Pages 23-75
Literary Analysis:
In the play A Raisin in the Sun Lorraine Hansberry, there is a certain tone created within the text between characters that displays the hunger, desire and desperation that was taking place in The Youngers’ apartment during World War Two in the 1960’s. At the beginning of the play, the main characters such as Walter, Mama, Ruth and Beneatha are presented with a temptation of a check of 10,000 dollars form Mama’s late husband’s life insurance, otherwise mentioned as Walter senior. This creates a theme of anger, hatred and confusion between the family because each family member wants to use the money for a different reason. For example, Mama is planning to use the money to buy a house a for the whole family and save a portion of the money for Beneatha’s schooling, meanwhile Walter wants to invest in a business which his wife Ruth does not support his idea or plans, creating an emotional barrier between everyone. Mama begins to notice the importance of the check along with the tension that has been created, saying “Once upon a time freedom used to be life—now its money.” (Act 1 Scene 2, line 229).
The issue of everyone in the Youngers’ family turning on each other and feeling as if their being attacked by their own family members, is an important reason as to why the theme of hatred and desperation to be wealthy is dominantly present throughout the first scenes. I personally cannot relate or even begin to imagine how frustrating it can be to not be able to fulfill my dreams and aspirations because of financial circumstances. Luckily, I am blessed to have supportive parents who can afford to have me studying here at University of the Pacific. Yet in the reading, I was reminded of the cruel reality that people in the lower class faced back then, and still continue to face today.
Discussion Question:
What can we predict as the readers given the limited information that we have read in the first scenes, based off our initial reaction of the characters? Specifically, what predictions can you conclude for Walter and his wife Ruth and their marriage?
References:
Hansberry, L. (2004). A Raisin in the Sun. New York City, NY: Vintage Books.
Giselle's Blog 
I do believe that everyone having a different goal that relies on Mama’s check is creating an emotional barrier between the family members which is very sad to hear in my opinion. Just like you, I cannot imagine how hard it must be to not have the support of my family and friends in achieving my dreams nor can I imagine creating problems within my family due to financial reasons. With the emotional barriers in mind I predict that maybe Walter and Ruth’s marriage will not last much longer in both of their parts. They both seem too frustrated with each other and after reading that Ruth is pregnant and does not want the child, I think that factor in their life will cause more of a barrier within their relationship.
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I believe that everyone having a different goal that relies on Mama’s check is creating an emotional barrier within the family which is sad to hear. Just like you, I cannot imagine not having the support form my family and friends in achieving my dreams nor can I imagine creating problems within my family due to financial reasons. With what we’ve read I predict that Walter and Ruth’s marriage will probably end due to the frustration on both parties. Also after reading that Ruth is pregnant and does not plan to keep that child, I think that factor will create a bigger barrier within their relationship.
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I would’ve like to see you further develop your second paragraph. Very interesting topic with lots to unpack.
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