In almost every work of literature
there are different themes or motifs which enhance the plot and the overall
meaning of the work. In the beginning of the play,
A Raisin in the Sun, the motif that is evident between Walter and
Beneatha Younger is a brother sister rivalry. Almost from the moment that
Beneatha walks into the kitchen, the two of them start bickering through harsh
dialogue such as, “I dissected something that looked like you today” (36). The conflict between the two siblings
intensifies the effects of the family’s current situation. They are struggling
financially and socially and are beginning to fight over how to use what could
be their saving grace; the insurance check from their father’s death. In the eyes of the family, this check
represents their idea of how to achieve the American Dream.
A
theme which Hansberry uses in this work is the American Dream. The idea of
going from rags to riches was first coined by Horatio Alger. Walter is reaching
for this American Dream and sees his opportunity through the insurance check. Longing
to open a liquor store to make his life better for himself and his family, he
states, “I got me a dream… I got to take hold of this here world, baby!”(33).
Walter wants to change his life, achieve greatness, and not have, “a boy who
sleeps in the living room” (34). In addition, Beneatha has her own idea of the
American dream, going to medical school. Walter sees his potential acquisition
of the American Dream through a successful business and Beneatha sees it
through becoming a doctor.
Through
recurring themes and motifs the reader can better understand the changes the
characters go through and help enhance the development of the story.
The desire to obtain the American Dream is also manifested through Travis. Although Travis is a child, his grandfather's insurance check is weighing heavy on his conscience. On page 28, he goes on to say, "Mama, this is Friday. Check coming tomorrow, huh?" Travis claimed his teacher needed fifty cents from each student. He wanted to fulfill his obligation to his teacher like the other students, and perhaps even to hide the embarrassment of being from a less fortunate family.
ReplyDeleteAnother theme in this novel is prejudice. When Beneatha enters the kitchen, Walter immediately attacks her about her choice in profession. "Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? If you so crazy 'bout messing 'round with sick people--then go be a nurse like other women--or just get married and be quiet..." (38). Because Beneatha is a woman, Walter expects her to be a nurse or a housewife--not a doctor. This theme of prejudice is likely to carry on throughout the novel as we read further and possibly inhibit some characters from achieving their American Dreams.
ReplyDelete