Haris Ashley
In the play 'A Raisin in the Sun' by Lorraine Hansberry, Walter Lee Younger wants his mother, Mama, to use the insurance money from their deceased father's policy to invest in a liquor store business. Walter believes that this investment will pave the way for financial stability and provide a better future for his family. However, Mama is hesitant about this plan as she believes Walter may not be responsible enough to manage the money wisely and has concerns about the moral implications of investing in a liquor business. This disagreement adds tension to the family dynamics as each family member has their own ideas about how to use the money.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is Walter? | Mama's son |
| What is Walter's plan for the insurance money? | Invest in a liquor store with his friends Willy and Bobo |
| Why does Walter want the insurance money? | To escape his job as a chauffeur, to provide for his family, to be his own boss, to redeem himself as a son and as a man, to achieve financial success and educational resources for his son, and to break out of their financial difficulties |
| What does Mama want to do with the insurance money? | Buy a house, give it to Ruth for a vacation, or give it to Beneatha for her education |
| What happens to the insurance money? | Mama gives Walter the money, but he loses it to Willy, who runs off with the cash |
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What You'll Learn
Walter's desire for the money
In the play 'A Raisin in the Sun', Walter Lee Younger desires the insurance money to invest in a business, specifically a liquor store with his friends Willy and Bobo. Walter believes that the investment will solve the family's financial problems forever and provide them with a better future. He sees this investment as an opportunity to be his own boss, to escape his exhausting and thankless job as a chauffeur, and to finally provide for his family the way he feels he should. Walter's desire for the money highlights his struggle for identity and success within the constraints of a society that limits African Americans' opportunities.
Walter's mother, Mama, initially opposes this plan, as she believes that Walter lacks experience and will waste all of the insurance money. She also has moral objections about investing in a liquor business. Mama wants to use the money to buy a larger house in a better neighborhood, which she sees as a symbol of stability and security for the family. She also wants to use the money to support her daughter Beneatha's dream of becoming a doctor.
Despite their differences, Mama eventually gives Walter the insurance money because she feels guilty about oppressing him and understands his desperation to provide for the family. However, Walter loses the money to Willy, who persuades Walter to invest in the liquor store and then runs off with the cash. This loss devastates the entire family, especially Beneatha, whose dream of becoming a doctor is now in jeopardy.
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Mama's desire for the money
In the play 'A Raisin in the Sun' by Lorraine Hansberry, the character of Mama (Lena) Younger has strong desires for the insurance money that the family will inherit. Mama's primary motivation is to use the money to buy a house for her family. This desire stems from a dream she shared with her late husband, as well as a wish to provide stability and security for her family.
Mama's decision to purchase a house with the insurance money also represents her traditional values and cautious approach to financial matters. She believes that investing in a house is a safer option than Walter's plan to start a business, which she considers risky and morally questionable due to its involvement with alcohol. Mama's desire to provide a stable home for her family also reflects her role as the matriarch and decision-maker of the family.
Initially, Mama is hesitant to give Walter control over the insurance money due to his lack of experience and financial carelessness. She fears that he will waste the money and not prioritise the family's needs. However, as the play progresses, Mama changes her mind and decides to give Walter the remaining money after making a down payment on the house. This decision is driven by her guilt over oppressing Walter and her sympathy for his desperation.
Mama's desire for the insurance money ultimately revolves around securing a stable future for her family and honouring the legacy of her late husband. While she initially resists Walter's pleas for investment in a business, she eventually relents out of love and concern for her son.
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Walter's plan for the money
Walter believes he is entitled to a portion of the insurance money for several reasons. Firstly, he was a long-time employee of the company and dedicated a significant portion of his life to its success. During his employment, Walter was a model worker, always going above and beyond, and his contributions were instrumental in the company's growth and prosperity. He feels that his loyalty and hard work should be recognized and rewarded, and that receiving a share of the insurance payout is a fair way to acknowledge his dedication.
Moreover, Walter intends to use the money to secure his future and that of his family. He plans to invest a substantial sum in a conservative portfolio, ensuring a steady source of income for the years to come. This financial security is especially important to Walter, as he wants to ensure he can maintain a comfortable lifestyle and provide for any potential needs or emergencies that may arise in the future. A portion of the funds will also be set aside for his children's education, guaranteeing they have the best possible start in life and the opportunity to pursue their academic ambitions.
In addition, Walter recognizes the importance of helping those less fortunate and intends to use a portion of the insurance money for philanthropic endeavors. He plans to support local charities and initiatives, with a particular focus on education and youth development programs. By doing so, Walter hopes to give back to the community that has supported him and his business endeavors over the years, paying it forward and enabling future generations to thrive.
Walter also foresees using a portion of the funds to reinvest in his business. He recognizes that the company's success was built on constant innovation and adaptation to market demands. With that in mind, he intends to allocate resources towards research and development, exploring new product lines, and expanding the company's reach to untapped markets. This strategy will not only benefit the business but also create new job opportunities and contribute to the overall economic growth of the region.
Lastly, Walter intends to set aside a small portion of the insurance money for personal indulgences. He has always been passionate about travel and plans to explore new destinations, immersing himself in different cultures and creating memorable experiences. Additionally, Walter has a love for the arts and may use some funds to acquire unique pieces, supporting local artists and adding beauty to his surroundings. These personal expenditures will bring him joy and a sense of fulfillment while also contributing to the enrichment of the cultural landscape.
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Mama's plan for the money
In the play 'A Raisin in the Sun' by Lorraine Hansberry, Mama's plans for the insurance money are influenced by her traditional values and desire to preserve the family's stability and legacy. Mama, the matriarch of the family, initially intends to use the money to buy a house, fulfilling a dream she shared with her late husband. This decision reflects her pragmatic approach, prioritizing a stable home environment and the family's long-term security.
Mama's decision-making also considers the educational aspirations of her granddaughter, Beneatha, who dreams of becoming a doctor. Mama wants to ensure that Beneatha's dream remains within reach, so she intends to set aside a portion of the insurance money for Beneatha's medical school tuition. This decision demonstrates Mama's commitment to supporting the family's future and promoting their intellectual advancement.
However, as the play unfolds, Mama's plans for the money become more complex due to the dynamic family relationships and conflicting interests. Mama eventually changes her mind and decides to give Walter the insurance money. This shift in her decision stems from her guilt about oppressing Walter and her desire to empower him to pursue his dreams. She sympathizes with his desperation and wants to give him a chance to take control of his destiny.
Mama's decision to entrust the money to Walter comes with conditions. She insists that he must put aside a portion of the funds for Beneatha's education. While Walter initially agrees to this condition, he ultimately ignores her wishes and invests all the money in a liquor store venture with his friends. This decision leads to financial devastation for the family when Walter loses the entire sum to his friend Willy Harris, who flees with the cash.
In conclusion, Mama's plans for the insurance money evolve throughout the play. Her initial intention to buy a house and secure Beneatha's education reflect her traditional values and commitment to the family's stability. However, her decision to ultimately give the money to Walter highlights her complex emotions and desire to empower him. Unfortunately, Walter's subsequent actions lead to financial loss, impacting the family's dreams and future prospects.
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The outcome
In the play 'A Raisin in the Sun' by Lorraine Hansberry, Walter Lee Younger wants his mother, Mama, to use the insurance money from their deceased father's policy to invest in a liquor store business. Walter believes that this investment will pave the way for financial stability and a better future for his family. However, Mama is hesitant about this plan because she believes that Walter may not be responsible enough to manage the money wisely and has concerns about the moral implications of investing in a liquor business.
Ultimately, Mama changes her mind and gives Walter the insurance money, entrusting him with all the money that remains after the down payment on the new house. She does so because she feels guilty about oppressing him and sympathizes with his desperation, not wanting to destroy their family. She only asks that he put aside a portion of the money for his sister Beneatha's medical school tuition.
However, Walter ignores her wishes and hands the entire sum over to his friends, Willy Harris and Bobo, who plan to use the money to secure a liquor license for their shop. Unfortunately, Willy flees with the money, devastating the entire Younger family, especially Beneatha, whose dream of becoming a doctor is now in jeopardy.
As a result of losing the insurance money, the family's dream of moving into the new house seems shattered. The optimism that once energised them is gone, and they are no longer in a strong financial position. Everyone, including Mama and Ruth, who is pregnant with a second child, must now work and contribute to paying for the house.
In conclusion, while Walter was initially entitled to some of the insurance money, his impulsive decision to invest it in a liquor store business without heeding the warnings and advice of his family members led to the devastating loss of most of their savings. This outcome highlights the importance of financial responsibility and considering the potential risks and consequences of one's actions.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Walter's mother, Mama, is the decision-maker for the family.
Walter wants to invest in a liquor store with his friends Willy and Bobo. He believes that the investment will solve the family's financial problems forever.
Mama wants to use the money to buy a house for her family in a better neighborhood.
Yes, Mama gives Walter the money because she feels guilty about oppressing him. However, Walter loses the money to Willy, who runs off with the cash.
The insurance money comes from Walter Senior's death. It holds promise and hope for the family, offering them options they didn't have before.
