A Raisin In The Sun Family Dynamic Essay

During difficult times, financial problems, and discrimination, family is one thing on which one can always count on. In the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Lorraine tells a story that focuses on the Youngers, an African American family who are struggling after the death of their father, Big Walter. A Raisin in the Sun recounts the life of the Younger family, which includes Mama, her son Walter, her daughter Beneathea, Walter's wife Ruth, and their son Travis. This family of five live in a run-down one-bedroom apartment in Chicago's south side. Following the death of Big Walter, Mama receives a check from her late husband's life insurance. Each member of the family excluding Travis has an idea of what they want to do with the

“(WALTER comes to MAMA suddenly and bends down behind her and squeezes her in his arms with all his strength. She is overwhelmed by the suddenness of it and, though delighted, her manner is like that of RUTH and TRAVIS)” (Hansberry). The affection of the family for one another is powerfully conveyed throughout the play. Ruth's relationship with Travis might be understood as a reflection of Mama's relationship with Walter. These two mother-son relationships demonstrate a family dynamic that can be demanding as well as tender at times. “MAMA (Opening her eyes and looking into WALTER’S) No. Travis, you stay right here. And you make him understand what you doing, Walter Lee. You teach him good. Like Willy Harris taught you. You show where our five generations done come to. (WALTER looks from her to the boy, who grins at him innocently) Go ahead, son – (She folds her hands and closes her eyes) Go ahead” (Hansberry). This text illustrates how actions have reactions. Mama wanted Walter to understand the kind of example he is setting for his son. Mama realized that Walter's behavior was gradually impacting Travis and the family, and she wanted to express to him the importance of setting a good example for his family and son. “By allowing Lena to play this central role in the Younger family, Hansberry asserts the importance of

By the end of the play, Mama decides to use her late husband's life insurance money to buy a house in a white neighborhood. As a result of this decision, conflict arises between the family and the other characters in the play. “I am afraid you don’t understand. My son said we was going to move and there ain’t nothing left for me to say” (Hansberry). This text was spoken during the scene in which Mr.Linder, the real estate agent, was attempting to persuade the family not to relocate to the new neighborhood. Mr.Linder offered Walter money to encourage the family to reconsider their decision. Although the family knew they would not be welcomed in the new neighborhood, Mama stuck up for Walter and supported his wish to relocate. “There are no mentioned contact between younger family, a black family, and white members of society except for their work and a visit from Mr. Lindner. Mr. Lindner, representative of white community, arrives to the Youngers' apartment to demand them not to move. He only cares about the feeling and comfort of whites without any sympathy for and thought of black people” (Nowrouzi). This quote shows the level of discrimination that African Americans endured in the 1950s. There was rarely any interaction between African Americans and whites. This is one of the reasons Mr.Linder attempted to bribe the family into not moving into the neighborhood.