english II

Surname.3

Student’s Name:

Institution:

Instructor’s Name:

Date:

The Importance of Dreams.

A Raisin in the Sun is essentially about dreams as characters battle oppressive circumstances that they are facing. The value and purpose of dreams is essentially one of the most important themes and one of the characters that best develops it is Mama Ruth. Each and every family member has a dream; Beneatha dreams of being a physician. Walter, on the other hand, wants money so that he can be able to afford purchases. All through the course of the play, the Youngers are struggling so that they can all achieve their dreams. The Youngers are struggling to achieve their dreams and their happiness and lack of it is tied directly to achieving their dreams. However, by the end of the play, the most essential dream is decided to be the purchase of a house by Mamma because it unites the entire family. In the play A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry reveals the character of Mama to show her development as the foundation of her family and her role in pushing them to achieve their dreams.

Mama is the leader of the Younger’s household. To help them achieve their dreams, she demands that all the members of the family have self-dignity and to pursue their dreams. To live as per her dreams, Mama requires that their apartment always be cleaned. She believes in standing up for her ideals and also provides perspective as a member of the older generation. She is a believer in working hard so as to be a success but also in maintenance of her morality and boundaries. She rejects Beneatha’s sentiments because though progressive, they are unchristian. Further, Ruth’s consideration for abortion are a disappointment to her.

When Walter wants to open up a liquor store, she turns down the idea. She is not willing to partner in a business that to her is an unchristian venture. To her, money is a means to an end. Dreams come across to her as being more important than the gaining of material wealth. The dream to own a house that has a yard where Travis can play is very important to her.

All throughout the play, Mama comes across as a nurturing character constantly reminding Walter all she ever wanted was to make her children happy. She is deeply concerned about Walter and she shows this through giving her the money that is left over from the insurance. She also cares about Ruth and this is apparent when she is the shoulder to lean on when Walter ignores her. She is also respectful of Beneatha’s assessment of George Murchison as self-centered. Mama also is very loving towards Travis and she is hopeful that she will buy a house with a big enough yard for him to play on. Further, all throughout the play, she shows affection towards her plant.

In Conclusion, Mama’s character is developed throughout the narrative to portray the theme of importance of dreams. Not only is she working towards attaining her dreams but she is also working to help her children achieve theirs too. She is not only financially helping them but she also offers moral support to her children. This ensures that they believe in themselves and can work towards their dreams.

Works Cited.

Hansberry, Lorraine, and Michelle Shay. A Raisin in the Sun. Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 1974.