A Raisin in the Sun Lena Younger (Mama) Quotes

MAMA
Yes – death done come in this here house. (She is nodding, slowly, reflectively) Done come walking in my house on the lips of my children. You what supposed to be my beginning again. You – what supposed to be my harvest. (3.1.105)

After Walter gives his family a preview of the performance he's going to give Lindner, Lena believes that the future of her family has taken a turn for the worst. She's devoted her entire life to her family, and now it seems like it's all been for nothing.

MAMA
Yes – I taught you that. Me and your daddy. But I thought I taught you something else too… I thought I taught you to love him. (3.1.111)

Lena expects Bennie to love her brother no matter what he does, suggesting that one should always be able to depend on one's family for love.

MAMA (Opening her eyes and looking into WALTER’S)
No. Travis, you stay right here. And you make him understand what you doing, Walter Lee. You teach him good. Like Willy Harris taught you. You show where our five generations done come to. (WALTER looks from her to the boy, who grins at him innocently) Go ahead, son – (She folds her hands and closes her eyes) Go ahead. (3.1.129)

Lena wants her son to understand what kind of example he is setting for his own son. She wants Walter to see past his ego and realize that his decision affects their entire family.