Lena (Mama) Younger: The Family Matriarch
Lena Younger, also known as Mama, is a central figure in A Raisin in the Sun. At around 60 years old, she embodies the older generation's values and dreams, playing a crucial role in the family dynamics.
Lena's Key Characteristics:
- Widowed, having lost her husband Big Walter
- Deeply religious and family-oriented
- Dreams of owning a house with a garden
- Protective and loving towards her grandson Travis
Highlight: Mama's character represents the importance of family unity and the pursuit of the American Dream in the face of racial discrimination.
Lena's actions and decisions drive the plot:
- Supports Beneatha's medical school ambitions
- Buys a house in a white neighborhood with the insurance money
- Gives Walter the remaining money, trusting him to make the right decision
Conflicts arise from Lena's traditional values clashing with her children's modern aspirations:
- Worries about Walter's obsession with money
- Disapproves of Beneatha's lack of faith
- Opposes Ruth's consideration of abortion
Quote: "There is always something left to love. And if you ain't learned that, you ain't learned nothing."
Lena's behavior is characterized by:
- Strong moral convictions based on her faith
- Unwavering love and support for her family
- Willingness to make sacrifices for her children's future
Definition: Characterization through action occurs when a character's personality and motivations are revealed through their decisions and behaviors in the story.