In A Raisin in the Sun, Mama and Walter engage in a power struggle which revolves around the insurance money. Walter feels that Mama does not support his dream and resents her for purchasing a new home. Mama sympathizes with his situation and gives him the remainder of the money. After Walter loses the money, Mama encourages her son, and he supports her dream by refusing to sell the home. Fortunately, their love for each other supersedes their financial situation.

Asagai and George in "A Raisin in the Sun" serve as contrasting suitors for Beneatha. Asagai, a Nigerian student, encourages Beneatha to connect with her African heritage, supports her dream of becoming a physician, and proposes marriage. He is compassionate and forward-thinking. In contrast, George is an affluent African American who values assimilation into white society, dismisses Beneatha's aspirations, and is more concerned with social status than cultural roots.

A month after moving into their new house, the Younger family experiences mixed emotions and challenges. Mama finds comfort in her garden and new space, while Ruth feels relieved about providing a better environment for Travis. Beneatha likely pursues her education, leaving behind past relationships. Walter struggles with job dissatisfaction but feels less explosive pressure. The family faces racial tension in their predominantly white neighborhood, yet Mama remains hopeful, symbolized by her nurturing of a small plant.

Mrs. Johnson influences Mama by serving as a foil character, highlighting Mama's commitment to her family's dreams. While Mama values education as a means of escaping servitude, Mrs. Johnson dismisses it as useless, quoting Booker T. Washington to argue it gives people unrealistic ideas. Mama finds Mrs. Johnson's views foolish, which motivates her to strengthen her resolve in supporting her family's aspirations, contrasting her with Mrs. Johnson's skepticism.

In "A Raisin in the Sun," Walter and Beneatha learn the importance of dignity and self-worth beyond financial success. Walter realizes that pride comes from self-respect, not wealth, and rejects an offer from Lindner, showing his transformation. Beneatha learns from her mother that pursuing her ambitions should not devalue her family's history and pride. Mama and Ruth's faith in Walter is reinforced as their trust in family is shown not to be misplaced.

George and Joseph in "A Raisin in the Sun" represent contrasting responses to white dominance. George believes in conforming to white societal standards for success, dismissing black identity and change, while Joseph promotes African heritage and identity. George is pragmatic, seeking to inherit his father's wealth, whereas Joseph values overcoming barriers to achieve dreams, reflecting his pride in his educational achievements. Their differing views highlight themes of assimilation versus cultural pride.

Asagai views Beneatha's hair straightening and career aspirations as signs of assimilation into white culture, suggesting she is rejecting her African heritage. He believes her choice to straighten her hair reflects dissatisfaction with her natural features, while her initial career goal as a doctor seems more about proving herself to whites than helping Africans. Despite differing views, Asagai's influence leads Beneatha to embrace a more "natural" identity, enhancing her self-contentment and decision-making stability.

Willy Harris is crucial to Walter's goals and ambitions as he represents both opportunity and betrayal. Walter dreams of escaping his limited economic status as a chauffeur by investing in a liquor store with Harris and Bobo, using money from his father's life insurance. However, Harris absconds with the money, shattering Walter's aspirations of financial independence and respectability, and highlighting the exploitation Walter faces in his struggle to achieve his dreams.

Mrs. Johnson is the Younger's nosy and jealous neighbor who visits their apartment to gather information about their move and subtly criticize their decision to buy a house in a white neighborhood. Although she pretends to be friendly, her comments about bombings and black families being attacked reveal her resentment. Her visit illustrates another obstacle the Youngers face: jealousy from their community.

The best-case scenario for Lena in A Raisin in the Sun would include her remaining in Clybourne Park and enjoying her new home. Ruth would have her second baby, Walter would find a new job in the business sector, and Beneatha would enroll in college. The worse-case scenario for Lena would be to foreclose on the home. Ruth would abort the baby, Walter would become an alcoholic, and Beneatha would compromise her morals by marrying George Murchison.

In A Raisin in the Sun, Lena Younger is the oldest member of the family and maintains traditional beliefs. Ruth is younger than Lena but harbors some traditional views. However, she willing to get an abortion and risk their family's finances on her husband's far-fetched dream. Beneatha is the youngest of the three women and is portrayed as an educated, independent woman who is determined to become a female doctor. Her progressive ideology seems foreign to Lena and Ruth.

Ruth and Mama approve of George Murchison because he is rich and good-looking. In their eyes, he is the perfect match for Beneatha, who is a young, ambitious girl from a poor family. Beneatha, on the other hand, feels that George is far too shallow for her and that he is not interested in her dreams of becoming a doctor.

Willy Harris plays a crucial role in "A Raisin in the Sun" despite never appearing on stage. His deceit, by stealing the money Walter gives him to invest in a liquor store, catalyzes Walter's transformation. This betrayal forces Walter to confront his failures and ultimately empowers him to reject Mr. Lindner's offer, asserting his dignity and assuming the role of family head. Harris's actions indirectly lead Walter to maturity and self-realization.

Asagai is considered a good match for Beneatha because he supports her quest for self-definition and personal identity, unlike George, who is less accommodating of her independence. Asagai encourages her soul-searching and exploration, making him a more suitable partner. However, his views on women's emotions and freedom are not without complexity, as he sometimes struggles to fully embrace Beneatha's conception of freedom, indicating that he is not perfect but still preferable to Murchison.

In A Raisin in the Sun, Asagai symbolizes perseverance or persistence in his view of his role in helping his Nigerian people make progress towards freedom. His character is important to the play because Hansberry wanted to write a work about a wider vision than a single Black family achieving the American Dream of home ownership. She wanted to tie this to the broader vision of the possibilities of the newly liberated African continent. Asagai enabled her to do so.

Historical data shows that pioneers like the Youngers in A Raisin in the Sun faced obstacles, including neighbors protesting their move into the neighborhood, although some were supportive. It is reasonable to assume that the Youngers might also be harassed, which could form the basis of the ending. However, they'd probably refuse to yield to pressure, just as they refuse to yield to Mr. Linder. Eventually, resistance from others will abate, and the Youngers will become more comfortable over time.

Asagai intensely identifies with Nigeria's future because he is an educated native who can participate in politics and influence change. As a majority male in Nigeria, he is positioned to be trusted and involved in shaping his country's future. In contrast, Beneatha, as a marginalized African American woman in the U.S., faces obstacles due to her race and gender, limiting her influence and making it difficult for her to envision a significant role in America's future.

In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, the characters undergo significant development, particularly Walter Younger, who transforms from a selfish dreamer obsessed with money into a mature, morally upright man. Lena Younger, or Mama, remains a static character, consistently embodying strength and faith, although her actions reveal deeper aspects of her personality. Ruth also evolves, regaining hope and affection in her marriage. Key actions include Lena's house purchase, Walter's failed investment, and his ultimate stand against racial discrimination, symbolizing personal and familial growth.

In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, characters' physical traits and attire reflect their personalities and cultural backgrounds. Walter Lee Younger is tall and trim, embodying ambition and financial anxieties. Ruth, his wife, is an aging beauty showing life's disappointments. Beneatha, Walter's sister, is intelligent and explores her African heritage, wearing both Nigerian robes and American cocktail dresses. Mama, the matriarch, is strong and dignified. Clothing reflects class and cultural identity, with George Murchison representing assimilationist ideals through his conventional attire.

In A Raisin in the Sun, the younger members of the Younger family, Walter and Beneatha, often argue and treat each other badly, but they also love each other. They clash due to their different outlooks on life and different ideas about how to use the insurance money.

Minor characters in A Raisin in the Sun highlight the social and economic struggles faced by the Younger family. Characters like George Murchison and Mr. Lindner contrast with the main characters, emphasizing themes of racial discrimination, assimilation, and the pursuit of dreams. These interactions help underscore Lorraine Hansberry's message about identity, resilience, and the complexities of African American life in mid-20th century America.

Bobo and Willy are minor characters in A Raisin in the Sun. Bobo is a friend of Walter Lee who, along with Willy, plans to invest in a liquor store. Willy, however, betrays them by running off with the money, which significantly impacts the Younger family's financial situation and dreams.

In A Raisin in the Sun, Travis Younger symbolizes the future and motivates his family's aspirations. Ruth and Walter's relationships with Travis differ; Ruth is strict and practical, while Walter is more indulgent. Travis's innocence highlights the family's struggles and dreams for a better life. His presence compels Walter to make decisions that prioritize family dignity, as seen when Walter rejects Mr. Lindner's offer, ensuring a hopeful future for Travis and the family.

Beneatha feels that George Murchison is shallow and sees himself as superior due to his wealth, expressing displeasure towards him. While she admits to liking him enough to date, she does not see him as a kindred spirit or soulmate. Her family favors George for his financial stability, hoping he will settle Beneatha. However, she is more intellectually and emotionally aligned with Joseph Asagai, who supports her ambition to become a doctor.

Mama slaps Beneatha across the face because her daughter says, “There simply is no blasted God.” This statement shortly follows her saying, “I don’t believe in God.”

Beneatha wants to be a doctor because she has a deep desire to cure people, inspired by witnessing a boy named Rufus recover from a severe injury. Despite the lack of support and the unrealistic nature of her dream given her family's financial situation, she remains determined. Her aspiration also represents a new generation's awakening to black identity and revolutionary ideals.

Beneatha's relationships with Asagai and George in A Raisin in the Sun reflect her internal conflict between assimilation and Pan-Africanism. George represents assimilation and the adoption of white American values, focusing on economic advancement. In contrast, Asagai embodies African pride, independence, and a deep sense of honor, which appeals more to Beneatha. She prefers Asagai, as his values align more closely with her desire for cultural identity and personal pride.

The conflict between George and Beneatha is resolved when Beneatha ends their relationship. George wants Beneatha to conform to his expectations of a passive woman and dismisses her desire for meaningful conversation. During a tense exchange, George belittles her thoughts and insists on superficiality. Beneatha, valuing her independence and intellect, rejects his advances and ultimately decides she cannot be with someone who does not respect her aspirations and individuality.

Beneatha means that, in addition to overcoming external racism symbolized by the Ku Klux Klan, they must also overcome internalized racism and discouragement within their own community, represented by Mrs. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson embodies the attitude of some black individuals who resent others in their race attempting to improve their social status.

Beneatha shares a childhood memory with Asagai about seeing a young boy, Rufus, injured in a sledding accident. This experience inspired her desire to become a doctor, as she was amazed by the ability to "fix him up" and make him whole again. She confides in Asagai as she feels discouraged, seeing her dream as childish after Walter Lee loses the insurance money. She hopes Asagai can reignite her ambition and idealism.

Beneatha's dream of becoming a doctor faces several obstacles, primarily financial and societal. The family's financial struggles make funding her education challenging, as she needs part of the insurance money. Additionally, as a woman of color in the mid-20th century, she confronts societal inertia related to class, race, and gender. These social dimensions present significant barriers to her pursuit of a medical career.

Cultural differences between Beneatha and Asagai create tension as Beneatha struggles to reconcile her African roots with her American identity. While she expresses pride in her heritage, she becomes disillusioned when her dream of becoming a doctor seems unattainable. Asagai, however, remains optimistic and encourages Beneatha to persevere. He views life as an opportunity to overcome challenges, contrasting with Beneatha's more pessimistic outlook. This divergence highlights their differing cultural perspectives on dreams and resilience.

Beneatha and Walter have ambitious dreams, contrasting with their mother's more grounded aspirations. Beneatha aims to become a doctor, a rare pursuit for an African American woman in the mid-1900s, and explores various interests. Walter dreams of entrepreneurship through owning a liquor store, seeking financial independence. In contrast, their mother, Mama, desires a stable home for the family, focusing on security and protection, reflecting a different approach to achieving the American Dream.

Ruth Younger's importance lies in her role as a catalyst for change in the family. As Walter's wife and Travis's mother, her consideration of abortion due to financial struggles highlights the family's dire situation. This prompts Lena Younger to buy a house, symbolizing hope and change. Ruth's eventual decision to keep the baby signifies her resilience and commitment to family, reinforcing the theme of life persisting despite hardship.

Ruth's relationship with her family in A Raisin in the Sun is complex yet nurturing. She generally gets along well with Lena, empathizing with her as another woman married into the family. Ruth faces strain with Walter due to financial pressures and his ambitions, but she acts as a peacemaker and mother figure, especially to her son Travis. Her decision to keep her baby symbolizes hope and renewal for the family.

The greatest strains on Walter and Ruth's marriage in A Raisin in the Sun include their financial difficulties and their worldviews. Walter and Ruth's poverty impacts their life decisions, such as whether or not Ruth should have an abortion. Their differing worldviews likewise cause tension, as Walter is a dreamer while Ruth is realistic. 

Ruth discovers she is pregnant during her visit to the doctor's office. This revelation is critical as it highlights the family's financial struggles and Ruth's consideration of an abortion. Her visit to a female doctor instead of her regular physician suggests she is contemplating this option. The pregnancy amplifies the sense of impending change within the family, reflecting both their current hardships and the potential for a new beginning with their planned move to Clybourne Park.

The quote highlights Lena Younger's skepticism about her son Walter's business aspirations in "A Raisin in the Sun." Lena views her family as "plain working folks" and is wary of Walter's dreams of owning a liquor store, fearing his lack of business acumen. This tension underscores generational and ideological divides in the family, as Lena prioritizes stability over risky ventures. Ultimately, Walter's business failure reinforces Lena's belief and leads him to embrace his role as a family man.

Ruth and Walter's marriage is strained by financial difficulties and cramped living conditions. Walter's dreams of business success clash with Ruth's practicality, leading to frequent arguments. Ruth distrusts Walter's business plans, while Walter feels unsupported and emasculated. Their relationship is further strained by Ruth's secret pregnancy and differing parenting styles. Despite these challenges, they begin to reconcile when Walter refuses to sell the family home, signaling hope for their future together.

Ruth's reference to bombings during her conversation with George Murchison reveals her acute awareness of racial tensions in Chicago. This comment demonstrates Ruth's understanding that racial violence, such as bombings of black homes and churches by angry white citizens, is a pressing issue. Ruth's insight into the social climate is evident as she casually mentions the bombings, highlighting the dangerous environment that her family faces.

Ruth supports Walter by prioritizing his dreams over her own needs, such as advocating for his business aspirations despite her reservations. She refrains from openly opposing his plans and even contemplates an abortion to prevent additional financial strain on him. Ruth consistently backs Walter's ambitions, hoping he will eventually prioritize family responsibilities over personal desires, which he ultimately does. Her support is driven by a desire to see him mature and succeed.

Ruth responds to Walter's rudeness with emotional support and nurturing in A Raisin in the Sun. Rather than contradicting him, she redirects his attention subtly, as seen when she encourages him to eat his eggs despite his dismissive comments. Ruth embodies her role as a supportive wife and caretaker, focusing on maintaining family harmony rather than confronting Walter's rudeness directly.

Ruth scrambles Walter's eggs despite his preference to illustrate the power dynamics in their relationship, where Ruth is initially the dominant partner. Walter feels ignored and ineffective, exacerbating his frustration and contributing to a cycle of cynicism and alcoholism. This act symbolizes the lack of communication and respect Walter perceives, which he only begins to overcome in the final act when he reclaims his dignity and leadership within the family.

Ruth's line "You mean graft?" reveals her skepticism about Walter's ethics and plans to achieve the American Dream through questionable means. While Walter is willing to engage in bribery to secure a liquor store license, Ruth embodies caution and a strong work ethic, reflecting their differing approaches to achieving success. This rift highlights the strain in their marriage caused by socioeconomic pressures, though their relationship is resilient enough to endure these challenges.

In A Raisin in the Sun, Ruth is so shocked when Mama announces that the house she bought is in Clybourne Park because no African Americans live there. She wonders whether it might have been possible to buy a house in another neighborhood.

Travis's gift to Mama in A Raisin in the Sun is a large, elaborate gardening hat. Despite the other adults finding the gift humorous, Mama sincerely appreciates it and promises to wear it when she teaches Travis how to grow flowers in the spring.

Travis doesn’t have a clear dream like everyone else, but in act 1, scene 1, he expresses a drive to make money. He asks Ruth for fifty cents to bring to school, but she says she doesn’t have it. He then asks multiple times if he can carry groceries outside the supermarket after school to earn the money. This shows that even though he is a bit spoiled, he is willing to work hard to get what he wants.

When Travis asks his father if he's drunk, it reveals that Walter has been frequently intoxicated, indicating chronic depression linked to his unfulfilled dreams. Walter's drinking stems from his despair over his goals being dismissed by his family. His response to Travis—"Daddy ain't going to never be drunk again"—suggests a turning point following his mother's decision to support him financially, providing hope and motivation to pursue his dreams without alcohol.

Joseph Asagai and George Murchison in A Raisin in the Sun represent contrasting views on African American identity. Asagai, a Nigerian intellectual, embraces African heritage and encourages Beneatha to connect with her roots. In contrast, Murchison, a wealthy African American, assimilates into mainstream American culture and dismisses African traditions, reflecting internal conflicts within the African American community.

George Murchison values wealth, traditional gender roles, and assimilation into white American society, viewing African heritage as shameful. He is arrogant, materialistic, and condescending towards Beneatha. In contrast, Joseph Asagai deeply respects African heritage, advocates for Nigerian independence, and values Beneatha's thoughts and emotions. Asagai's compassionate and positive outlook on life starkly contrasts with George's shallow and elitist views.

George Murchison's white shoes symbolize his assimilation into the dominant culture and his alignment with upper-class values. They reflect his belief in adopting the cultural markers of success, as seen in his college prep style. This contrasts with Asagai's pride in his African heritage, highlighting the tension between assimilation and cultural identity in the play.

George reads books in "A Raisin in the Sun" primarily as a means to achieve academic and professional success, not for intellectual engagement or personal growth. He views reading as a tool to acquire facts for grades and a degree, reflecting his materialistic and pragmatic values. George's superficial attitude contrasts with Beneatha's deeper quest for identity and understanding, highlighting his lack of interest in exploring ideas or forming genuine connections with others.

In "A Raisin in the Sun," George Murchison serves as a foil to Asagai, highlighting themes of assimilation and identity. He takes Beneatha on dates that reflect upper-class, assimilationist values, earning Walter Lee's disdain. George is dismissive of Walter's business ideas and Beneatha's intellect, focusing instead on her appearance. His arrogance and lack of genuine interest in Beneatha's thoughts create tension, contrasting sharply with Asagai's genuine engagement with her ideas.

Karl Lindner's speech to the Youngers is marked by hesitations and euphemisms, reflecting his discomfort and the sensitive nature of his task. Described as "a gentle man," Lindner carefully chooses his words, often pausing and using vague terms like "special community problems" to mask his true intentions. His nervousness is further highlighted by verbal utterances such as "uh," indicating his struggle to articulate the controversial offer he is about to present.

Karl Lindner in A Raisin in the Sun symbolizes the subtle, polite racism of white middle-class society. As the representative of the Clybourne Park Improvement Association, he visits the Younger family to dissuade them from moving into a white neighborhood, offering them money instead. His character represents societal attempts to maintain segregation and challenges the Youngers' dreams of integration. Lindner's name may allude to "Mister Charlie," a term for slave owners, highlighting themes of racial tension and identity.