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A Raisin In The Sun
In the movie A Raisin in the Sun (book written by Lorraine Hansberry) we are introduced to the diverse members of the Younger family; and we witness the family’s struggle with unity, poverty, uncertainties within themselves, and we watch as love is unleashed throughout the family. We learn how each member and their personality adds a small bit of significance to the plot. As the play opens we are also introduced to a dreary yet chaotic environment where the Younger family lives in a state of crowded simplicity; and their wretched tenement not only limits space but also limits their opportunities. When the problem of the use of an inheritance check comes about, things become even worse for the Younger family. Somehow through this turmoil, the family learns even more, how to love.
Walter Lee Younger, being somewhat of a desperate, idea driven man, is perhaps the most controversial member of the Younger family. Early on in the movie he seems to be rather irrational and quite hurtful towards his family. He continuously worries his mother over money that isn’t his, frequently lashes out at his wife, and drowns his miseries away by drinking. As the story unfolds we realize that Walter Lee, although sometimes compulsive, has only the best intentions at heart for his family. We see him time after time make absent minded decisions, (such as the time he invested all his money in a liquor scheme, gave it to a man he didn’t know, and lost it.); but if we look deeper into his actions we see that he was only doing what he thought could make a better life for his family. Throughout the movie, we see a drastic change in Walter Lee. His anger melts away, he begins to show more love towards his wife and even his sister (whom he continuously argues with). Walter Lee despite his mistakes and his faults becomes a better person from it all.
Ruth Younger (the wife of Walter) although quietspoken, brings love and a sense of peace to the family. Regardless of the wretched surrounding of the tenement, and the hurtful words and actions of her husband, Ruth is tolerant, showing unconditional love and concern towards her husband and family. She, like Walter, wants a better life for her family, and believes that can be accomplished by ridding her family of their impoverished home. As a matter of fact, Ruth shows no interest in the inheritance money till she hears of Momma buying a new house. But in the end even she learns that she can be contempt with any home as long as her family is there and in peace. By standing by her family’s side through a time of confusion, she is part of what kept the Younger family from crumbling to pieces.
The central element and backbone of the Younger family is no other but Momma Younger. It is she who keeps every one (especially her erratic son) in place, and keeps in mind the importance of a solidified [next page]