While reading A Raisin in the Sun, I thought it was quite honorable of Mama to go ahead and make a down payment on a new house for the family. Although they may not realize it now, this is a great gift which benefits the whole family equally. Most of the Younger family does not want to experience change and would much rather use Mama’s insurance money for their personal motives. With that said, Walter was the most upset once he heard the news that Mama bought a new house. He made it clear that he was hoping to use the money to invest in a liquor store. After intentionally putting Mama on a guilt trip, she did feel poorly about it. Buying a house would be a smart move for the Younger family and unlike everyone else in the family, Mama isn’t selfish, but she makes her decisions for the well being of the family. Everyone may not realize it yet but the decisions that Mama makes are only to help the family in the long run, not to hurt them.
With all great things, there is a catch. In this case, the house Mama purchased is in Clybourne Park, an all white neighborhood. In Mama’s defense, she said that there were no other houses available, but Ruth was still worried. This portrays the tension between whites and blacks in the Northern states during this time because they feel they are not equal. Fortunately, she soon got past that and was once again excited to be soon living in a house instead of the cramped apartment they currently live in. It is obvious that with buying the house, Mama thinks the only way to make the Younger family happy is for them to have their own house and their own property. In my opinion, this was the best possible solution Mama could have chosen. What do you think?
While I agree that Walter Lee does put his own needs before the family's, I would argue that he has their best intentions in mind. He sees the check as an opportunity to save his family from having to work as servants for others. Although, Mama makes the right decision in choosing what to do with the money. It was the least risky decision to have done with it. Walter Lee does not know if his dream will turn out to be a success, and Mama does what she believes will bring her family together as they once were. It is important to remember that neither is entirely selfish in their actions.Both care for the other members of the family, though Walter Lee does not make it so apparent.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Mama's choice was the best decision for her and her family. Even though Walter Lee's plan of investing in a liquor store has the possibility of providing more money in the long run, the risk is too high for their current situation. If the liquor store failed Walter Lee would have no job, Mama would most likely have to go back to work, and they would be forced to live in their cramped apartment for a long time.
ReplyDeleteMama should have gone about telling Walter Lee her decision in a different way, so it would not seem as if she done it out of spite; however, Mama's purchasing of the house is overall the best decision for the Younger family.
Although I too agree that Mama's decision to buy the house was probably the right decision, I think that Mama should have done a more thorough search for a new house. This way she could have saved some money for her kids and the rest of her family and their wishes. I agree with Gillian in the sense that Mama should have told the family what she planned on doing with the money, instead of buying it without telling anyone.
ReplyDeleteWalter should have been more understanding that Mama was simply trying to do what she felt was best for the family. I think that Walter should have been more appreciative and understanding that his mother was simply looking out for him and the rest of the family.
I for one believe that the house in Clybourne Park is the best location for the family. This is simply because for the longest time money has been this families greatest concern and has been pulling them away from each other. The racism and lack of comfort associated with their new homes location could be the key to bringing the family closer to one another. Instead of focusing on money and what to do with the check the Younger family members might have to come together against the white community in order to survive there. Also, being near people of a different and at this time, more accepted race, Walter might strive to be more successful and its possible that he will be disconnected from his friends back home that seemed to be a bad influence on him. Therefore, not only do I agree with the decision to purchase this house but I also believe that the location is ideal for the families current situation.
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