A Shadow of Dignity

(A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry)

Within this work, one theme stands above the rest: the effects of money. There isn't action in this book that doesn't connect to the results of having money. There are the obvious connections such as the fighting between Walter and Beneatha and Travis' desire to join his classmates by having 50 cents. However, the money has effected deeper concepts such as the family's dreams and desires. From Momma's blooming garden to Ruth's house to Walter's business. Instead of centering on hard work or determination, this family is looking for a miracle, a way of escape that they can only associsated with money. However, this theme transcends to greater importance at the very end, when Walter rejects the money for dignity. The raisin of dying dreams gains a sheltering shadow of dignity from the stresses of the society.