Essay, Research Paper
Theme in the A Raisin in the Sun
There are many themes in A Raisin in the Sun. The this play was
written by, an African American, Lorraine Hansberry. The three themes
that stood out when I read the play were; family values, money isn?t
everything, life in poverty.
The first and, I feel, most important was the theme of family values. It
was mentioned a lot how family values are passed on through generations.
For example Mama was always saying what her husband was like and what
he would do. Family values were shown to be very strong in when it comes
down to it. For example when Walter had that guy come over so that he
could take the money but Walter ended up telling him to leave. Mama was
usually the one who reminded her family of the values they needed to
express and follow. For example how she always told Walter how to treat
his wife or how he told Beneatha ad Walter to stop arguing so much.
The next most important, I think, is that money isn?t everything.
Family is more important than money. Walter was going to take the money
from the man for the house but decides that the happiness of his family is
more important than the money. Because money won?t last. For example
Walter had all that money invested in the liquor thing and then
taken away but his family and the love from his family was still there. Also
money won?t be there when you need a shoulder to cry on or when you need
someone to talk to. For example when Walter loses all that money Mama
comforts him and makes him think it?s OK that the money?s gone.
Another one of the major themes is living life in poverty. Living life
in poverty sometimes makes you frustrated and will make you act rude and
obnoxious with other people, including your family. For example when
Walter started talking about not having any money he argued and yelled at
this wife, Ruth. Poverty can make you stress some of the more important
things in life. For example Mama may to have much money before the
inheritance but she still stresses family values. Poverty ca make you jealous
of what other people have. For example Walter is always saying that he
wishes hr had money and a store and the nice things that, rich, white people
have.
The three themes that stood out when I read the play were; family
values, money isn?t everything, life in poverty. All these issues are relevant
in today?s society. This story is based on living in society and how life is,
therefore, the points and themes it brings out are very closely related to the
society of today.