Lorraine Hansberry book summaries

“What happens to a dream deferred?”

This is the epigraph of the play, taken from Langston Hughes's poem 'Harlem,' and it frames the central question of the work.

“I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy...”

Walter Lee says this to his wife Ruth early in the play, expressing his frustration with his unfulfilled dreams.

“Seem like God didn't see fit to give the black man nothing but dreams—but He did give us children to make them dreams seem worthwhile.”

Mama says this to Walter in Act I, Scene 2, reflecting on the role of family in sustaining hope.

“I am a giant—surrounded by ants!”

Walter says this in Act II, Scene 1, while drunk, expressing his feeling of being trapped and underestimated.

“There is always something left to love. And if you ain't learned that, you ain't learned nothing.”

Mama says this to Beneatha in Act III, after the family has lost the money, teaching her about resilience and love.

“I want to be a doctor—and I want to be a doctor who helps people.”

Beneatha says this to Asagai in Act I, Scene 2, stating her ambition and her desire to make a difference.