A Raisin in the Sun

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A Raisin in the Sun Which is more important to you: money or family? “Cherish your life, cherish your health, cherish your family, and cherish your friends. For these are the things that money can’t buy and will define your true wealth.” In Lorraine Hansberry’s play, “A Raisin in the Sun,” the author utilizes the varying personalities of the Younger family to show that as each character strives to reach their dreams they often disregard the aspirations of other family members and neglect to put family first. In spite of this neglect, through many ups and downs, eventually the Youngers learn to support one another in attempt to better their lives. The aspirations of the Younger family are hinged upon a windfall coming to the family in the form a life insurance policy paid for by the blood, sweat, and tears of the family patriarch, the former Mr. Younger. Conflicts in many forms are the effects of this windfall which was supposed to serve as an asset to the family. One example of conflict is depicted when Walter Younger, the protagonist in the drama, has to "call in the troops" to try to convince his mother, Lena, to consider giving him the life insurance money to open a liquor store. Walter actually serves as script writer and director in Act I Scene I, when he directs his wife, Ruth, exactly what to say and how to act when she brings up the idea of the liquor store with her mother in law as they sit and sip their coffee. The idea of a liquor store goes against Lena's moral compass. However, throughout the play, Hansberry uses conflict to portray the Youngers’ encounters and struggles as the building blocks for the strengthening of family bonds. For example, to show their appreciation to Lena, the family matriarch, for purchasing a family home, family members buy the gardening tools she needs to fulfill her dream of creating her own garden. The

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