A Raisin in the Sun
Colton Foote, Matt Pesavento, Jacob Rohder and Dae Roberson
Thesis
Theme Analysis
Man Vs Man
Man vs man is all throughout this play, it is most prevalent with the younger family. The family is against Walter and his selfish dream of owning a liquor especially since he is attempting to use the insurance check for it. The family feel it should be using a house for putting Benetha through medical school and buying a house to get them out of the atrocious apartment.
Mama's Dream
Mama’s American dream is to buy a nice house where she can give everyone their own room and make everyone happy. “She went out and she bought….you glad about the house” (Hansberry 91). As they are going through hard times of living of this apartment, mama buys a new house so that they can all live comfortably.
Walter's Dream
Walter’s American dream is to become wealthy like the white person he works for so he can provide for his family. “You wouldn’t understand yet, son, but your daddy’s gonna make a transaction…. You just name it son, and I hand you the world!” (Hansberry 108-09).
Benetha's Dream
Benetha’s American dream was to become a doctor and she is not willing to let anyone change her mind. “oh, I probably will….here better understand that!”(Hansberry 50). As Benetha is told that she isn’t going to be a doctor she is determined to be one and her family is to.
Symbolism: Sunlight
The sunlight represents new life for the Younger family and a new beginning as the only black family in Clyde Park. Sunlight is vital to a plant’s survival, so the sunlight is what motivates the Younger family. Mama tends to the plant and cares for it, in the same way that she tends to the family and care for them.
Symbolism: Insurance Check
The insurance check is the Younger family’s chance to escape poverty and make a better life for themselves. Mama’s husband worked himself to death and the insurance check is what he worked his whole life for. The insurance check is the family’s way of helping Walter pay Willy and Bobo the money.
“Yes’m… ten thousand dollars. Gaalee, Grand-mama, you rich.” (Hansberry 69). This quote shows how the check has changed the life of the family, and how they have a chance to do something.
Symbolism: The Youner's Apartment
The Younger’s apartment represents poverty, their struggle, and the South side of Chicago. The apartment is crowded and the furnishings don’t match but the Younger Family is proud. They keep the apartment clean and try to fix it up. Their passion for the apartment helps Walter see how much his family cares.
‘…but we got to MOVE! We got to GET OUT OF HERE!!” (Hansberry 140). This quote shows the families distaste with the apartment and their want to leave.