A Raisin in the Sin
A Raisin in the Sin
One of the first ideas mentioned in this play, A Raisin In the Sun, is about money. The Youngers end up with no money because of Walters obsession with it. When Walter decides not to take the extra money he is offered it helps prove Hansberrys theme. Her theme is that money cant buy happiness. This can be seen in Walters actions throughout the play.
While Mama is talking to Walter, she asks him why he always talks about money. “Mama: Oh–So now its life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life–now its money. I guess the world really do change . . . Walter: No–it was always money, Mama. We just didnt know about it.” Walter thinks that the world revolves around money. He wants to believe that if his family were rich they would have perfect lives. This isnt true though, and Mama knows it. She knows that no matter how much money Walter has, he will never be happy unless he has a family that loves him. Before Walter goes out to invest in the liquor store he has a talk with his son. “Walter: You wouldnt understand yet, son, but your daddys gonna make a transaction . . . a business transaction thats going to change our lives. . . .” Walter thinks that this transaction will make their lives better. What he doesnt realize is that he already has a good life and he doesnt need more money to make him happy. He should be grateful for what he has instead of worrying about money.
Mama talks to Walter about her fears of the family falling apart. This is the reason she bought the house and she wants him to understand. Walter doesnt understand and gets angry. “What you need me to say you done right for? You the head of this family. You run our lives like you want to. It was your money and you did what you wanted with it. So what you need for me to say it was all right for? So you butchered up a dream