A Raisin In The Sun

Essay by EssaySwap ContributorHigh School, 11th grade February 2008

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A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, addresses specific problems of a poor black family in the Southside of Chicago during the 1950s. One of the first ideas uttered in the play is about an insurance check for ten thousand dollars. A struggle arises among the family members as Beneatha, Walter, and Mama reveal their individual views concerning money in their lives.

Beneatha is very intelligent and hopes to go to medical school. She is the only family member privileged to have the opportunities for higher education. She hopes to use some of the money to help her accomplish her goal of becoming a doctor. She does not see herself as a doctor for financial gains but as a way to help benefit mankind.

On the other hand, Walter wants to take the money and start a liquor business. He becomes obsessed with his dreams of a business venture, which would give him financial independence.

He believes that with money he will be able to improve himself socially and will be looked up to by others. He also wants to provide his family with material necessities and luxuries. Walter viewed money as power and success. With money he has everything without money he is nothing.

Lastly, Mama only wants the money to help her children and to make the living conditions better for her family. She has a dream of having a nice house in a good neighborhood. Mama does not care about money as a whole, she even said for her part, "she'd just as soon donate the entire sum to the church." According to her it is not Christian to let money destroy family harmony and she only wants the money to help her family. She views freedom as the most important aspect of life,