A Raisin in the Sun Act II Scene I

               The setting of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is significant for a number of compelling reasons which are revealed through a plethora of indirect characterization in Scenes I and II of Act II. Ironically, though all the Youngers live within the same bedraggled apartment, the influence of this setting on their dreams and attitudes is unique to each individual. For example, Walter and Bennie appear to view the apartment as though it resembled a prison cell. Walter has desired his entire life to abandon his dreary work as a chauffeur and attain wealth for his family by means of opening a liquor store. However, just as Walter has never been able to escape the apartment his entire life and must eventually return to it every day, so he must return to the reality of his life and minimal money each night. IN this sense, the reader can sense through indirect characterization that Walter resent the confinement of the apartment by the fact that he flees from the apartment to relax and drink on a regular basis. Likewise, Bennie also views the rugged apartment was a limitation to her aspirations, for Bennie expressed IN Act I that she wished nothing more than to express herself. However, when Bennie declares her lack of faith in God, Mama rebukes her severely and proclaims that in the apartment, she will absolutely acknowledge the existence of God with no exceptions; therefore, the reader can also tell that Bennie sees the apartment as a limitation.

                The setting of A Raisin in the Sun also has a profound impact on Mama, although this impact is far more complex for Mama that for any other character in the novel. While Mama’s children have developed feelings of resentment and bitterness towards the worn apartment, to Mama, the humble abode represent the loving marriage that she shared with Big Walter and the life that they build together. Though Mama’s incessant cleaning and upkeep of the house, Hansberry employs indirect characterization once again in order to indicate how valuable the house has always remained to Mama throughout the years. On the other hand, Mama proves herself to be a wise person who understands the immeasurable benefits the family would gain should they purchase a new home. Therefore, Mama’s explanation for opting to utilize the ten thousand dollar check to buy a new house was, “…It’s just a plain little old house..but… it will be ours. Walter Lee—it makes a difference in a man when he can walk on floors that belong to him…” (Hansberry, 92). Through Mama’s justification of her purchase, the fact that Mama’s desire to provide for her family transcends all other dreams and aspirations is revealed. Therefore, in this scenario, the setting serves to indirectly characterize Mama as well as to embody the emotions of the character. In fact, the potential change in setting is so meaningful to Ruth that her emotions and attitudes seem to be tied solely to her location. With all of these considerations, the reader must acknowledge how critical the setting of A Raisin in the Sun remained in Act II in identifying the traits, dreams, and values of the members of the Younger family.