Lena Younger's American Dream

Lena Younger's American Dream

"Oh—So now it's life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life—now it's money. I guess the world really do change" (Hansberry ). In the play, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Mama makes an importance statement about how money became such a big role in achieving the American Dream. Throughout the play, Mama's picture of the American Dream displays the best interpretation of the dream because it consists of living a happy life minus the involvement of materialistic things. In Mama's eyes, the American Dream means to be content with life without receiving a high salary, owning luxurious cars, and living in the biggest house in the neighborhood. Furthermore, her American Dream does not exclude the importance of love and warmth a family should provide. Therefore, it is very clear Mama has the best interpretation of the American Dream.

In relation to Mama's dream, reaching the American Dream means to put every single drop of hard work and a great deal of patience in order to get to a certain level you want to be in. Just like how Mama's American Dream is unselfish and considers the welfare of her entire family, accomplishing your American dream should not only improve your life, but it should also benefit the people who supported you from losing hope. Mama knew that her dream to move into a new house would not only change her life for the better, but change the lives of the rest of the family as well.

Also, the American Dream should not solely consist of the longing of materialistic things, but should revolve around one's overall happiness. For instance, Walter's main reason he wants to earn money is so he can buy nice cars and jewelry for his family. However, Mama's dream does not consist of the desire of materialistic things, but is comprised of the mindset to give everyone in her family a shot