A Raisin in the Sun - na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na

Wait, what?

Question 5: What themes does the play present?

Ultimately, the most prominent theme of A Raisin in the Sun is it's representation of the "American Dream." Now, I personally define the American Dream as financial security and independence, not living from paycheck to paycheck, providing for the family. Some define it as climbing the corporate ladder, crushing those beneath you, and making far more money than you ever know what to do with, but that's just ridiculous, in my humble opinion.

Anyway, how is this theme portrayed, you ask? Well, essentially the entire family is striving to achieve this dream in some way. Mama wants to use the life insurance check to buy a new house for her family so that they'll be able to live more comfortably. Walter wants use the money to buy a liquor store and be financially independent forever. Beneatha wants to go to medical school and become a doctor and achieve success all on her own; she is so determined to do this on her own that she even says she doesn't want to marry just because of money and might not even marry at all *GASP!* Ruth however, just worries about maintaining the life that the family currently lives. She doesn't worry about improving their lot in life but rather just wants to keep things how they are. This of course leads her to worry about the impact that another child will have on the family's financial situation, which brings about the whole new can of worms that we call abortion. Abortion isn't really a theme in the play, but it's at least an issue that pops up. I feel that the author makes their case fairly well through Mama who outright opposes the very idea and says that if Walter wants to be a man then he needs to protect the life of his unborn child.

Another mildly important theme is the underlying racial tension that was prevalent at the time. It's apparent that Walter is a bit mad at the white folk who appear to be living a much easier life simply because their white while his whole family has to struggle so hard since they're black. At the same time, the white neighbors try so hard to prevent the Younger family from moving into their predominantly white neighborhood.

Yup. Lotsa racism. and Racism is bad, mmmkay?