Everyone has their own definition of the American Dream. Some people think the American dream involves wealth and fame, while others call it happiness and freedom. Lorriane Hansberry proves that the American dream is within everyone's reach. In A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry explains the American dream with distinctive characters, a well-rounded theme, and specific symbols. Hansberry uses unique characters to describe the American dream. Each character has a different vision of the American dream. The most polite character in the play is Lena "Mama" Younger. Mom is a strong and determined woman. Hansberry says, “She has, we may see, wit and faith of a kind that keeps her eyes bright and full of interest and expectation” (Hansberry 1135). She is hopeful for the things that are coming her way. The death of Mom's husband provided the family with a $10,000 insurance check. The mother wants to use the money to buy her and her family a new house with a yard big enough for her grandson. He fights for his dream even though his son Walter wants to use the money for something else. Throughout the show, the mom shows how determined she is to make her dreams come true for herself and her family. Beneatha Younger is the daughter of Lena Younger. She is a young and attractive independent college student. Her dream is to become a doctor, even if in this period there are no female doctors known. Throughout the story, he has difficulty finding his own identity. It deals with racial discrimination because African Americans didn't go to college at the time. She is in a relationship with Joseph Asagai. She is the happiest with him because she is grateful for her African heritage through that relationship. Even though she is happiest with Asagai, he is critical... middle of paper... symbolizes the lack of hope the family has for their dreams. The family hates the apartment and the apartment has minimal sunlight. The increased sunlight in the new house shows the family that once they move there, they will gain hope and happiness. Mom will also bring her houseplant back to life with increased sunlight. Hansberry uses unique characters, a well-rounded theme, and detailed symbols to exemplify a family fighting for the American dream. The characters described the different difficulties one may encounter in achieving the American dream. The theme helps emphasize the struggles the characters face throughout the show. The different symbols show the difficulties the family had to face to achieve the American dream. A Raisin in the Sun by Hansberry definitely shows the difficulties someone might face in order to achieve the American dream.