A Raisin in the Sun addresses the fortitude and trauma of fighting for one's dreams as an African American in mid-20th-century America. I say I been wrong, son. You still think you can patch up the world.". . . And because we cannot see the endwe also cannot see how it changes. You aint satisfied or proud of nothing we done. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. . The cost of acquiring and maintaining the $10,000 policy during Big Walter's life would have placed a considerable financial burden on the man, although the policy now makes possible the fulfillment of at least some of his family's dreams. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Central Idea Essay: Why Does Mama Want to Own Property? (3.1.120) Instant downloads of all 1725 LitChart PDFs Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1725 titles we cover. the racist white people who were responsible for the bombing make Ants who cant even understand what it is the giant is talking about. Have you cried for that boy today? If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. 'A Raisin In The Sun' by Lorraine Hansberry looks at the impacts of racial bias on an African-American family's dreams. MAMA Sonhow come you talk so much bout money? Mama: No . Walter believes that freedom is not enough, and that while civil rights are a large step for Black people as a whole, the Youngers, inthe South Side of Chicago in the 1940s and 1950s, are still treated differently and more harshly than white people. Once upon a time freedom used to be lifenow its money. For Walter, money seems to be TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. . (He looks the man absolutely in the eyes) We dont want your money. Mama, something is happening between Walter and me. You contented son-of-a-bitch you happy? We aint never been that poor. Please give an example of dramatic irony in ARaisin in the Sun. the gardener will be clipping away at the hedges and hell say, Good evening, Mr. Younger. And Ill say, Hello, Jefferson, how are you this evening? And Ill go inside and Ruth will come downstairs and meet me at the door and well kiss each other and shell take my arm and well go up to your room to see you sitting on the floor with the catalogues of all the great schools in America around you. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Money is life. Not even my own mother!, Mama: Them houses they put up for colored in them areas way out all seem to cost twice as much as other houses. Lena reflects on the generational differences between herself and her children, noting that Walters fixation on money seems almost like a luxury to her. eNotes.com, Inc. Contact us The second is the date of Struggling with distance learning? . Mama says, Once upon a time freedom used to be lifenow its money. 20. Man say: I got to take hold of this here world, baby! on 50-99 accounts. . | . Without room for advancement in his low-paying job as a chauffeur, Walter is continually frustrated by his inability to fulfill the masculine role of financial provider for his family, a failing that sends his self-esteem into a nosedive. (Act I, scene ii). One of the most famous quotes from the book by Lorraine Hansberry about money is Mama's line that, "OhSo now it's life. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. This quote is from Walter to Willy Harris, Walter thinks that investing can bring fortune to his family's life. . SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. The last date is today's . There aint nothing worth holding on to, money, dreams, nothing else if it means if it means its going to destroy my boy. . Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Why do the Youngers decide to go through with the move? An opportunity to escape from poverty comes in the form of a $10,000 life insurance check that the matriarch of the family (Lena Younger or Mama) receives upon her husband's death. Ruth: Walter, leave me alone! Rendered cynical after being scammed, Walter is ready to set aside his own pride and sense of morality, willingly debasing himself and his family for financial gain. Enslaved people had essentially no rights and were not allowed to own property, but Lena asserts that even they had more pride than Walter. Dont you see there isnt any real progress, Asagai, there is only one large circle that we march in, around and around, each of us with our own little picture in front of usour own little mirage that we think is the future. freedom used to be lifenow its money. $24.99 the 1940s and 1950sblacks For one thing, the spirit of optimism that had previously energized everyone has dissipated. Instant downloads of all 1725 LitChart PDFs The way the content is organized. Log in here. Man say to his woman: I got me a dream. I I just seen my family falling apart today . (Act II, scene ii). Walter desperately wants Mama to understand how daunting and emotionally draining it is to be a poor Black man in the 1950s. . "Mama: OhSo now it's life. His woman say: Eat your eggs. Mama: OhSo now its life. . Bitter? She tells Walter, "What you ain't never understood is that I ain't got nothing, don't own nothing, ain't never really wanted nothing that wasn't for you." Both Lena and the deceased Big Walter. Bitter? . Lenaas well as Ruth and Beneathahave contributed to Walters mental decline by refusing to support him or his dreams. that they will always be. Son I come from five generations of people who was slaves and sharecroppers but aint nobody in my family never let nobody pay em no money that was a way of telling us we wasnt fit to walk the earth. Important quotes by walter in a raisin in the sun. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Ace your assignments with our guide to A Raisin in the Sun! ( She hands it to RUTH) Put it away somewhere, Ruth. She exits the apartment only to reenter a moment later, retrieving her plant and leaving for the final time. creating and saving your own notes as you read. . Historical Context Essay: A Raisin in the Sun on the Brink of the 1960s, Literary Context Essay: Hansberry, Langston Hughes, & the Harlem Renaissance. Mama: Oh So now its life. freedom that he talks about here. And we have decided to move into our house because my father my father he earned it for us brick by brick. Son you you understand what I done, dont you? Walter did not care and treated his family poorly. . Beneatha: My hair whats wrong with my hair? Within moments of the plays opening, Walter Lee asks Ruth, Check coming today? in reference to the insurance payment that his mother, Lena, is due to receive as a result of her husbands death. Dreams: The characters in the play are driven by their. creating and saving your own notes as you read. There so many important quotes in 'A Raisin In The Sun', including Asagai quotes and quotes from Mama in 'A Raisin In The Sun'. Asagai: Were you born with it like that? Youve successfully purchased a group discount. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Act 1, Scene 1 Quotes Mama, something is happening between Walter and me. You aint satisfied or proud of nothing we done. What are some quotes from Walter in A Raisin in the Sun about the liquor store he wants? When they done good and made things easy for everybody? . Its when hes at his lowest and cant believe in hisself cause the world done whipped him so! His woman say: Eat your eggs. Man, I put my life in your hands . Walter what you aint never understood is that I aint got nothing, dont own nothing, aint never really wanted nothing that wasnt for you. . Man say to his woman: I got me a dream. the answer to everything. How does Walter plan to use the insurance money? creative tips and more. Walter feels miles behind his peers. I mean for him: what he been through and what it done to him. And a woman will say: Eat your eggs and go to work. This quote is from Walter to Mama, it is celr throughout the book that Walter feels he has limited opportunities due to lack of money. Sure enough. Asagai: You wear it well . He sees this investment as an opportunity to be his own boss and to finally provide for his family the way he feels he should. Walter responds that [m]oney is life, explaining to her that success is now defined by how much money one has. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Thank everybody! Most of his actions and mistakes hurt the family greatly, but his belated rise to manhood makes him a sort of hero in the last scene. How does Walter lose the insurance money? . We just didnt know about it. When Walter decides not to take the extra money he is offered it helps prove Hansberry's theme. For Walter, money seems to be the answer to everything. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Central Idea Essay: Why Does Mama Want to Own Property? You can view our. . Mama: No . Im waiting to hear how you be your fathers son. eNotes Editorial. . The play includes many iconic quotes, and the iconic lie from Walter that "money is life" can be found on different pages, depending on which copy of the play you are reading. You teach him good. Man, Im a volcano. Son I come from five generations of people who was slaves and sharecroppers but aint nobody in my family never let nobody pay em no money that was a way of telling us we wasnt fit to walk the earth. We couldnt of gone on like we was today. And his woman say Your eggs is getting cold! Dont understand about building their men up and making em feel like they somebody. Throughout A Raisin in the Sun, characters connect money to discussions of race. Ruth exits, leaving Mama alone in the apartment. As a book all about aspirations and dreams, money is a central theme in 'A Raisin In The Sun'. You can view our. " Baby, don't nothing happen for you in this world 'less you pay somebody off!". Man . Walter what you aint never understood is that I aint got nothing, dont own nothing, aint never really wanted nothing that wasnt for you. Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts. And we have decided to move into our house because my father my father he earned it for us brick by brick. And a woman will say: Eat your eggs and go to work. just a plain black Chrysler, I think, with white wallsnoblack tires . A Raisin in the Sun | Quotes Share 1. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! When they done good and made things easy for everybody? There aint nothing worth holding on to, money, dreams, nothing else if it means if it means its going to destroy my boy. Quotes about the american dream in a raisin in the sun Analysis This drab thought of this family's existence, generation after generation comes to an end when the Younger family receives $10,000 in the mail as compensation for a death in the family. Independence and then what? Walter's action reveals he is more worried that Travis will think they don't have money than their actual lack of funds. . We aint never been that dead inside., Its dangerous, son When a man goes outside his home to look for peace.. We was going backwards stead of forwards talking bout killing babies and wishing each other was dead . Validate reading with our Dynamic Quiz System. When you starts measuring somebody, measure him right, child, measure him right. Walter believes that Willy is at the door, with good news about the liquor store plan. Once upon a time freedom used to be lifenow its money. . . In Lenas mind, there is no amount of money in the world that could overcome that level of insult. Aint you just about had it yet? . I dont mean for yourself and for the family cause we lost the money. Act 1, Scene 1 Quotes Walter: See there, that just goes to show you what women understand about the world. We just didnt know about it. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. How does Mrs. Johnson affect Mama in A Raisin in the Sun? Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Create a book wishlist and and share it with family and friends. Some of us always getting tooken.. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. "Yeah. . You something new, boy. And his woman say Your eggs is getting cold! Dont worry I dont expect you to understand. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. place early in the play and reveals Mamas and Walters economic . Like he was fighting his own war with this here world that took his baby from him., Asagai, while I was sleeping in that bed in there, people went out and took the future right out of my hands! Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Instant PDF downloads. Most of his actions hurt the family. Talking bout life, Mama. . The plot revolves around him and the actions that he takes, and his character evolves the most during the course of the play. You can view our. Why do the Youngers decide to go through with the move? . Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Its when hes at his lowest and cant believe in hisself cause the world done whipped him so! Have you cried for that boy today? Mississippi, a hotbed of racism during the mid-twentieth century. 30 Apr. 4. Walter: Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? "I know that's what you think. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. . Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! 6. We dont want your money. Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most? Throughout the play, Walter provides an everyman perspective of the mid-twentieth-century Black man. Here I am a giant surrounded by ants! Ruth tells her husband that he shouldn't trust Willy Harris. (including. As a result, his decision causes Willy Harris to take the money which causes an apathetic mood in the story and creates a loss of hope in the family. You will find this quote and more in these 'A Raisin In The Sun' quotes, including Mama quotes, Lorraine Hansberry quotes, the best book quotes, 'A Raisin In The Sun' dream quotes, Beneatha quotes and Walter Lee quotes. date the date you are citing the material. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. (WALTER looks from her to the boy, who grins at him innocently) Go ahead, son - (She folds her hands and closes her eyes) Go ahead. While it may solve some of the familys financial woes, debasing himself in such a manner would likely leave Walter dead inside., And we have decided to move into our house because my fathermy fatherhe earned it for us brick by brick We dont want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no causes, and we will try to be good neighbors. Walter plans to use the money to invest in a liquor store with his "buddy," Willy Harris. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. What has He got to do with anything? . This quote is from Walter to his family, he is expressing his wish of making Beneatha a doctor, whilst also showing considerable concern at the cost. We aint never been that dead inside. This does not influence our choices. If you so crazy bout messing round with sick people then go be a nurse like other women or just get married and be quiet . Rather than becoming mired in apathy and realism, he remains committed to the belief that progress is a continuum. Beneatha, who is irritated, is mockingly apologizing to her siblings for having a dream. Subscribe now. Money is life. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Walter and Ruth hear a knock at the door. "Charlie Atkins was just a good-for-nothing loudmouth too, wasn't he! Course, there's a couple of hundred you got to pay so's you don't spend your life just waiting for them clowns to let your license get approved .". No I told him he was a sweet boy and full of dreams and everything is strictly peachy keen, as the ofay kids say! You something new, boy. Contact us . Historical Context Essay: A Raisin in the Sun on the Brink of the 1960s, Literary Context Essay: Hansberry, Langston Hughes, & the Harlem Renaissance. Similarly, Beneatha dreams of the money as a way to fund her medical schooling, which embodies her desire to overcome racism and sexism. Walter often fights and argues with Ruth, Mama, and Beneatha. It's gone now - just for a second it was - you looked real young again. Man say: I got to change my life, Im choking to death, baby! 20% Mrs. Arnold, the wife of, Overcome with guilt, Mama realizes that she has unknowingly contributed to, for the familys move to Clybourne Park. However, she also recognizes that her decision to pursue her own dream rather than trusting in Walter has hurt him. His passion seems to inspire a new dream within Beneatha, who seems to be genuinely considering marrying him and moving to Nigeria to help reconnect with her roots and assist in the pursuit of liberation. Yeah. his all-white neighborhood, embodies one example of this racist Unfortunately, his partner proved to be a disappointment, and in the end the investment does not prove fruitful. . And thats all we got to say about that. Mama: No . 1. Does anyone have any quotes from A Raisin in the Sun that relate to Walter and his conflicts with Man vs. Explore books by genre, topic, reading level, or series to find your next read. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. . something has changed. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Man, Im a volcano. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1725 titles we cover. This check represents a change in his fortunes. 20% Walter, the son of Mama, loses the majority of it and they keep just enough to buy a new house. 7. Its when hes at his lowest and cant believe in hisself cause the world done whipped him so! They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Masterplots II: Juvenile & Young Adult Literature Series A Raisin in the Sun Analysis, Masterpieces of Womens Literature A Raisin in the Sun Analysis, Critical Context (Masterplots II: African American Literature), Critical Context (Masterplots II: Juvenile & Young Adult Literature Series), Critical Context (Comprehensive Guide to Drama). Man say: I got to take hold of this here world, baby! By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. It also seems to define a man by Free trial is available to new customers only. Throughout A Raisin in the Sun, characters . I guess the world really do change.". Walter: Thats it. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. "Honey life don't have to be like this. (including. And Im waiting to hear you talk like him and say we a people who give children life, not who destroys them Im waiting to see you stand up and look like your daddy and say we done give one baby up to poverty and that we aint going to give up nary another one . . When it gets like that in life you just got to do something different, push on out and do something bigger. in the real worldfor the Youngers, the South Side of Chicago in Ruth's dream in 'A Raisin In The Sun' is simply to build a better, and happy, family home. (WALTER picks up his keys and his coat and walks out. Eat your eggs, they gonna be cold. . . She also seems to fear what accepting the money would mean for Walter on a mental and spiritual level. And nobody asked me, nobody consulted me they just went out and changed my life., Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most? We dont want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no causes, and we will try to be good neighbors. I mean sometimes people can do things so that things are better You remember how we used to talk when Travis was born about the way we were going to live the kind of house Well, it's all starting to slip away from us.". Walter believes that freedom is This quote shows her frustration at the conflicts in the family. Already a member? Subscribe now. Mama looks around at the family's home and, overcome with emotion, stifles a cry. Have you cried for that boy today? And his woman say Your eggs is getting cold! The A Raisin in the Sun quotes below are all either spoken by Walter Lee Younger or refer to Walter Lee Younger. Walter answers Ruth when she asks why he doesnt stop talking about the liquor store plan and just do it. AsagaiI want very much to talk with you. If one's dream is not given a chance, it can be dangerous to dream big, and this is what this quote implies. . Why does Beneatha want to become a doctor? We assign a color and icon like this one. . Her remark that no one consulted her suggests that being a female makes it considerably more difficult for her to have a future. . . scene, Aint you just about had it yet? 20% Historical Context Essay: A Raisin in the Sun on the Brink of the 1960s, Literary Context Essay: Hansberry, Langston Hughes, & the Harlem Renaissance. I mean that you had a home; that we kept you out of trouble till you was grown; that you dont have to ride to work on the back of nobodys streetcarYou my childrenbut how different we done become. The way the content is organized, LitCharts makes it easy to find quotes by Walter replies by saying that money has always been important and that he believes that people are defined by and judged on the amount of money they have. Then isnt there something wrong in a house in a world! Eat your eggs, they gonna be cold. Renews May 8, 2023 Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most? her feel like times have not changed, as if they still live in turbulent Purchasing . You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. You want to know why? He has failed his family and, as a way to make things better, is considering taking Lindners money. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Free trial is available to new customers only. then I say it loud and good, HALLELUJAH! "Do you know what this money means to me? Once upon a time freedom used to be lifenow it's money. You'll also receive an email with the link. I say I been wrong, son. . His woman say: Eat your eggs. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry explores the concept that greed leads to being blinded by money and forgetting about one's loved ones as shown by the climax of the play, the character of Walter Lee, and the effect that his actions have on the rest of his family. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% ( She does not look at RUTH; her eyes seem to be seeing something somewhere very far off) Ten thousand dollars they give you. . Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! But it dont have to be., I wonder if the quiet was not better than death and hatred. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Ruth: Walter, leave me alone! Seeing rich white men that appear to be the same age as him only intensifies his feelings of anger and hopelessness. There aint nothing as precious to me There aint nothing worth holding on to, money, dreams, nothing elseif it meansif it means its going to destroy my boy. Dont have an account? Sure enough. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. on 50-99 accounts. Her theme is that money can't buy happiness. (Act 3, scene 1). Big Walter's mention here is a reminder of his sacrifices for his family. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Renews May 7, 2023 "In fact, here's another fifty centsBuy yourself some fruit today or take a taxicab to school or something!". Lena struggles to understand where his apparent dissatisfaction with his life stems from, unable to comprehend his fixation on material wealth when he already has more than previous generations could ever imagine. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. We aint never been thatdead inside. Want 100 or more? Complete your free account to request a guide. Need analysis for a quote we don't cover? Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Second, without the cushion offered by the extra money, the Youngers are no longer in a strong financial position. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. It also seems to define a man by measuring his success and ability to provide for his family. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. . Beneatha: Well you finally got it said . You'll also receive an email with the link. In his job as a chauffeur, Walter feels continuously demeaned and subservient, and the world at large treats him as a second-class citizen due to his race. . Life is. I guess the world really do change . A+ Student Essay: The Role of Money in the Play, Lorraine Hansberry and A Raisin in the Sun Background. Mama, you know its all divided up. Complete your free account to request a guide. The A Raisin in the Sun quotes below all refer to the symbol of The Insurance Payment. We just didnt know about it. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. AND GOOD-BYE MISERY . Slowly her face sobers into a mask of unhappiness) Ten thousand dollars. 3. There you are. Once upon a time freedom used to be lifenow it's money. If you are looking for the quote in your own copy, it is in Act I, Scene II, so quite near the beginning of the play. Son I come from five generations of people who was slaves and sharecroppers but aint nobody in my family never let nobody pay em no money that was a way of telling us we wasnt fit to walk the earth. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. He struggles to support his familyand tries to discover new, better schemes to secure its economic prosperity. Contact us I dont mean for yourself and for the family cause we lost the money. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. This conversation takes Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! In my time we was worried about not being lynched . Why does Mama buy a house in an all-white neighborhood? Why does Lindner try to convince the Younger family not to move? 17. Money is life. That I been doing to you what the rest of the world been doing to you. . Like they can do something. These lines demonstrate the ideological differences between . As Mamas only son, Ruths defiant husband, Traviss caring father, and Beneathas belligerent brother, Walter serves as both protagonist and antagonist of the play. I want you to believe me when I tell you that race prejudice simply doesnt enter into it. where all dreams, good or bad, must depend on the death of a man? You'll be billed after your free trial ends. THAT MONEY IS MADE OUT OF MY FATHERS FLESH , Talking bout life, Mama. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. ". Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! MOney is a constant source of tension throughout 'A Raisin In The Sun'. . something has changed. Andand Ill say, all right sonits your seventeenth birthday, what is it youve decided? . . (Act I, scene ii) Walter desperately wants Mama to understand how daunting and emotionally draining it is to be a poor Black man in the 1950s. for a group? Dont have an account? Man say to his woman: I got me a dream. Why does Lindner try to convince the Younger family not to move? 20 of the best book quotes from A Raisin In the Sun 01 Share "Asagai: You came up to me and you said "Mr. AsagaiI want very much to talk with you. We aint never been that poor. Well then, you aint through learning because that aint the time at all. Discover some quotes and their meanings here. and I hand you the world!, Mama: There is always something left to love. And I'm waiting to hear you talk like him and say we a people who give children life, not who destroys them - ( She rises) I'm waiting to see you stand up and look like your daddy and say we don't give up one baby to poverty and that we ain't going to give up nary . Walter: Noit was always money, Mama. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. May 1, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 And thats all we got to say about that.