Quotation Analysis A raisin in the sun - Essay Example

Quotes from “A Raisin in the Sun” The Importance of Family Hansberry addresses a central theme the importance of family.Importance of family is a central concern emphasized by various characters in the play. The struggle to gain economic independence among family members forms a vital concern throughout the Hansberry’s play. The play features a young generation that struggles to gain financial stability despite challenging economic situations. As a means of gaining financial independence, coordination among family members is fundamental.

Mama, for instance, believes in the unity and love of the family. Through the following excerpts from the play, Hansberry depicts the theme of importance of a family. A clear theme that emerges from this quotation is Mama and Walter’s desires to have financial stability. MAMA: Oh – So now it’s life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life – now it’s money. (Hansberry 522)”. The excerpt from Hansberry’s play represents Mama’s words in Act 1, scene II. Her words express her wonder as to why Walter always speaks of money.

According to Walter, success is dependent on an individual’s perspective.. Besides depicting the Mama and Walters’ struggles, the excerpt epitomizes the difference between ideals held by young and elderly generations. Mama represents the elderly generation that views social life as fundamental and promotes family ties. Walter, contrary to Mama, represents the young generation. Walter perceives having money as ultimate freedom, even at the expense of family ties. The young generation has love for money and other material possessions, but disregards family ties that promote family life.

Asagai expresses deep passion for money. This excerpt from Hansberry represents a conversation between Asagai and Beneatha. The two characters had a conflict following Bobo’s information to them that Walter incurred loss of money in investments. “ASAGAI: Then isn’t there something wrong in a house – in a world – where all dreams, good or bad, must depend on the death of a man? (Hansberry 565)”. Beneatha expresses cynicism over perceived challenges in the future caused by the loss in investment.

It also connotes the characters’ crave to be wealthy. Based on their reactions to the news of loss in investments, it is evident that Asagai and Beneatha value money compared to social dimensions of life including family relations.Mama’s words express disappointment and discontentment about the loss. In this excerpt, Mama speaks to Beneatha concerning Walter’s loss of money. She expresses anger at Walter’s action to give in to Mr. Lindner. Mama, however, maintains her love for Walter in an attempt to promote strong relations among the siblings.

“MAMA: There is always something left to love. And if you ain’t learned that, you ain’t learned nothing. (Hansberry 573)”. Mama requests Beneatha to support Walter despite the loss incurred. The excerpt promotes the dominant theme of importance of family and its relations.Concerns that Walter’s family members express regarding his decisions relate to the theme. WALTER: We have decided to move into our house because my father – my father – he earned it for us brick by brick. We don’t want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no causes, and we will try to be good neighbors.

And that’s all we got to say about that. We don’t want your money (Hansberry 575). The excerpt from Hansberry’s play represents Walter’s words during his conversation with Mr. Lindner after losing money. Although his family members oppose the decision to accept a buyout, Walter seems convinced to do the contrary. Works CitedHansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. 1958. Web. October 16, 2014. Accessed from http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/tpalacios/files/ela11araisininthesun.pdf