Themes in A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun has many themes which are expressed throughout the entire play. One theme which I noticed was the pursuit of the American dream and the struggle which comes along with it. The Younger family is the perfect example of a family which is struggling to reach the "American Dream" They are always looking to reach bigger and better things in life. This starts with Walter's outlandish dream to open up a liquor store with money that he just doesn't have. He ends up wasting the little money his family inherited on his dream which he thought would get him rich. Mama is also trying to achieve the American dream when she buys the house for her family to live in. The importance of family and the dysfunctional tendencies of a family are also highlighted in this play. While the family ends up seemingly okay in the end, there are many times when they struggle just as a normal family does. They fight and disagree many times, but in the end, they pull together for the good of the families honor.