Everyone has their own definition of the American dream. Some people think that the American dream involves wealth and fame, while others refer to it as happiness and freedom. Lorriane Hansberry proves that the American dream is accessible to everyone. In A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry explains the American dream with distinctive characters, a comprehensive theme, and specific symbols. Hansberry uses unique characters to depict the American dream. Each character has a different vision of the American dream. The most challenging character in the play is Lena “Mama” Younger. Mom is a determined and strong woman. Hansberry says, “She has, we can see, a spirit and faith of a kind that keeps her eyes kindled and full of interest and expectation” (Hansberry 1135). She is hopeful for the things that lie ahead. The death of Mom's husband provided the family with a $10,000 insurance check. Mom wants to use the money to buy her and her family a new house with a yard big enough for her grandson. She fights to make her dream come true even though her son, Walter, wants to use the money for something else. Throughout the play, Mama shows how determined she is to achieve her dreams for herself and her family. Beneatha Younger is the daughter of Lena Younger. She is an independent and attractive young student. Her dream was to become a doctor even though female doctors were rare at that time. Throughout the story, she struggles to find her own identity. It deals with racial discrimination because African Americans at the time did not go to college. She has a relationship with Joseph Asagai. She is happiest with him as she is grateful for her African heritage through this relationship. Even though she is happiest with Asagai, her criticism... middle of paper symbolizes the family's lack of hope for their dreams. The family hates the apartment and the apartment gets minimal sunlight. The increased sunlight in the new house shows the family that they will find hope and happiness once they settle there. Mom will also be able to revive the life of her houseplant with increased sunlight. Hansberry uses unique characters, a well-balanced theme, and detailed symbols to illustrate the example of a family fighting for the American dream. The characters describe the different difficulties that one may encounter in achieving the American dream. The theme helps emphasize the struggles that the characters face throughout the play. The different symbols show the trials that the family had to go through to achieve the American dream. Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun clearly shows the difficulties one may face in achieving the American dream..