The Value and Purpose of Dreams in A Raisin in the Sun Essay Example

One of the greatest tennis players in history, Arthur Ashe, once said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”. In Arthur Ashe's view, status has no bearing on your success. He stresses that it doesn't matter where you are or how you get there. It matters what you do to reach them. In other words, make use of what you have to get ahead. In similar ways, A Raisin in the Sun, written by Lorraine Hansberry, explores the significance of dreams in many different ways to show that it doesn't matter where you are in life to achieve dreams and a person's opinion is worth listening to.

A central way that the author illustrates how people value dreams and how it is difficult to pursue them is through Beneatha's argument with Walter. As Beneatha is getting upset about Walter's criticism of her becoming a doctor, she states, “(Dropping to her knees): Well – I do – all right? – thank everybody! And forgive me for ever wanting to be anything at all! (Pursuing him on her knees across the floor) FORGIVE ME, FORGIVE ME, FORGIVE ME!” (Beneatha 37). Beneatha dreams of becoming a doctor, and Walter is furious that Mama might use the insurance money to pay her tuition without knowing how much it would cost. It was rather rare at this point in time for there to be a woman doctor, which was the reason why Walter believed it was pointless for Beneatha to become a doctor and that his dream should be the one that’s pursued. Additionally, Beneatha fears that her dream is slowly fading away as her brother, Walter, gambles all her tuition money away, “I know that’s what you think. Because you are still where I left off. You with all your talk and dreams about Africa! You still think you can patch up the world. Cure the Great Sore of Colonialism--(Loftily, mocking it) with the Penicillin of Independence--!” (Beneathan 133). When the play begins, Beneatha seems hopeful of becoming a doctor, but as it comes to an end, as she realizes that her brother gave away all her tuition funds, she now feels hopeless and quits dreaming of being a doctor. Asagai tells her that none of this would have happened if her father hadn't passed away. Dreams, whether they're good or bad, shouldn't depend on the passing of a man. Dreams live on, and only you can make them happen. As expressed, any person can achieve their dreams, all they have to do is to think that it is possible and be determined.

In this scene, Lorraine Hansberry conveys the importance of listening to others through Ruth and Walter's conversation. As Walter gets ready for work, he tries to have a discussion with Ruth, but she refuses to listen, “(Looking up at her) See--I’m trying to talk ‘bout myself--(Shaking his head with the repetition)--and all you can say is eat them eggs and go to work” (Walter 34). Despite Walter's attempts to share his dreams with Ruth, she doesn't seem to be listening to him. While Walter tries to alter his lifestyle, Ruth is hardstuck to the way they live. It is not clear to Ruth what Walter's vision of the future is or whether he is capable of becoming a successful businessman. Eventually, she sees his side and tries to convince Mama to lend him some money as she knows Walter lacks both happiness and confidence, which Ruth cannot provide for him. Just as Ruth and Walter oppose each other's future, Mama doubts Walter's ability to succeed as a businessman based on her beliefs that they aren't suited for the job and took away Walter’s fund:

 (Crossing slowly to his bedroom door and finally turning there and speaking measuredly) What you need me to say you done right for? You the head of this family. You run our lives like you want to . It was your money and you did what you wanted with it. So What you need me to say was all right for? (Bitterly, to hurt her as deeply as he knows is possible) So you butchered up a dream of mine--you--who always talking ‘bout your children’s dreams . . .. (Walter 94-95) 

Ruth previously tried talking to Mama about Walter's dream of being a businessman, but Mama believes that the Younger family were not intended to be entrepreneurs. As a result, Mama went ahead and bought a house with the insurance money thinking that it was everyone's dream house. Walter was not happy with Mama's decision, believing it ended his dream. It is popular to do what is best for others, but it does not apply to everyone. It is more important to listen to others and support them rather than just look out for yourself. The world does not revolve around you.

Through Walter's discussion with Mama, Lorraine Hansberry demonstrates how dreams can actually become a reality. Walter argues about what life truly is with Mama, stating: “Sometimes it’s like I can see the future stretched out in front of me – just plain as day. The future, Mama. Hanging over there at the edge of my days. Just waiting for me — a big, looming blank space – full of nothing. Just waiting for me. But it don’t have to be” (73-74). Walter believes that his dream is just out of reach. “Hanging over there at the edge of my days. Just waiting for me — a big, [looming blank space – full of nothing].” It is evident that Walter fears not fulfilling his dream. Although they don't have a good environment at the moment, he still aims to make things better for everyone. Moreover, after Walter gets the money from Mama for his business, he has a talk with Travis about what he wants to do and he tells him, “Just tell me where you want to go to school and you'll go. Just tell me, what it is you want to be – and you'll be it… Whatever you want to be – Yessir! You just name it, son… and I hand you the world!” (109). Walter thinks that it is his duty to fulfill his son’s dream and is willing to give everything to him as a parent. “Just tell me where you want to go to school and [you'll go].” shows that Walter is optimistic about his business and his future after receiving funds for it. He is confident about the success of his business. Walter's lines are particularly used by the author to illustrate the possibilities of how the Younger family can shift the path of their lives.