A Raisin in the Sun Group

Question:

alissajohnson
alissajohnson
Student
High School - 10th Grade

Mama tells Walter that something is eating him up, something that has to do with more than just money. What do you think it is?

Rate question:

Posted by alissajohnson on Tuesday April 14, 2009 at 3:19 PM and tagged with a raisin in the sun, characters, theme, walter.

Answers:


  1. ms-mcgregor Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Walter is caught in a world where he has a job, a wife and child and still lives with his mother who considers herself the head of the family. He believes that neither Ruth, his wife, nor Mama, considers him trustworthy and "grown-up enough" to handle responsibility. Neither one on them really listens to his dreams so he feels that he has no real control of his life. That is why he so desperately wants to invest the insurance money in the liquor store. Walter feels that having his own business will at least give him some control over his life. Mama finally realizes that also when she gives him the money that is left after she buys a house. Walter does end up losing the money, but he gains his self respect when he refuses Linder's offer. To Mama, and to Lorraine Hansberry, self respect is even more important that money.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/raisin-sun

    Rate answer:

    Posted by ms-mcgregor on Tuesday April 14, 2009 at 7:45 PM