A Raisin in the Sun
Jonyae R. Lakaya V. Fabion M. Julissa C. Period 8
Thesis
Theme Analysls
Family values is the strongest theme throughout the play. Being from a family of so much pride, hardworking, and determined people. Mama tried her hardest to keep the family together and to do what was right. "No Travis, you stay right here. And you make him understand what you doing, Walter Lee. You teach him good. Like Willy Harris taught you. You show him where out five generations done come to"(Hansberry 148). Mama is a woman that stands up for what she believes in because she comes from a willing family. However, Walter was going to make a big decision that will carry his family name and mama wanted Travis right there for Walter to teach him what they believed in. "Well - Well .. Son, I'm waiting to hear you say something. I'm still waiting to hear how you be your father's son. Be the man he was. Your wife say she going to destroy your child. And I'm waiting to hear you talk like him and say we a people who give children life, you stand up and look like your daddy and say we done give up one baby to property and that we ain't going to give up nary another one. I'm waiting" (Hansberry 75). Ruth was going to give her baby up, meaning abortion. Mama was raised to know that you bring a baby in the world to give it life not take it away. Also she was waiting for Walter to be his father child and stick up for what he was raised and taught.
Characterization
Walter
Asagai
“Then isn’t there something wrong in a house-in a world –where all dreams, good or bad must depend on a death of a man? I never thought to see you like this, Alaiyo. You! Your brother made a mistake and you are grateful to him so that now you can give up the ailing human race on account of it! You talk about what good is struggle, what good is anything! Where are we all going and why are we bothering” (Hansberry 135). In order to attain the American Dream Asagai believes that people shouldn’t just sit around and rely on a dead body to accomplish hopes and dreams. Also, people who do that won’t anywhere especially if they don’t experience struggle and end up depending on others.
Mama
Conflict
The conflict of the book A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is Man vs society due to the fact that the Younger family has worked hard all their lives to gain a better life and become successful. This conflict connects to the thesis because the Younger family are mistreated during the time because they are African American and because they are not given as much as everyone else, so the moment that they acquire the insurance money from their father’s death their family values are torn apart as each member of the family fights over the money to fill their own dreams.
Conflict Quote
As mama hears from Walter that he has lost all the money from giving it to his business partner willy Harris she is filled with anger and sadness because a portion of it was for Benetha's medical school and the fact that their father would come home every night with red eyes and would grow thin over the strain of working until the day he died (Hansberry 129).
Film Technique
High-key makes the scene effective because it helps show the intense pain and sorrow Mama is washed over with.
Symbols
Mama's Plant
Mama's plant symbolizes her dreams for a better future for her and the family. The plant is close to dying but Mama takes effort to nurture it and does everything to keep it alive. As well as the family she does her everything to keep them together and not fall apart.
The Insurance Check
The insurance check is the main reason why the family is attaining their dream. It symbolizes the new start that mama decides to give to her family. Buying a house with the insurance check gives the family a new start at life.
The Younger's Apartment
The apartment is the first thing that is described in the book and the movie. It’s old, small, and the furniture’s color is worn out. Overall the family cherishes it and keeps it clean because it’s all they have.
Conclusion
Citation
A Raisin in the Sun. Dir. Kenny Leon. 2008. TV Movie.