In A Raisin In The Sun an interesting story of a family's ups and downs unfolds in a small apartment. This book by Lorraine Hansberry illustrates how a family's dreams can dry up just like a raisin in the sun. The family, the Youngers are a family of five living in a two-bedroom apartment. Their main conflict is that Lena is receiving a 10,000-dollar check from the insurance company for the death of her husband and they each have plans for the money. Berneatha, Lena's daughter, wants to go to medical school. Walter, Lena's son, wants to open a liquor store. Ruth, Walters's wife, and Lena want to buy a house. Through this story you will uncover a world of differences in one family's struggle to stay together. .
Act One.
Scene One: In the beginning of this scene we are introduced to Ruth and Walter. Ruth is tired which has inadvertently caused her to be grumpy. Her attitude toward everything is negative. Walter on the other hand is in a good mood. Then Travis their son comes in asking for 50 cents. Ruth tells him they don't have enough. Walter gives him two fifty-cent pieces. This of course causes an argument between the two of them. This is when Berneatha enters. Berneatha is Walter's sister. She is very sarcastic and argumentative. With this personality of course right away she and Walter get in an argument. He doesn't think that she should be a doctor. She says that picking on her is not going to make Mama (Lena) give it to Walter to invest in any liquor stores. After Walter leaves for work Mama enters. While Berneatha is in the bathroom Mama tells Ruth that she doesn't want to give Walter the money because she doesn't want to have any part in getting people drunk. She does however propose that some of the money must go to Berneatha's schooling.
Scene Two: In this scene we see a drastic difference in the family's attitude. Everyone is having a good time and goofing off. Ruth is not home but we don't know where she is.