The image represents my groups prediction of Momma buying a house with the $10,000.

Literary Analysis

In the second half of the play A Raisin in the Sun by Loraineby Lorraine Hansberry, the tone decreases from being full of hate and aggressive, to a tone of peace and agreement. Mama’s choice of buying the house, while saving an amount of money for Beneatha’s schooling was in my opinion the best choice that could have been made. Even though Walter could feel as if the choice made did not benefit him directly or in the way he was hoping, it provided better living conditions for his children and was a safe way of investing the money. Once the decision was final, I sensed that the tone became calmer and the dialogue between characters became less harsh and more caring. Another type of change in tone that I noticed throughout the second half of the play, was the attitude and opinions towards education, especially in relation to Beneatha going to school and wanting to voice her opinions on different topics as a feminist in the 1950’s. At first, her boyfriend Asagai, explains how education is more of a way to earn a status in society, but she remains firm to her idea of being an educated young woman and to become someone in life that she and Mama would be proud of such as a doctor.

The issue that was presented in the first scenes of the Youngers’ turning on each other because of the money, was resolved by Mama overriding everyone’s opinion and doing something good with the money. Although the problem of Walter doubting and discouraging his sister from pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor remains present throughout the whole play. I believe Beneatha used that doubt as motivation to continue to push through college and prove her brother wrong and make her mother proud. In my opinion, I can relate to Beneatha on being doubted by her brother because my older brother is constantly reminding me how hard my dream job of becoming a speech language pathologist can be since I have to not only get my bachelors but also my masters to become a licensed speech therapist. At times I feel that him doubting m capabilities as a student motivates me to want to prove not only him wrong but to make my dream a reality. 

Discussion Question:

What can we say about Beneatha’s character given that her determination over rules her relationship with her brother and with her boyfriend?

References:

Hansberry, L. (2004). A Raisin in the Sun. New York City, NY: Vintage Books.

Literary Analysis

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.