Lorraine Hansberry’s renowned play, A Raisin in the Sun, draws its title from Langston Hughes’ poignant poem, “Harlem.” This connection goes beyond a simple title; both works delve into the African American experience of having dreams deferred in the face of societal injustice and racial discrimination. This article explores the parallels between “Harlem” and A Raisin in the Sun, examining how both pieces depict the yearning for a better life and the consequences of denied opportunities.
Shared Themes of Dreams and Disillusionment
Langston Hughes’ “Harlem” serves as a powerful prologue to the narrative of A Raisin in the Sun. The poem utilizes vivid imagery, comparing a deferred dream to a dried-up raisin and a festering sore, highlighting the psychological toll of unfulfilled aspirations. This resonates deeply with the Younger family’s struggles in the play. Each member harbors individual dreams – Mama’s desire for a house, Walter’s ambition for a business, and Beneatha’s pursuit of a medical career – all representing a collective yearning for upward mobility and a better life.
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Housing Discrimination and the Fight for Dignity
Both works confront the harsh realities of housing discrimination prevalent in mid-20th century America. A Raisin in the Sun portrays the Younger family’s attempt to move into Clybourne Park, a white neighborhood, facing blatant racism and attempts to buy them out. This mirrors Hansberry’s own family’s experience, fighting against restrictive covenants that prevented Black families from integrating into white neighborhoods, as documented in the landmark Supreme Court case Hansberry v. Lee. Similarly, “Harlem” alludes to the systemic barriers that restrict African Americans from achieving the “American Dream” of homeownership and economic prosperity.
The Younger Family’s Struggle: A Microcosm of “Harlem”
The Younger family’s internal conflicts and external pressures embody the central question posed in “Harlem”: “What happens to a dream deferred?” Walter’s frustration with his limited opportunities and his risky investment reflect the desperation that can arise from stifled ambitions. Mama’s unwavering determination to secure a home for her family demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Beneatha’s pursuit of education challenges traditional gender roles and represents the desire for intellectual and personal growth, a theme subtly echoed in Hughes’ poem.
The Legacy of Deferred Dreams: From “Harlem” to A Raisin in the Sun and Beyond
While both A Raisin in the Sun and “Harlem” were created in a specific historical context, their themes continue to resonate today. The fight for fair housing and equal opportunities remains ongoing. Although legal victories like Hansberry v. Lee and legislation like the Fair Housing Act were significant steps forward, systemic racism and discriminatory practices like redlining continue to perpetuate inequality. The enduring power of these works lies in their ability to shed light on the human cost of societal injustice and the persistent need for social change.
The Pursuit of the Dream: A Continuing Struggle
The shared legacy of “Harlem” and A Raisin in the Sun is a call to action. The “dream deferred” remains a potent metaphor for the ongoing struggle for racial and economic justice. Both Hughes and Hansberry remind us that unfulfilled dreams have consequences, both for individuals and for society as a whole. Their works serve as powerful reminders of the importance of hope, resilience, and the continued fight for equality.
