Influence Of Mama In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

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In the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Mama and Walter influence the plot the most. The play was taken place during the 1950’s Southside Chicago. Mama is a very loving, caring character that tries to take care of her family the best she can. Walter is selfish, wants what is better for himself and argues with everyone. The family struggles, they are poor living in a small apartment with five people. Lorraine wrote this because her family bought a house in a white neighborhood and the house was taken from them.
Mama is the most impactful character in the play. She is in charge of the house and all she wants is for her family to be happy. Mama also strongly believes in her religion and will not let her children disrespect them. She says to Beneatha, “Now- you say after me, in my mother’s house there is still God. In my mother’s house there is still God.” This shows a strong side of Mama because she is strongly sticking to what she believes and is being true to herself. She decided to buy a house for her family because she believed it was in the family’s best interest; although she knew Walter would not be happy she had to think of what was overall the best. However she did feel bad and gave Walter $3,500 of the …show more content…

Walter wants everything to be about him and only him. Mama told Walter, “You ain’t satisfied or proud of nothing”. Walter is only pleased if something goes his way or contributes to him. The money means the world to Walter and things having it all to his dreams will do so much for the family. Walter tells mama, “Do you know what this money means to me? Do you know what this money can do for us? Mama- Mama- I want so many things…” Walter only cares about how the money and help him out, he doesn’t think about any other family members and if they need the money. Walter is a greedy character. He tells mama, “I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy… mama- look at