobility, but for many marginalized groups, this ideal has been hindered by various forms of discrimination and social inequality. The characters’ struggles in the play reflect the challenges faced by many in society who strive to achieve the American Dream.
“Cause sometimes it is hard to let the future begin!” (Hansberry 125)
In this article, Balog addresses the difficulty of pursuing the American Dream, which requires letting go of the past and embracing change. The quote from the play suggests that the American Dream can be a challenging and uncertain path, but it must be taken to achieve a better future.
“It makes a difference in a man when he can walk on floors that belong to him” (Hansberry 94)
The article also discusses the importance of property ownership in achieving the American Dream of economic stability and upward mobility. It focuses on the idea that owning property is not just about material possessions but also about the dignity and pride that come with providing for oneself and one’s family.
The Dynamism of the American Dream in Miller’s Death of a Salesman and Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun by Ghassan F. Radhi
“Man says to his woman: I got me a dream. His woman says: Eat your eggs” (Hansberry 37)
The article by Radhi addresses the tension between pursuing the American Dream and meeting immediate needs. Pursuing the American Dream can sometimes come at the expense of meeting basic needs, such as food, and can create family conflicts. Furthermore, the American Dream often emphasizes individual success and achievement, which can result in a highly competitive and individualistic society. This can lead to isolation, alienation, and a lack of social cohesion and community support.
“Yes, a fine man—just couldn’t never catch up with his dreams, that’s all” (Hansberry 49)
Additionally, Radhi highlights individuals’ difficulties in achieving the American Dream. The article underscores the idea that the American Dream can be elusive and unattainable for some despite one’s best efforts. Furthermore, the pursuit of the American Dream can also come at the cost of mental health, as individuals face immense pressure to succeed and fear failure.
“But Lord, child, you should know all the dreams I had ’bout buying that house and fixing it up and making me a little garden in the back — (She waits and stops smiling) And didn’t none of it happen” (Hansberry 48)
The article also highlights how the failure to achieve the American Dream can lead to feelings of disappointment and frustration. Additionally, it emphasizes that systemic barriers, such as racism and poverty, can make the attainment of the American Dream an unattainable goal for some individuals.
Works Cited
Balog, Persieus S. “The Racial Tensions Depicted in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun.” International Journal of Arts, Sciences and Education, vol. 3, no. 1, 2022, pp. 154-167.
Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. Modern Library, 1995.
Khatoon, Yamna. “A Raisin in the Sun: The Impacts of Racial Segregation and Identity Crisis.” Pakistan Languages and Humanities Review, vol. 5, no. 2, 2021, pp. 78-87.
Radhi, Ghassan F. “The Dynamism of the American Dream in Miller’s Death of a salesman and Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun.” European Journal of Humanities and Educational Advancements, vol. 3, no. 8, 2022, pp. 159-163.