Lorraine Hansberrys A Raisin In The Sun :: essays research papers

One of the first ideas mentioned in this play, A Raisin In the Sun, is nearly notes. The Youngers end up with no money because of Walters obsession with it. When Walter decides not to take the extra money he is offered it helps prove Hansberrys theme. Her theme is that money coffin nailt buy happiness. This can be seen in Walters actions throughout the play. While Mama is talking to Walter, she asks him why he always talks roughly money. "Mama Oh--So now its life. Money is life. at a time upon a time freedom used to be life--now its money. I guess the world really do change . . . Walter No--it was always money, Mama. We just didnt know about it." Walter thinks that the world revolves around money. He wants to believe that if his family were rich they would have perfect lives. This isnt true though, and Mama knows it. She knows that no matter how much money Walter has, he go away never be happy unless he has a family that loves him. Before Walter goes out to invest in t he liquor store he has a talk with his son. "Walter You wouldnt commiserate yet, son, but your daddys gonna make a transaction . . . a business transaction thats going to change our lives. . . ." Walter thinks that this transaction will make their lives better. What he doesnt realize is that he already has a good life and he doesnt need more money to make him happy. He should be grateful for what he has instead of anguish about money. Mama talks to Walter about her fears of the family falling apart. This is the reason she bought the house and she wants him to understand. Walter doesnt understand and gets angry. "What you need me to say you done right for? You the head of this family. You run our lives alike you want to. It was your money and you did what you wanted with it. So what you need for me to say it was all right for? So you butchered up a dream of mine - you - who always talking bout your childrens dreams..." Walter is so obsessive over money that he yell s at his mom for not giving him all of it. He doesnt know that what his mom is doing is for the family. He thinks that having money will make the family happy, when in reality the family doesnt need anymore than what they have to be happy.