Search for a Better Life

A Raisin in the Sun
by Lorraine Hansberry
Question 1

A key theme in the novel is the search for a better way of life.  Beneatha and Walter were the two main characters that exemplified this theme.  Beneatha is in college and aspires to be a doctor.  Walter wants to invest in the liquor store business to make lots of money and provide for his family so that they are comfortable and money is not a inhibiting factor in their daily lives.  Walter talks to his son about what when they have money- "Just tell me where you want to go to school and you'll go. Just tell me, what it is you want to be- and you'll be it..." (Hansberry, 109)  Walter is the man of the family, and is therefore in charge of the welfare of his family.  He is searching for a better life for his whole family, and the way he plans on attaining a better life is investing most of Mama's money with Willy in the liquor business.

Beneatha also wants a better life, but its more of an individual desire.  She is in college and therefore more educated than the rest of her family.  She wants to use her education and Mama's money to get into medical school.  Beneatha yearns for a better life than being a simple home wife.  Her first boyfriend George was wealthy, but she didn't love him.  And her second boyfriend wanted to sweep her off to Africa and get married and be missionaries.  Beneatha just wants to fulfill her own personal desires, and do something with her life.  She wants to be successful and independent, and that motivates her to study hard and wish for some of the money to go toward her schooling, even if she's too proud to ask for it straight out.