grapes

Number 5: What themes does the play present? To what extent do the thematic materials of the play have an effect on the dramatic experience?

I think the poem at the beginning explains that theme of the play, well-untill the very end.

Throughout the entire play, each of the characters has their own vision of what the insurance money would do for their lives. Ruth just wanted out of the old house, Beneatha wanted to become a doctor, Mama wanted what was best for the family, and Walter wanted the liquor store deal to work out. But in the end, the dreams all failed and Walter puts their self-respect up for grabs because they are so poor.

So their entire lives their dreams were "deferred", and I think this play shows the dream "explod[ing]". Walter loses the money and Mama begins to doubt that they will be able to move on up out of that old home.

But then Walter, probably a dynamic character, stood up to Lindner and preserved what their "father earn[ed] for them brick by brick" (148).

Finally, we get at least a poignant ending!