One clear social issue covered in Act One of A Raisin in the Sun is financial status. While the family isn't helplessly homeless, we do discover that the Youngers have a less than comfortable living situation through the scene descriptions and the character dialogue. They compare themselves to "rich snobby whites" and discuss their dreams made possible through investment. Evidence for their inadequate physical environment is emphasized in the setting description that illustrates their apartment is so small that living room "must also serve as a dining room" (24). Their tendency to discuss money matters at early hours also reveals their hopes of achieving wealth, status, and the American dream. When Ruth asks Mama Younger what she plans to do with her inheritance check, Mama scolds, "Now don't you start child. It's too early in the morning to be talking about money. It ain't Christian" (41). This issue is important to me because it revolves around the idea of the American Dream that is still relevant and reflective of today's modern society. In many ways, the American Dream is a false concept. A family like the Youngers do not have an equal chance at survival because wealth is inherent. Without enough inheritance money, it is not possible for one to invest into a startup business or an education, for example. This is what fosters the wealth gap between the rich and poor. They are left dreaming, and money becomes more important than family.
Family conflict is another social issue presented in the first act. There tends to be a lot of tension and arguing in the household. Financial status definitely feeds into this tense environment and at times money becomes more important than family values. One example of this constant arguing is seen when Beneatha is talking to Mama about her aspirations to become a doctor. Beneatha reveals she is an atheist and rejects the idea of a God influencing the outcomes of human success; "I'm just tired of hearing about God all the time. What has He got to do with anything? Does he pay tuition?" (50), and Mama is unable to accept this, so she slaps Beneatha and reminds her who is in charge. Another example can be noted in Walter and Ruth's growing disconnection and remoteness because Walter feels that Ruth is unsupportive of his dreams: "That is just what is wrong with the colored woman in this world . . . Don't understand about building their men up and making 'em feel like they somebody. Like they can do something" (34). Another is through Beneatha and Walter's sibling fighting especially influenced by the expected arrival of the inheritance check. Walter's dream sees to be ignored, but he seems to ignore the family's needs and his drinking problem. There is conflicting perspectives that revolve money, power, status, and the American Dream. Family conflict in this context is important issue to me because it reveals that status and home environment heighten this tension. Money fuels the way family members talk to one another. It can become a reason for divorce. Unhappiness with ways of life causes people to be more violent toward one another and conflicting ideas tear families apart.
Race is another social issue in Act I. The Youngers compare their selves to "rich white" and it is clear that they label their selves to, like Walter's remarks about Ruth being a colored, unsupportive woman who has an attitude at early hours in the day. This issue is important to me because I notice how people make labels toward one another because of the color of their skin. Assumptions are made when it comes to race. Society has internalized stereotypes and assumptions about people because of race.
Family conflict is another social issue presented in the first act. There tends to be a lot of tension and arguing in the household. Financial status definitely feeds into this tense environment and at times money becomes more important than family values. One example of this constant arguing is seen when Beneatha is talking to Mama about her aspirations to become a doctor. Beneatha reveals she is an atheist and rejects the idea of a God influencing the outcomes of human success; "I'm just tired of hearing about God all the time. What has He got to do with anything? Does he pay tuition?" (50), and Mama is unable to accept this, so she slaps Beneatha and reminds her who is in charge. Another example can be noted in Walter and Ruth's growing disconnection and remoteness because Walter feels that Ruth is unsupportive of his dreams: "That is just what is wrong with the colored woman in this world . . . Don't understand about building their men up and making 'em feel like they somebody. Like they can do something" (34). Another is through Beneatha and Walter's sibling fighting especially influenced by the expected arrival of the inheritance check. Walter's dream sees to be ignored, but he seems to ignore the family's needs and his drinking problem. There is conflicting perspectives that revolve money, power, status, and the American Dream. Family conflict in this context is important issue to me because it reveals that status and home environment heighten this tension. Money fuels the way family members talk to one another. It can become a reason for divorce. Unhappiness with ways of life causes people to be more violent toward one another and conflicting ideas tear families apart.
Race is another social issue in Act I. The Youngers compare their selves to "rich white" and it is clear that they label their selves to, like Walter's remarks about Ruth being a colored, unsupportive woman who has an attitude at early hours in the day. This issue is important to me because I notice how people make labels toward one another because of the color of their skin. Assumptions are made when it comes to race. Society has internalized stereotypes and assumptions about people because of race.
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