A Raisin in the Sun- Thematics! (I think that's a word...)

    This play, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, demonstrates a theme that seems to be recurring in a good number of the works we have read and analyzed. This theme is that money does not bring happiness in life. Family, friends, love, dedication, perserverance, and hard work- those things can bring true happiness in life. The Younger family illustrates this in an exceptional way- each character in his or her own way. Walter and Beneatha have big dreams, but without money they are dissatisfied since they aren't living up to their dreams yet. Ruth and Mama just want to be rational and intelligent with the money, not making any decisions without careful thought and evaluation.
    When the money comes it is divided between a down payment for a house, money for Walter to start his own business, and money for Beneatha's schooling. Satisfied for the moment, everyone seems to be happy again, but as soon as most the money is gone in a bad investment, suddenly, everyone is bitter again. The only thing they have left is the house, and even so, there are worries that they might not be able to afford it, in which case they would sell it back. However, luckily, our theme comes full circle now, and Asaga puts it very well, "' You talk about struggle , what good is anything! Where are we all going and why are we all bothering!... I LIVE THE ANSWER!" (Hansberry 522). We have struggles and failures to make us stronger, and we have family and friends to get us through when things get tough. That is what the Youngers are learning, now. Money is not the answer, but learning to get over these bumps in the road, with the support of loved ones beside us, that is.
     Finally, at the conclusion of the play, we see this. We are shown it when Walter says to Lidner, "And we have decided to move into our house because my father-my father- he earned it for us brick by brick,"(Hansberry 532). Despite all the things that were holding them back, they realized it was time for change, and for the start of something new.