Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun" explores the struggles of an African American family living in Chicago in the 1950s as they try to achieve their dreams and overcome the racial prejudice they face. One of the central themes of the play is the idea of "the American Dream," which is the belief that through hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success and prosperity.
In the play, the main character, Walter Lee Younger, is a young man who is deeply frustrated by the limited opportunities available to him because of his race. He dreams of making a better life for himself and his family, and is desperate to find a way to do so.
One of the most poignant moments in the play comes when Walter Lee recites a poem called "A Dream Deferred," which speaks to the frustration and disappointment that he and other African Americans feel when their dreams are put on hold or denied because of the color of their skin.
The poem, which was written by Langston Hughes, asks the question: "What happens to a dream deferred?" and goes on to list a series of possible outcomes: "Does it dry up/ like a raisin in the sun?" "Or fester like a sore—/ And then run?" "Does it stink like rotten meat?/ Or crust and sugar over—/ like a syrupy sweet?"
Each of these images speaks to the way in which a dream that is denied or postponed can rot and decay, becoming something that is no longer viable or desirable. The poem suggests that if a dream is not pursued or fulfilled, it can become a source of pain and frustration that eats away at the person who holds it.
In the play, Walter Lee's dream is to own a liquor store, which he believes will provide him with the financial security and independence he desires. However, he is constantly thwarted in his efforts to achieve this dream, and as the play progresses, it becomes clear that he is losing hope of ever realizing it.
Through the poem "A Dream Deferred," Hughes and Hansberry capture the emotion and longing that Walter Lee and other African Americans feel as they struggle to overcome the barriers that stand in the way of their dreams. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity, and the need to keep fighting for one's dreams no matter how difficult the journey may be. So, "A Raisin in the Sun" is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores the struggles and triumphs of an African American family as they pursue their dreams in the face of overwhelming obstacles.