Lorraine Hansberry universalized the American dream. Through
black faces, black words and black dreams she depicted a world of confusion and desperation coupled with moments of triumph and ease that one readily identifies with. Today one still understands Beneatha’s insolence and Walter’s desperation. The reality, the passion with which she writes ignites the pages and transforms her words into subtle glances and highly intensified action. It is the action, the intensity, the subtle nuances of each characters disposition that make it realistic. The questions of identity and purpose that they ask of each other and themselves are not unique to their time or situation.
When Beneatha cuts her hair she is cutting the hair of all women. She is severing the tie that binds her to the oppressive society that makes her justify her dreams. This is her surge, her struggle for independence and purpose in a male dominated world and field. She
wants to be a doctor. Who is to tell her that her
dream is too lofty, that her aim is too high? No one. Walter scoffs at her hopes, George wants a simple girl, and Asagai treats her like an African queen. In the midst of all these men she is teeming with determination and pride. With that determination and
pride there is a tinge of selfishness, of audacity and self righteousness. Is it fair that she be the “chosen one,” that she carry the
weight of their comeuppance on her shoulders? Yes and no. It is not simply her weight to carry and as such Walter’s jealousy is understandable, but his actions are not. He is blinded by anger, by his inability to provide his
family with the life to which he has always aspired. As a chauffeur he is placed in a position of servitude, lowered in the eyes of society he desires to be more in the eyes of his family. It is this duality that troubles the Youngers and perpetuates his deceptive deeds. Though he means well his actions are irrational and produce nothing more than heartache. It is when he loses the money that his chauvinistic façade dissipates. He is
left with nothing more than his pride and though it has faltered the strength of the family and the innocence of his son allows him to finally see the error of his ways. One often looks for the easy way out, but that is often a trap holding one back.
Hansberry paints a portrait of life left unseen. The African American dream is the American dream, though driven by different forces. Everyman wishes to provide for his family. Every wife and mother wants only the best for her family. Every young man or woman questions their identity, their place in a world of chaos. This play spoke to so many regions of the brain, to so many thoughts and feelings often left within. One can see themselves in each character; as the wide-eyed Travis, as the stable Lena and as the hopeful Ruth. The problems that plague this family plague all in some degree or another and as such the power of her play will never cease to inspire and enlighten. Though the Younger family triumphs in the end, their journey, their struggle is not complete.
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