In both Death of a Salesman and A Raisin in the Sun, the stories are centered around a family. Each of the families is run differently and the relationships between family members are very dissimilar.
Although Lena obviously does more for her children than Willie does, the real reason she is a better parent is that her actions are fueled by a genuine love for her kids, rather than a selfish need to feel important, allowing her to make decisions that are truly in the best interest of her children. In attempts to help Biff graduate, Willy suggests participating in immoral behavior to help him get through school easier. “You'll give him the answers!” (40) When Biff is failing math, Willy tells one of Biff's smart friends that he has to help …show more content…
“Son – I just tried to find the nicest place for the least amount of money for my family.” (2.1.178) It is in Lena's best interest to provide for her family and make sure that they are all happy. She knew that everyone wanted the money for their own personal desires but she knew that buying the house would be the perfect compromise. Lenas selfless actions show her love for her family's happiness over money. Lena could've taken the money for herself and used it all for something personal but instead she invested in something that was fair and important to everyone in the family. Opposite to Lena, Willy is a strong believer that money is the key to happiness and much more important than family. “Ben, how did you do it? What is the answer? Did you wind up the Alaska deal already?” (84) Every time Willy gets together with Ben he has an ulterior motive to find about his money making tactics. Willy has no interest in just spending time with his family member because he cares more about making money and figuring out how to become as wealthy as Ben. Willys actions towards Ben are similar in his actions with his kids and Linda. Willys greediness prevents him from being a good parent because he always puts money first over his family and tries to find any way to become wealthier instead of just being happy with what they have. When the Younger's first receive the inheritance check, Lena wants to show them that they shouldn't be so quick to jump at the money because it is not vital as it seems. “Now don’t act silly…We ain’t never been no people to act silly ‘bout no money –RUTH (Swiftly) We ain’t never had none before – OPEN IT!” (1.2.165-6) Lena is the only one who isn't so eager to use the money. She knows that money cannot buy their family's happiness and she isn't interested in
Although Lena obviously does more for her children than Willie does, the real reason she is a better parent is that her actions are fueled by a genuine love for her kids, rather than a selfish need to feel important, allowing her to make decisions that are truly in the best interest of her children. In attempts to help Biff graduate, Willy suggests participating in immoral behavior to help him get through school easier. “You'll give him the answers!” (40) When Biff is failing math, Willy tells one of Biff's smart friends that he has to help …show more content…
“Son – I just tried to find the nicest place for the least amount of money for my family.” (2.1.178) It is in Lena's best interest to provide for her family and make sure that they are all happy. She knew that everyone wanted the money for their own personal desires but she knew that buying the house would be the perfect compromise. Lenas selfless actions show her love for her family's happiness over money. Lena could've taken the money for herself and used it all for something personal but instead she invested in something that was fair and important to everyone in the family. Opposite to Lena, Willy is a strong believer that money is the key to happiness and much more important than family. “Ben, how did you do it? What is the answer? Did you wind up the Alaska deal already?” (84) Every time Willy gets together with Ben he has an ulterior motive to find about his money making tactics. Willy has no interest in just spending time with his family member because he cares more about making money and figuring out how to become as wealthy as Ben. Willys actions towards Ben are similar in his actions with his kids and Linda. Willys greediness prevents him from being a good parent because he always puts money first over his family and tries to find any way to become wealthier instead of just being happy with what they have. When the Younger's first receive the inheritance check, Lena wants to show them that they shouldn't be so quick to jump at the money because it is not vital as it seems. “Now don’t act silly…We ain’t never been no people to act silly ‘bout no money –RUTH (Swiftly) We ain’t never had none before – OPEN IT!” (1.2.165-6) Lena is the only one who isn't so eager to use the money. She knows that money cannot buy their family's happiness and she isn't interested in