Colonial and Postcolonial African Literatures (ENG2603)
Exam (elaborations)
ENG2603 Assignment 2 2024 | Due 12 July 2024
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Course
Colonial and Postcolonial African Literatures (ENG2603)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
A Raisin in the Sun
Question 1: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
The money for mama’s husband’s life insurance seems to have made the Youngers aware of their
poverty and the need for them to improve their situation (dreaming). In a carefully worded essay,
discuss how each member of the Younger family w...
Colonial and Postcolonial African Literatures (ENG2603)
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Essay 1
1. The money for mama’s husband’s life insurance seems to have made the Youngers aware of
their poverty and the need for them to improve their situation (dreaming). In a carefully worded
essay, discuss how each member of the Younger family wanted the money to be used to achieve
the American dream.
The American Dream, Divided: How the Younger Family Views Their Future in A Raisin in
the Sun
The arrival of a life insurance check in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun ignites a firestorm
of dreams within the Younger family. The money, a bittersweet reminder of their deceased patriarch,
Big Walter, exposes the harsh realities of their poverty while simultaneously presenting a tantalizing
glimpse at a brighter future. Each member of the family grasps at this opportunity, envisioning how
the money can propel them towards their own unique version of the American Dream.
Mama, the family's wise and resolute matriarch, yearns for stability and security. Her dream is rooted
in the memory of a promise shared with Big Walter – to own a house. This dream transcends mere
bricks and mortar. For Mama, a house represents a haven, a place where the Younger family can
finally escape the cramped and demeaning confines of their current apartment. It signifies a space
where they can build a foundation for their future, a place where dreams can truly take root. Owning
a house, especially in a white neighborhood like Clybourne Park, also represents a small victory
against the systemic racism that has confined them for generations.
Walter Lee, Mama's troubled son, embodies a more ambitious interpretation of the American Dream.
He craves independence and a sense of power that eludes him in his dead-end job as a chauffeur. The
insurance money becomes an opportunity to invest in a liquor store, a venture he sees as a path to
becoming his own man. This dream, fueled by a desire for financial autonomy and respect, reflects
the yearning for upward mobility that lies at the heart of the American Dream. However, Walter's
vision is clouded by a sense of desperation and a longing to prove himself, particularly in the face of
societal limitations placed upon a young Black man. His impulsive decision to invest in a risky
business venture highlights the precariousness of achieving the American Dream without education
or guidance.
Beneatha, Walter Lee's younger sister, represents a more intellectual and future-oriented perspective.
Her dream is fueled by education and a desire to become a doctor. The money, for Beneatha,
signifies the chance to break free from the limitations imposed by their social and economic
circumstances. Her dream embodies the American ideal of self-improvement and the pursuit of
knowledge. Beneatha's aspirations extend beyond personal gain; she aspires to become a healer and
contribute to the betterment of her community. Her dream stands in stark contrast to Walter Lee's
immediate desire for financial gain, highlighting the generational differences in how the American
Dream is perceived.
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