Haris Ashley
In A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, the arrival of the insurance check upsets Lena Younger (Mama) because it serves as a reminder of the loss of her husband, whose death qualified the family for the insurance payment. The check also represents conflicting dreams and aspirations within the family, with Lena's son Walter desiring to invest in a liquor store, while Lena prefers to use the money to secure a home for the family. This conflict reflects the broader theme of deferred dreams and the struggles of African Americans in achieving the American Dream within a society that presents systemic barriers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for the insurance check | Compensation for her husband's life |
| Amount | $10,000 |
| Symbolism | Hope, despair, dreams, aspirations, false hope, safety, protection, compensation after a loss, preparedness for the uncertain future |
| Family dynamics | Conflict between Lena and her son Walter, who is obsessed with money |
| Lena's reaction | Upset, sober, unhappy |
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What You'll Learn
The check is compensation for her husband's death
In the play "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry, the insurance check that arrives for Lena Younger (Mama) is compensation for her husband's death. The check, worth $10,000, symbolizes both hope and despair for the Younger family, reflecting the complexities of the American Dream for African Americans during that era.
Lena's husband, Big Walter, worked tirelessly to support his family financially, and the insurance payment is a result of his efforts to provide for them even after his death. Lena is initially excited about the check, but the gravity of the situation soon hits her. She realizes that the money is compensation for her husband's life, and this upsets her. Lena's unhappiness stems from the realization that her husband had to die for them to receive the money. She feels that the value of her husband's life is reduced to a mere $10,000, which is a devastating thought.
The arrival of the check also creates conflict within the family, as each member has different aspirations for the money. Lena wants to buy a house, while her son, Walter Lee, desires to invest in a liquor store. Lena's dream of owning a home is not just for herself, but for her family to have a better life. She is unselfish, loving, and strong-willed, always putting the needs of her family first. However, the conflict over the money causes tension and highlights the disparity between dreams and reality.
The insurance check also symbolizes false hope, as the expectation that the money will solve their problems can lead to disappointment. This reflects the broader theme of deferred dreams, where dreams that are postponed can result in decay or frustration. The family's excitement turns to unhappiness as they grapple with the complexities of their situation. Lena's upset reaction to the check's arrival is a powerful moment in the play, showcasing the emotional impact of her husband's death and the difficult choices the family now faces.
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Lena feels guilty about her dreams for the money
Lena feels guilty about her dreams for the insurance money because she knows that it comes at the cost of her husband's life. When she receives the check, she sombrely states, "Ten thousand dollars they give you. Ten thousand dollars", reflecting on the fact that this money is compensation for her husband's death. Lena's dream is to move her family out of their small apartment and into their own home, providing them with a better life. However, she feels guilty about prioritising her own aspirations over her family's needs.
Lena's guilt is further compounded by the differing opinions on how to use the insurance money, which creates conflict within the family. Her son, Walter, desires to invest in a liquor store, while Lena prefers to use the money to secure a home for the family. Lena recognises that Walter is struggling with his own dreams and aspirations, and she doesn't want her own dreams to destroy him. She expresses her love and care for her family through her actions, and she is willing to put their needs before her own.
Lena's strong-willed personality is challenged when the insurance money is invested in the wrong person and is lost. She is devastated by this turn of events and feels that all her dreaming about owning her own home was a waste of time. She questions whether she aimed too high and feels guilty for wanting more for her family.
Despite her guilt, Lena's dream of owning a home is not just for herself, but for the betterment of her family. She is unselfish, loving, and strong-willed, always putting the needs of her family first. Lena's guilt stems from her deep love for her family and her desire to see them happy and successful. She knows that the insurance money is an opportunity to improve their lives, but she struggles with the idea that it comes at the cost of her husband's life and the potential conflict it creates within the family.
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The money causes conflict within the family
In "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry, the arrival of the insurance check causes conflict within the Younger family. The check, worth $10,000, is compensation for the death of the family patriarch, Big Walter. While the money represents hope and the potential for a better future, it also highlights the differing dreams and aspirations of each family member.
Lena Younger, also known as Mama, is a strong-willed, loving, and unselfish woman who acts as the head of the household. She has always dreamed of owning her own home and sees the insurance money as a chance to finally make that dream a reality. Lena believes that buying a house will provide a better life for her family, including her son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, and their son Travis. Lena's desire for a home is contrasted with Walter Lee's dream of investing in a liquor store.
Walter Lee is obsessed with money and sees the insurance check as a way to pursue his business aspirations. He is unable to provide for his unborn child and is frustrated by his inability to achieve the traditional model of masculinity. Lena pushes him to act like his father, but Walter Lee falls short of her expectations, leading to tension between mother and son.
The differing opinions on how to use the insurance money create conflict within the family. Lena is upset by Walter Lee's preoccupation with money, believing that he has lost sight of what is truly important. She tries to put things into perspective by revealing that Ruth is pregnant and considering an abortion. However, Walter Lee is speechless, and Lena becomes furious, feeling that he has brought disgrace to his father's memory.
The insurance check symbolizes both hope and despair, reflecting the complexities of the American Dream for the Younger family and African Americans during that era. It represents the dreams and aspirations of each family member, but also the potential for disappointment and false hope. The arrival of the check prompts a sense of potential, but also highlights the differing views on how to achieve a better life, causing tension and division within the family.
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Lena is upset by her son Walter's obsession with money
Walter's obsession with money has also affected his relationship with his wife, Ruth. Lena is disturbed by the dynamic between her son and daughter-in-law. When Ruth tries to talk to Walter about her pregnancy and considering an abortion, Walter is speechless. Lena, expecting him to be enraged and talk some sense into Ruth, becomes furious with her son. She feels that Walter is a disgrace to his father's memory.
Lena's disappointment in Walter stems from her values and priorities. She believes that freedom used to be the most important thing to their ancestors, but Walter is consumed by his pursuit of wealth. Lena's dream is to buy a house for her family to have a better life, showing her unselfish nature. However, Walter has different aspirations, wanting to invest in a liquor store. This conflict over how to use the insurance money highlights the disparity between their dreams and reality.
The insurance check itself symbolizes both hope and despair for the family. It represents the dreams and aspirations of each family member, offering a chance to fulfil personal goals. However, it also signifies false hope, as the expectation that money will solve their problems can lead to disappointment. This reflects the broader theme of deferred dreams, where postponed aspirations can result in decay or frustration.
Lena's upset with Walter's obsession with money is further exacerbated by the arrival of the insurance check. The check serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by her late husband, Big Walter, who worked himself to death to provide for his family. Lena recognises the importance of the money but is saddened by the circumstances that led to receiving it. She understands the potential it holds for their future but also feels the weight of their loss.
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The check represents the complexities of the American Dream
In "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry, the arrival of the insurance check—a $10,000 payment following Mr. Walter's death—carries a complex mix of emotions and implications for Lena and the Younger family. The check represents both hope and despair, reflecting the intricacies of the American Dream within the context of their lives.
The check symbolizes the dreams and aspirations of each family member. Lena, also known as Mama, has long dreamed of moving out of their small apartment and into her own home. For her, the check represents the possibility of finally achieving this dream and providing a better life for her family. Lena's unselfish nature is evident as her dream is rooted in her desire for her family to have a more comfortable and secure future.
However, the arrival of the check also brings a sense of sorrow and complexity. Lena's husband, Big Walter, had to work tirelessly to provide for his family, and it is only after his death that the family receives the insurance payment. Lena's sobering realization that the check is compensation for her husband's life casts a shadow over the excitement. She reflects on the tremendous sacrifice made by her husband, who worked himself to death to secure this opportunity for his family.
The check also creates conflict within the family, as each member has differing opinions on how the money should be utilized. Lena wishes to use it to buy a house, while her son, Walter Lee, desires to invest in a liquor store. This divide illustrates the complexities of the American Dream, where the pursuit of individual aspirations can lead to tension and discord within a family. The money becomes a source of both hope and potential disappointment, reflecting Langston Hughes' theme of deferred dreams and the negative consequences that can arise.
Additionally, the check highlights the societal challenges faced by African Americans during that era. The Younger family's situation reflects the broader struggles of African Americans in their pursuit of the American Dream within a society riddled with systemic barriers. The check becomes a symbol of both the promise of a better future and the complexities that arise in turning that promise into a reality.
Overall, the insurance check in "A Raisin in the Sun" serves as a powerful symbol of the complexities of the American Dream for the Younger family. It embodies the hopes and aspirations of each family member while also bringing to light the tensions, sacrifices, and societal obstacles that complicate their pursuit of those dreams.
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Frequently asked questions
The insurance check is compensation for Lena's husband's life. The arrival of the check makes Lena realise that her husband had to die for her family to get the money.
The insurance check is worth $10,000.
The insurance check symbolises both hope and despair. It represents the dreams and aspirations of each family member, but also the conflict and division that arise from differing opinions on how to use the check.
Lena wants to buy a house with the insurance money. She has dreamed of moving her family into their own home.
Lena is upset by her son's preoccupation with money. She feels that Walter's anger and obsession with money are tearing their family apart.
