The book “A Raisin in the Sun” describes life as it were for black families living in Chicago when racial segregation and discrimination was rampant. During the period, African Americans did not receive equal treatment and opportunities as whites. Black families had to defer the American dream since they lacked the resources to pursue those dreams. The author highlights the challenges based on racial discrimination faced by black families as they struggled to establish their identity in a segregated society. In the book, black families lived in crowded spaces characterized by poor living standards. Therefore, most of the families hoped to improve their living standards by seeking all the means available. Each character in the book has a different dream and aims at improving his or her lifestyle. All the dreams are aimed at pursuing the American dream of a good lifestyle and better living conditions. Each family member wants to use the insurance money received after his or her father and husband’s death to fulfill his or her dream. Walter appears selfish in his dream and only cares about his interests rather thanthat of the family. He wants to be rich by investing the money in a liquor store business. On the other hand, his sister has a dream of pursuing an education and becoming a doctor. The money would cover her medical school tuition and help the family to progress after securing a job. Lastly, their mother has a longstanding dream of owning a home. She wanted to use the life insurance money to buy a family house and improve their social status and quality of life. I can feel the author’s voice in the story through the characters’ conversation and feelings. The family is very resistant to joining the white world. They want to have an identity that represented their culture. Therefore, Beneatha appears to be a deserter since she wants to pursue higher education, which was a white culture. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with their dreams since each aims at improving the quality of life and status in society without losing their identity. I feel that the pursuit of the American dream is a constant theme portrayed by all the characters. Each wants a better life for the family.

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