A Raisin In The Sun Literary Analysis

Three Women

In life, it’s common knowledge that people will do or say anything especially when it affects their loved ones. In A Raisin in the Sun, Walter Lee Younger is the only man left in Ruth, Beneatha, and Mama’s life. After many shortcomings, Walter seems to be struggling to find balance with his reality and his dreams. Ruth, Beneatha, and Mama all help him find new meaning in his life in their own ways. In the play, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Walter is influenced by his mother, sister, and wife who ultimately change the course of Walter’s life by being unafraid to do things for the well-being of their family. In most marriages, the couple influence each other due to their strong emotional connection. However, Ruth, defeated by years of poverty and immense struggle, is realistic for her family’s own good; she won’t let Walter dream

Ruth is realistic about their life while Walter is unrealistic about his dream and the effects it could have on their life. Beneatha and Walter both need the life insurance money to pursue their dreams; Beneatha wants to be a doctor to help others, and Walter wants to own a liquor store to feel accomplished and to provide for his family. Mama is selfless and shows plenty of love and compassion for her family; on the other hand, Walter can be selfish at times and can occasionally be harsh to Ruth and Beneatha. These women all teach Walter that the most important thing in the world is not success, but it is family and what it means to you. They teach Walter that what genuinely matters in life is not how much money you have, but how willing you are to protect and care for your family. Without them, Walter would be a very different man than he is now. Ruth, Beneatha, and Mama’s influences allow A Raisin in the Sun to focus on the power of unity, family, and