By Scottie, Leah, Nina and Caitlyn Themes Of Death Of A Salesman and A Raisin In The Sun By Scottie, Leah, Nina and Caitlyn

What is a theme? ! An idea, phrase, or statement that describes a main point in a text or story to help the reader realize what the lesson to learn from the text is. Examples include… A little goes a long way. Always keep your family close. Treat others how you’d like to be treated. Kindness is key.

Themes In A Raisin In The Sun ! Family always comes before money. “my father--- he earned it for us brick by brick.” pg. 100 Walter states this while arguing with Mr. Lindner about moving into the house. He defends his family and his past while also standing his ground against Lindner so that his family will get the house that is rightfully theirs. This rallies his family and reassures them that Walter is really looking out for them in the end.

Themes In A Raisin In The Sun ! Your dreams don’t always work out. “…it doesn’t seem deep enough, close enough to what ails mankind! It was a child’s way of seeing things.” pg. 88 & 89 Beneatha exclaims this to Asagai, explaining to him that her dreams were foolish, and unrealistic. This is a HUGE theme that reoccurs, by far the most important theme in the story. It plays a big part in Beneatha’s, Mama’s and most of all Walter’s life in A Raisin in the Sun.

Themes In Death Of A Salesman ! Death doesn’t solve ones problems. “I made the last payment on the house today. Today, dear. And there’ll be nobody home.” pg. 139 This is apart of Linda’s small monologue at the end of the play addressing the house at Willy’s funeral. She shows here, that she and Willy could’ve had an easier and more relaxed life if he wasn’t already dead. This scene shows how the theme proves that there’s always an alternative. <3

Themes In Death Of A Salesman ! Being “well-liked” doesn’t guarantee success. “I don’t want you to represent us. I’ve been meaning to tell you for a long time now.” This quote is stated by Howard, when he fires Willy. Willy had strived to be the most liked man around, which he predicted would be the best way to be successful. He even taught this idea to his sons, who ultimately failed as much as he did. This is proof that your likeability has nothing to do with your success.

A Shared Theme ! Out of a few shared themes between the two stories, we decided to showcase one theme that occurs in both A Raisin in the Sun and Death of a Salesman. The theme is… Sometimes, for justice, you must overcome society. A quote aiding this theme in “Raisin” is said by Mama. “My son said we was going to move and there ain’t nothing left for me to say”

A Shared Theme ! Mama helps prove the idea that the family is sticking together to oppose the unjust. They each piggy-back off each other in the “Walter vs Lindner 2.0” scene and show that they are ready to stand up to society. “Salesman” also showcases this idea. The Loman family attempts to overcome societies' standards by trying to be the very best and most well-liked family ever. But unlike A Raisin in the Sun’s portrayal of this idea. It eventually blows up in the faces of the family.

Conclusion ! Obviously, there are many themes shown in both plays. So our group chose the ones we found most fitting and important to the plot. These many themes show just how similar A Raisin in the Sun and Death of a Salesman are in plot, character types, problems, common themes and much more.