Character Analysis: The Younger Family in A Raisin in the Sun
Walter Lee Younger stands as a complex character at age 35, working as a chauffeur while harboring bigger dreams. His relationship with wife Ruth spans eleven years, though their marriage shows strain under financial pressure. Walter's intense personality manifests through nervous movements and erratic speech, revealing his deep frustration with racial and economic barriers. His obsession with money and business ventures, particularly his desire to open a store, drives much of the play's conflict.
Mama LenaYounger, in her early sixties, embodies strength and grace despite life's hardships. As the family matriarch, she carries both physical and symbolic weight in the household. Her religious faith and dedication to family values often clash with her children's modern aspirations. The insurance money from her late husband's death puts her at the center of the family's crucial decisions.
Character Development: Mama's relationship with her plant symbolizes nurturing hope despite harsh conditions - much like her relationship with her family. She tends to both with patient dedication despite limited resources.
Ruth Younger, around 30 years old, represents the exhausted working-class wife and mother. Her pregnancy adds another layer of complexity to the family's struggles. Though she shows signs of wearing down under life's pressures, she maintains patience and practicality. Her relationship with Travis, their young son, reflects both love and the harsh realities of raising a child in poverty.