Family Influence on Dreams: A Raisin in the Sun's Enduring Message

Do Our Relationships with Family and Friends Influence Our Goals and Dreams?

While most individuals harbor significant goals and dreams, what truly influences their actions and motivations?

The Youngers' Dreams in "A Raisin in the Sun"

Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun, vividly portrays a few weeks in the life of the Youngers, an African-American family living on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s. One can easily imagine the Younger family crowded together in their tiny, roach-infested apartment, struggling, striving, and dreaming. Their lives take a pivotal turn when the family receives a $10,000 life insurance check upon the death of Mama's husband. This money presents an opportunity to escape poverty but also introduces various conflicts. Despite these challenges, every family member remains full of dreams for their future, profoundly influenced by their close ones.

Acknowledgment of Dreams by Loved Ones

One significant way our family and friends influence our goals and dreams is through the acknowledgment of our loved ones. Depending on the aspirations someone holds, their family reacts in different ways, leaving either a negative or a positive influence. For example, Mama's dream of owning a house, eventually realized in a predominantly white neighborhood, exemplifies how the acknowledgment and pursuit of a family dream can shape collective actions.

The Desire to Provide for Family

Another reason family influences our goals and dreams is when others desire to provide for them. Walter's fervent desire for the liquor store, as evidenced by his words, stems from his wish to provide a better life for his family and achieve financial independence.

The Power of Belief and Support

A third crucial way our family influences our goals and dreams is through the unwavering belief of close ones. Mama's strong faith in Ruth's education, for instance, highlights how the conviction of a family member can empower and motivate others to pursue their aspirations.

Throughout the play, textual evidence supports how these familial dynamics shape individual aspirations.

The Enduring Influence of Relationships

Although our dreams and goals are fundamentally based on what we want to accomplish in life, our family and friends can profoundly influence our actions and motivations. Our close ones shape our goals and dreams through their acknowledgment, by desiring to provide for us, and by their strong belief in our potential. This influence extends beyond fictional narratives; for instance, illegal immigrants often face immense obstacles in pursuing their dreams in America, such as inability to get scholarships for college, lack of driver's licenses, and difficulty securing jobs. The inability of their families to help further impacts them. The reasons discussed above are important because having significant people influencing your goals can have a profound impact on what you wish to achieve.