What role does money play in A Raisin in the Sun? For several of Hansberry’s characters, money is a promise of salvation, a gift to be stored up and fought for whenever possible. But as the story unfolds, the Younger family must repeatedly weigh their wish for material wealth against their wish for freedom.
What does money represent for Walter?
For Walter, money seems to be the answer to everything. Money, he believes, allows people to live comfortable and carefree lives. It also seems to define a man by measuring his success and ability to provide for his family. For Walter, who feels enslaved in his job and life, money is the truest freedom.
Why is Walter obsessed with money?
Walter is obsessed with getting money so that he can buy “things for Ruth”; he is unaware that treating Ruth more kindly and with more respect would be more appreciated and valued than any “gifts.”
Which character values money the most in a raisin in the sun?
A Raisin in the Sun Dignity is the most important thing to Walter Lee in A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry. While in the beginning, Walter states that “Life is money,” by the end, he seems to value his dignity more. Throughout the play, he wants, more than anything, to be an owner of a liquor store.
How does Walter spend the money?
Walter plans to use the money to invest in a liquor store with his “buddy,” Willy Harris. He sees this investment as an opportunity to be his own boss and to finally provide for his family the way he feels he should.
How is Beneatha affected by money?
Through the play Beneatha is also affected by money because she is depending on it for her schooling and it influences her thoughts and actions. Beneatha acts like she has Mama’s best interest in mind when she tells Walter that Mama can do whatever she wants with the insurance money.
How does the loss of the money affect Walter Beneatha Mama?
With the loss of the money, Mama loses both her dream and her sense of pride, stating that she simply “aimed too high.” Mama references the people who found her too “high-minded,” recalling Mrs. Johnson assimilationist perspective.
Why did Walt burn all his money?
Feeling guilty after the air crash that ended season two, Walt hastily begins to burn his money on the barbecue. When he changes his mind, he literally sets himself on fire before dumping himself and the money into the pool.
How is money characterized?
The characteristics of money are durability, portability, divisibility, uniformity, limited supply, and acceptability.
What are two themes in a raisin in the sun?
The major themes of A Raisin in the Sun include dreams, pride, money, race, and family. Each character in the play demonstrates at least one of the themes through their interactions with other characters.
How does Mama feel about money in A Raisin in the Sun?
How does Mama feel about money? Mama values money, knowing that it is very difficult to come across. Therefore she wishes that whatever she spends with that money must be worth it.
What does Mama say about money in A Raisin in the Sun?
“Mama: Oh—So now it’s life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life—now it’s money.
What does Ruth want to do with the money in A Raisin in the Sun?
In this regard, Ruth is symbolically aligned with Mama, with whom she shares a vision of providing the family with better living conditions. While Walter wants to use the insurance money for his business, and Beneatha needs it for her schooling, Ruth advocates strongly for moving the family out of the South Side slums.
Does Walter lose all his money?
Walter ended up with zero, as he gave $970,000 to Elliot and Gretchen Schwartz to put in an irrevocable trust and Jack and his crew stole the rest. Walter clearly didn’t care about money for himself as he killed Jack before finding out where the rest of the money was.
How much money did Walt leave his family?
the 9.72 million dollars Walt left with them. Walt had a ends justify the means mentality when he set out on his quest to not bankrupt his family. He did not care for the legacy he left behind, that his family would hate him.
What did Mama do with the money?
3. What did Mama do with her money? She bought (made a down payment on) a home.
How much money did Lena give Walter?
Mama worries about the development of her children, particularly of Walter as his father’s son, and the future of their family. Lena gives Walter the remaining $6,500 to show her faith in him. Lena looks for strength after Walter loses all of the money.
How is poverty shown in a raisin in the sun?
Walter feels limited from opportunities because of the family’s lack of money. The poverty that he’s been trapped in for his entire life is starting to drive him crazy. The family is so poverty-stricken that the birth of a new family member is bad news.
Who does Beneatha end up with?
Unsurprisingly, Beneatha seems to not be into George at all by the end of the play. When we leave Beneatha at the play’s conclusion, she is even considering marrying Asagai and practicing medicine in Africa.
How much money did Walter lose in a raisin in the sun?
($6,500)
The Youngers refuse the deal, even after Walter loses the rest of the money ($6,500) to his friend Willy Harris, who persuades Walter to invest in the liquor store and then runs off with his cash.
How has the loss of the money changed Beneatha’s optimism?
How has the lost money changed Beneatha’s optimism? What does she tell Asagai? What is Asagai’s response? She has no more hope or ambition left she tells him that Walter has given away the money (Page 132-133).