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A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry depicts the life of an African-American family known as the Youngers. In the beginning of the novel, the Youngers are about to receive a check for $10,000 from their deceased father, Mr. Younger. Although, many of the family have an idea of what they want to buy with the money, Mama, the leader of the family, is in charge of the $10,000 that the deceased father, Mr. Younger, had left behind. She keeps the family intact; therefore, one of the key symbols in the book A Raisin in the Sun is Mama.

In the beginning of the novel, A Raisin in the Sun, Mama represents a "strong, full-bodied women in her early sixties." (39) She is a women of "certain grace and beauty," (39) and being a women who has "adjusted to many things in life" (39) she is a "strong," (39) yet a "beautiful women" (39). Her ability to keep the family intact is due to the fact of these key assets. She is able to keep control of her family whatever the situation. Mama is also a loving, caring mother. When Ruth was tending to Walters and Travis's breakfast, Mama, seeing Bennie "half dressed" (40) requests that Bennie "go get hers and put it on." (40) She then continues stating that Bennie is "thin" (40) and that she needs to get on her robe. Unfortunately, Bennie does not feel the need of a robe, thus decides to do away with Mama's wishing. Mama then continues on stating that Ruth isn't feeding her kids right. Mama argues that Travis isn't getting the breakfast he needs. She states that:

I just noticed all last week [that Travis] had cold cereal, and when it starts getting this chilly in the fall a child ought to have some hot grits or something when he goes out in the cold- (40)

Thus showing that Mama cares for the family. After arguing about how Travis was fed, Mama continues arguing about Ruth herself. Mama states that Ruth "better start eating and looking after [herself] better. You almost as thin as Travis," (41) thus further showing the caring of Mama towards her children. Then, Mama is asked the unforgettable question, "wellÐ'--what are you going to do with [the money] then?" (44) Mama replies:

Some of it got to be put away for Beneatha and her schoolin'Ð'--and ain't nothing going to touch that part of it. Nothing. Been thinking that we maybe could meet the notes on a little old two-story somewhere, with a yard where Travis could play in the summertime, (44)

Thus showing that money doesn't mean anything to Mama. That money doesn't mean anything to Mama compared to her family. Family comes first for Mama. Money does not play a factor on how she raises her children. Thus she a strong willed women, who by all means will try raising her kid's right. Therefore going to show that Mama is a "strong" (39) women.

Halfway through the book, Mama represents confusion. Mama starts to wonder about the children she's growing. She states, "They frighten me, Ruth. My children." (52) Ruth tries desperately to stop Mama from thinking that the family has problems. She goes on to say, "You got good children, Lena. They just a little off sometimesÐ'--but they're good." (52) Thus reassuring Mama that everything's alright. Mama though is still doubtful. She states:

One done almost lost his mind thinking Ð''bout money all the time and the other done commence to talk about things I can't seem to understand in no form or fashion. (52)

Ruth though strongly emphasizes that Mama has got some "strong-willed children," (52) and that it takes a "strong women like you" (52) to keep them in hand, showing that Mama