A Raisin in the Sun Theme of Choices

Individuals in A Raisin in the Sun frequently assert their right to make choices without consulting other family members. Ruth decides to put a down payment on the abortion of unborn new child without telling anyone. Lena decides to spend $3500 on a house for her family in a white neighborhood, also without consulting anyone. Walter decides to invest in a liquor store over the objections of his family, and Beneatha faces a choice between marrying for financial stability or marrying for socio-political reasons. All of these choices ultimately follow a money-versus-principle paradigm, which culminates in the play’s final scene, where principle wins.

1. How are choices made in this family?
2. Which do you consider to be the good choices in the play? Bad choices?
3. What are the most important factors determining characters’ choices?

For the characters in A Raisin in the Sun, money is the most important factor in determining a decision.

For the characters in A Raisin in the Sun, pride overrules money when making a decision.