A Raisin in the Sun, written by Loraine Hansberry, portrays the upbringing of the Younger family in 1930s Southside, Chicago. The family has African-American roots and lives a lowly and menial lifestyle as they share a small apartment and a single bathroom. Also, the confined lifestyle causes strife and conflict among the family, such as acquiring enough money to move to into a house. Further, each family member has a specific dream or pursuit, which Mama honors as the family’s matriarch. Beneatha dreams to attend medical school and to eventually become a doctor, where she would heal the sick and wounded, while Walter’s pursuit is to open a liquor store and work like the white upper-class. However, it is evident throughout …show more content…
Consequently, through her guidance, Walter ultimately decides to give up on his business dreams in order to dedicate his life to the fatherhood. Walters’ dream throughout the play was to open a liquor store, which, if done successfully, would solve his family’s social and economic problems. Mama was morally opposed to the idea of Walter selling alcohol to bring the family out of poverty. Nonetheless, she supported him financially, which reiterates the idea that she always wants the best for her children. For instance, on a day when Walter feels dejected, Mama attempts to change his state by giving him a sum of money. She says, “I paid the $3500 down payment on the house. That leaves $6500. Monday morning, I want you to take $3,000 and put it in a savings account—for Beneatha’s schooling. The rest you put in a checking account with your name on it (106). Walter does not follow Mama’s advice on how to use the money. Rather, he entrusts it all to Willy Harris for the liquor store. Further, at the end of the play, Walter realizes his immoral behavior and recognizes the moral values Mama has instilled in him. He decides to end his business schemes as he has not been acting as a role model to his son, Travis. Walter’s relationship with his family is significant as it allows him to make an honorable decision, that is to become a moral