Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Mama from A Raisin in the Sun is the matriarch of her family; thus, she is significant. Describe her philosophy of life.

Lena Younger (Mama) demonstrates many of the
characteristics of a traditional Idealist. Despite being
widowed at a relatively young age, sharing her cramped apartment with two adult
children, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson (who regularly argue), and facing opposition
to her dreams, Lena remains an optimist. She believes that Walter will be responsible
with the money she entrusts to him, even though he has done much to lose her trust. She
thinks that Beneatha will put her college education to good use even though she
constantly skips from one interest to another, and she trusts that buying a house--even
if it is in an all-white, unwelcoming neighborhood--will bring her family closer
together. This seemingly unwavering optimism is a key attribute of
Idealism.


Similarly, Lena views nature as a teacher. Her
plant is not simply an important symbol in the play. For Lena, the plant's progress or
lack thereof mirrors her dreams for her family. She "studies" her plant to gain insight
into her family's status.


Finally, like many other
Idealists (and Romanticists), Lena views the city as a place which squelches dreams and
corrupts her children. By moving into the suburbs, Lena thinks that her family will have
a place to imagine, to feel, and to grow closer to one another.

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