Raisin in the Sun
By Isai Hernandez, Nick Smith, Brittany Gray, Reymon Diaz
Thesis
Theme Analysis
We feel that the overall theme of the story is family values. With their family values that includes optimism, determination, and the being able to remain as a family they make through to the end of the story in which they attain their dream. Mama talking to Mr. Linder “ I am afraid you don’t understand. My son said we was going to move and there ain't nothing left for me to say” (Loraine 148). This quote shows that Mama supports her son’s decision which means that she is united with her family and also shows that as a proud african american family they are moving in to the white neighborhood.”Ruth (Passionately and suddenly)
Oh, Walter – ain’t you with nobody!Walter (Violently)No! ‘Cause ain’t nobody with me! Not even my own mother!” (Loraine 85). This conversation between Ruth and Walter shows that without the support of your family the American Dream is virtually unattainable, but as we already know they do have that family unity that is shown throughout the entire story.Conflict
Man Vs. Self
The conflict of the story “A Raisin in the Sun” is Man Vs Society because throughout the story characters keep on bringing up that colored people, mainly African Americans, are seen from society as less than white folks. Walter says something to mama “Mama – sometimes when I’m downtown and I pass them cool-quiet-looking restaurants where them white boys are sitting back and talking ‘bout things…sitting there turning deals worth millions of dollars…sometimes I see guys don’t look much older than me” (Loraine 74).This is only one of many things that show how the younger family or the African American race faces challenges to attain the American dream from the society they live in, but the younger family keep on pushing through. It shows perseverance to attain the American Dream they want.
1. The scene where Mama is at the market and asks for apples and gets rejected the good ones and gets the old ones, but the white lady gets the good ones. This shows the Man Vs Society because the Man which is Mama Gets rejected the apples from the clerk who represents Society. This connects back to the attainability of the American Dream because Mama gets denied the apples that anybody else would get, but she pushes more for the apple. In the end she moves on to another store. Visual scene.
2. Mr. Linder offers the younger family some money for the house that Mama bought because the neighborhood doesn’t want an African American family living in their white neighborhood. Walter threw their offer out saying you can’t buy us out to make us leave. They move forward from the discrimination given by Mr. Linder and the white neighborhood (Lorraine). Pg. 119
Characterization & Quest for the American Dream
Walter
Walter: "What is it he wants to do?"
Ruth: "Go carry groceries after school at the supermarket."
Walter: "Well, let him go..."
Travis: "I have to - she won't gimme the fifty cents..."
Walter: "why not?"
Ruth: "'Cause we don't have it."
Walter: "What you tell the boy things like that for?
Here, son-"
Travis: "Thanks, Daddy."
Walter: "In fact, here' another fifty cents... Buy yourself some fruit today- or take a taxicab to school or something!"
Travis: "Whoopee-" (Hansberry 30-31).
In this dialogue Walter expresses his displeasure in his financial state. With his wife not allowing their son to have fifty cents because they are unable to afford it, Walter considers otherwise and gives Travis a dollar without hesitation to make him feel like he is richer than he really is. This, in a form, shows that Walter is unhappy and wishes he could provide more for his family. This action, handing his son a dollar makes him feel better for at least providing something as inexpensive as a ride to school or some food.
Ruth
“When the world gets ugly enough - a woman will do anything for her family. The part that’s already living” (Hansberry 75).
Although mama was the one who says this, Ruth does express this pain for her family. Under the tight financial crises the family is under, it seems as though adding another member to the mix would not be the best option for the family, especially one that was unstable. Walter who adds to this burden of pain that Ruth expresses, seems to only care for his dream of becoming rich by pursuing with the liquor store, while ignoring hers. His mother is the only one to catch this, and she tries to force his son to save the unborn child. But sadly he decides to step out the door without a word.
Mama
"Walter Lee - it makes a difference in a man when he can walk on floors that belong to him…" (Hansberry 92).
Mama believes that her family would be better off living in a home instead of staying in that small, old apartment. So at some point she takes the check to purchase a home, under the belief that it would save her family from collapsing.
Mama's plant
Throughout the novel Loraine uses Mama’s plant to represent the state of the family. In the beginning of the novel, as we are introduced to both the plant and the family we discover that they are both deteriorating. “Lord, if this little old plant don’t get more sun than its been getting it ain't never gonna see spring again” (Hansberry 40). This quote shows Mama’s attempt to give care to the plant similar to how she cares for the family.
Sunlight
Another thing that Loraine uses is the sunlight that enters the apartment to symbolize the happiness shown in the family. “The sole natural light the family may enjoy in the course of a day is only that which fights its way through this little window”(Loraine 24). This quote means that the younger's happiness or dream is fighting to to stay, but it is there. And as a family they have to endure it.
Younger's Apartment
Conclusion
Works Sited
Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Random House, 1958. Print.
Leon, Kenny, dir. A Raisin in the Sun. Storyline Entertainment, 2008. Film.