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?
Thus, the insurance money represents an opportunity for Walter to redeem himself as a son and as a man.
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.”
What is the significance of Mama giving the money to Walter?
She gives him the remaining $6,500 of the insurance money, telling him to deposit $3,000 for Beneatha’s education and to keep the last $3,500. With this money, Mama says, Walter should become—and should act like he has become—the head of the family. Walter suddenly becomes more confident and energized.
What happens to the money in a raisin in the sun?
The rest of the money, she gave to her son, Walter, asking him to put part of it aside for her daughter, Beneatha, to go to medical school. Instead of doing as he was told, Walter invested all of it in a bad business deal and lost all of his and Beneatha’s money in one day.
Where does Walter say money is life?
Act I, scene ii
This exchange occurs in Act I, scene ii when Mama asks Walter why he always talks about money. Walter responds that “[m]oney is life,” explaining to her that success is now defined by how much money one has. This conversation takes place early in the play and reveals Mama’s and Walter’s economic struggles.
What does Walter Lee want to do with the money?
Mama’s son, Walter Lee, would rather use the money to invest in a liquor store with his friends. He believes that the investment will solve the family’s financial problems forever.
How is money characterized?
The characteristics of money are durability, portability, divisibility, uniformity, limited supply, and acceptability.
Who stole Walters money?
Character Analysis Willy
Willy has no loyalty toward Walter or Bobo: He absconded with their money. Although he knows that he is robbing two people who have as little as he has, this does not stop him; he takes their money and runs off anyway.
How did his attitude change once he got the money?
How did his attitude change once he got the money? he becomes more energized and confident.
Who steals the money in a raisin in the sun?
Willy never shows up onstage, but he plays a significant role in the Youngers’ story. And by “significant,” we mean, “very, very negative.” After convincing Walter that investing in the liquor store is a great idea, Willy takes Walter’s money and runs.
What is Mama’s reaction to Walter losing the money?
In the face of the loss of the money, Mama’s idealism about family falters. Read more about how Walter loses the insurance money. Mama’s sudden sad realization that her husband’s life boils down to a stack of paper bills compels her to turn on Walter as if he had killed his father himself.
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.
How does the loss of the money affect Beneatha?
With the loss of the money to fund her dream, Beneatha appears to have lost her pride in her identity, which was intimately tied to her dream of becoming a doctor. Without her dream to anchor her identity, Beneatha is unmoored and disparages her youthful hope and idealism.
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 Mama feel about money in A Raisin in the Sun?
Mama who is one of the main characters is greatly affected by money, she wants to buy a big house and have a big yard for her grandchildren and for her family. Mama also wants to be very wealthy and become a great person to her family.
What is the main theme of 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.
Who is the first person Lena tells what she did with the insurance money?
Big Walter
His death, which we do not see, causes the action within the play because the entire family awaits the $10,000 insurance check from the passing of the family’s patriarch. The first mention of Big Walter, by name, occurs when Lena tells Ruth what she has been thinking about doing with the insurance money.
What lesson does Walter learn in a raisin in the sun?
Eventually, he realizes that he cannot raise the family up from poverty alone, and he seeks strength in uniting with his family. Once he begins to listen to Mama and Ruth express their dreams of owning a house, he realizes that buying the house is more important for the family’s welfare than getting rich quickly.
What does Ruth want to do with the $10 000?
After Travis leaves for school, Walter explains to Ruth that he wants to use the $10,000 check to open a liquor store with some of his friends.
What idea does Walter get money back?
Walter’s Bright Idea
Walter comes up with an idea to make his situation better. He dreams of opening a liquor store with one of his friends, because he feels it will allow him to make enough money to provide for the family and give him the power to be his own boss.