ashleyessay

	"Far away, there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. ” - Louisa Alcott, inspirational novelist. In thepreceding quote, Alcott argues that acquiring a sense of satisfaction is not only limited to achieving one’s dream, but also in the attempt to follow them. Dreams are aspirations that reflect a human’s desires in life. They are a fundamental element that drives human beings to achieve the impossible. Dreams have the ability to motivate one to set goals and ideals for the future. Each person in some part of their life has had desires that they would like to accomplish. Without these desires, there is nothing to motivate one’s actions and attitude. Alcott's idea of satisfaction through the attempt to follow dreams is represented in the play “A Raisin in the Sun.” A Raisin in the Sun is a dramatic play that takes place “sometime between World War II and the present.” The play is set in southern Chicago “sometime between World War II and the present." Chicago at this time is described as dusky, as with each passing day, the nights got colder. The primary cast of the play is the Younger family, and most scenes occur within their home.  The Younger family consists of Walter, Benetha, Lena, Ruth, and Travis. The family lives in an old apartment consisting of two small rooms. The house the family lives in is in desperate need for renovation, and each member of the Younger family shares the same aspiration to move out and experience the American dream, as well as the desire for equal social and economic opportunities, and civil rights. The family's desire for equality mirrors a common attribute that many use to define what we are as human beings; the ability to dream. To expand on this attribute, the American Dream, specifically, is represented to a great extent, as this family struggles to accomplish their dreams due to numerous obstacles, such as racism and poverty. This ideal of the American Dream is still followed by many today, whether it is the desire of fame, wealth, or even love.


	A fundamental principle of the American Dream is its availabilty to everyone willing to chase it. It is not defined by sex or race, and core American values allow all those who wish to experience the Dream the ability to do so. All are allowed the pursuit of happiness.Some Americans view the American Dream as a pursuit of material prosperity, that people work more hours to get bigger cars, fancier homes, and the fruits of prosperity for their families, but have less time to enjoy their prosperity. Others say that the American Dream is beyond the grasp of the working poor who must work two jobs to insure their family's survival. Yet others look toward a new American Dream with less focus on financial gain and more emphasis on living a simple, fulfilling life. Nonetheless, most Americans desire financial security, and in "A Raisin in the Sun”, the author shows an African-American family struggling to escape poverty, which seemingly blocks their American Dream. The play's focus is on Walter's effort to make it, or be somebody. The author also shows how race, prejudice, and economic problems affect a black man’s role in his family, how he provides, and his identity. It is also said that that the Youngers family dreams were unrealistic and they couldn't attain their dreams due to their status in life. The two dreams that the Youngers family want to achieve is to be accepted by the white society and to be financially stable. For example, when the Younger family received the insurance check in the mail, Lena, or Mama went out and bought a house in a white neighborhood. Shortly after she brought the house in, the white neighborhood, known as Clybourne Park, quickly sent a representative by the name of Karl Linder. Linder was a part of the New Neighbors Orientation Committee that welcomed newcomers to the neighborhood. Unfortunately, since the Youngers were black Linder says "It is a matter of the people of Clybourne Park believing, rightly or wrongly, as I say, that for the happiness of all concerned, that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities.” This statement makes it clear that Mr. Linder was trying to convince the family not to live in the neighborhood because they didn't fit into the description of that community. This is an example of the racism the family has to overcome. Being financially stable allows one to have a better lifestyle, as well as gain respect from others and obtain power. By being financially stable, one can live better because he or she doesn’t have to worry about how he or she is going to eat or pay bills. In "A Raisin in the Sun", Walter wants to take the money that his mother received from the death of her father to open a nearby liquor store. Walter wants to use the revenue from the store to help the family, but it ends up being stolen from a friend he lends it to. The family's desire for financial security can be tied back to their desire for power and respect among the white community.  Mama's dream was simp to get her family out of that little house, where Travis had to sleep on the couch, into a larger house with enough room in it for everyone to sleep comfortably. She also wants her family to see the light because in their old house they only had one window where little light came in. Ruth dreams are for her and Walter to have a better relationship with eachother. She also wants to move into a bigger house to see the light, like Mama. Travis, on the other hand, wants to become a bus driver when he gets older, but his father shoots down this idea, stating that its pointless and won't help him achieve the Younger's dreams. In order to achieve the American dream one must define success, which also means deciding what he or she chooses to do for a living. It is a long, hard, road full of planning, from education to financial investments. One must understand the importance of investing, especially in a retirement fund, which makes equally good sense for everyone. In contrast, the Younger family didn't invest their money properly, learn what they were doing, working harder or define success before they decided to spend their money.


In conclusion, if the will to make money is there, anyone in America can pursue happiness and make their dreams come alive. The dream of making money, having a better life, and helping those less fortunate is alive in modern day society. No matter the definition of the American Dream it is possible to obtain it and succeed in life. Today's technology makes it possible for younger people to make their dreams come true. The theme of the play was never give up. One should always follow his or her heart and try to fulfill their dreams. Walter wanted the best for his family and tried to do everything possible to make a better life for his son. He would have given his life for Travis to have a better one. Mama also felt the same way as Walter. She gave up a large sum of money to help her children and grandson have better lives. Each character in this book had a dream he or she wanted to fulfill. By hard work, effort, support, and faith each person could make their dream become reality. Since the Youngers did not give up, in the end, they got the new home they wanted and greatly deserved.