Reoccurring Pattern In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

The Reoccurring Pattern

Lorraine Hansberry once said, “I think that virtually every human being is dramatically interesting. Not only is he dramatically interesting, he is a creature of stature whoever he is.” No matter of a person’s race or gender, they are still unique in some way. Everyone contributes to society in a different manner, and sometimes we are judged by what he have to offer individually. In Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, an African American family struggles with poverty, maintaining self-confidence, and living the American Dream. Many scenes that seem to be from years ago actually reappear in today’s society. The undated 1950’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, reflects many issues we face in society today as African …show more content…
Mama wants to use the $10,000 insurance check to buy a house in a better neighborhood where Travis can have a backyard to play in. Their two-bedroom home doesn’t have enough space, especially since Travis sleeps on the couch. Ruth is expecting a baby, but doesn’t want to have it because she always thinks about the situation they are in: no income with a limited amount of space. Ruth’s contemplating decision gives Mama more reason to want the new house. We see that Mama is truly head of the household when Beneatha uses the Lord’s name in vain, and Mama replies, “Not that will do. I just ain’t going to have you ‘round here reciting the scriptures in vain – you hear me?” (737). It seems that Mama has high moral standards when it comes to family. Throughout the play, the turmoil between the family members continues when it comes to what to do with the insurance check. Beneatha would like to use the money to pay for her tuition in goal of being a doctor. Walter wants the money to invest in a liquor store. Although Ruth morally disagrees with the idea of a liquor store, she supports Walter’s dream; perhaps this can bring more income in for the family. Mama, being the head of the household, makes the first move with the check by making a deposit on a house in a white neighborhood. Walter is devastated that his dream is ruined, and this leads to his drinking problems. To make Walter better, Mama gives Walter the rest …show more content…
In A Raisin in the Sun, Mama raises her family to always carry self-dignity with them. She teaches them about her background, so that they can grow to understand and respect their ancestors. In many scenes their dignity is put to a test. Mrs. Johnson, their neighbor, is the first to put their dignity to test. Mrs. Johnson reminds Mama and Beneatha of the black family that has been bombed of an all white neighborhood in attempt to scare the Youngers from moving. Mrs. Johnson refers to the Youngers as a “proud-acting bunch of colored folks” (768). In her attempt of criticizing the Younger family, she actually increased their amount of self-dignity. The Youngers were gratified to be called “proud-acting.” As Mama continued to live out her dream of moving out of the ghetto, her soon-to-be white neighbors are working against her. The white community collected money to give the Youngers in attempt to keep them from moving into their white neighborhood. “Walter Lee decides that he will take the money offered by the white neighborhood association, but when faced with the reality of selling out his pride and his dignity, especially in front of his son, Walter Lee cannot go through with the deal (Copenhaver).” Even when the members of the Younger family were put to a test, they still showed their true dignity. In society today, others often analyze African American’s