A Raisin in the Sun (8)

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

Two character's who greatly differ in this play would easily be Walter and Mama. While Beneatha has some major differences towards Mama as well, I used a contrast between these two characters previously in an explanation of the generation gap that exits through the book. The big difference between Mama and Walter would be Mama's simple and content outlook on life and Walter's radical and impatient hopes and dreams. It is their personalities that bring out this difference in expectations. Throughout the play, it is quite evident that Mama is clearly the wisest of the family. That is why, therefore, she plays the role as the unequivocal leader. However, Walter, who is reckless, clueless, and very inappropriately drunk at various times, wishes to have more control of his family as well, being the emasculated man that he is. He is almost driven insane because of his lust for money, clearly identified here, "I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy... Mama- Look at me" (Hansberry 73).  Part of the reason that he earns his disrespect from most his family is because of the fact that is very immature for his age. The man is a constant complainer, who is a hypocrite towards his wife and so greedy that he gambles with his family's livelihood. Mama, on the other hand, is witty, charming, rooted deep in her morals, very religious, and earns much respect and authority over the family's dealings.