Theme

            A Raisin in the Sun's theme could be interpreted several ways. There are many different themes throughout this play, but the most important and most evident is the importance of family and pride in a family. This theme truly comes to light in the last scene of the play when everything unravels and the play comes to a conclusion.

Beneatha, Walter, and Mama are tired, apathetic and ready to give up on each other. This is the lowest point of despair that we have seen the Younger’s sink to. The importance of family in this story is unmistakable, especially when Beneatha rejects Walter as a brother for losing the money. Mama stresses the importance of family when she says, “he’s at his lowest and can’t believe in hisself” (pg 145).  Beneatha and Walter both grow into strong adults after this moment, realizing the impact of Mamas words. Walter says to Lindner, “We don’t want your money” (pg 148) and his family, including Beneatha, support this decision. This single line summarizes Walters’s journey in becoming a man. As I stated in my last blog , Walter is a dynamic character who, in the end, grows up to be a man who realizes the importance of having pride in one's family. If the Younger’s can overcome this and stay together, then they can stay together through anything.

Even though families may go through rough times, Hansberry shows that a strong family is not only invincible, but can also learn to love unconditionally and have pride in each other. As Mama put it, “There is always something left to love” (pg 145) and it is important to never lose sight of that with family.