A Raisin in the Sun

How is "A Raisin in the Sun" a tragedy?

"A Raisin in the Sun" could be argued a tragedy because of how much was lost to the Younger family because of racism. Walter is so jaded by the way people treat him and his family that it leads him to destroy the most important relationships in his life. For example, he starts drinking very heavily to deal with the rejection he feels Mama puts him through by not believing in his dream to start a liquor store. Walter turns his back on Ruth when he finds out she is pregnant by not acknowledging what could be a happy event. When Walter is given Mama's trust, he loses his father's insurance money by trusting strangers over his mother's warnings.

The title comes from the poem by Langston Hughes "A Dream Deferred" and the message there is that a dream that never comes true can destroy someone. Walter and his family are constantly putting their dreams to the side. Even when they buy a home, they are disappointed by the racism that begins even before they get there. So although most would argue that the family overcomes all these problems in the end, most of the story is one of heartbreak and tragedy that the Youngers must continue to overcome.