Themes in A Raisin in the Sun

    For the reader, A Raisin in the Sun points out the hardships of a family in Chicago. The play shows the dreams of the family to overcome poverty and live a life that supports all of them. Beneatha wants to become a doctor but she cannot afford the tuition to go to medical school. Ruth is pregnant and needs financial support in order to raise the child. Mama struggles to feed her family and wants to do more to help her children achieve their dreams. Travis is a young boy that wants to be like the rest of the children at his school and not be considered different. Walter wants to be the man his wife wants him to be and the one who provides for his family.
    The main theme in A Raisin in the Sun is dreams, which the family struggles to achieve. Beneatha’s dream is to become a doctor and help people in need. Beneatha says, “ Oh, I probably will… but first I’m going to become a doctor…” (page 50, Hansberry). The author shows how families in the 1960’s struggle to do what they want to achieve due to the situations they are in. The family struggles with oppression as white people look at them differently and tell them that they are less than them. Ruth’s dream is to build a happy family and find a better place to live. Ruth says, “ Well, I ain’t got no fifty cents this morning.” (page 28, Hansberry). The author shows how the family cannot afford the 50 cents that Travis needs for school. The family’s dreams are at its highest peak when a $10,000 check comes in the mail. Mama says, “ Ten thousand dollars.” (page 43, Hansberry). The author shows how dreams can come a reality when this check comes in the mail. The family comes to a dilemma due to the fact of who the money belongs to.