Lena Younger, from Lorraine Hansbury's A Raisin in the Sun, is also known as "Mama" and serves as a matronly figure to all of the characters in the household. She is generally patient and wise and places most of her attention and value on family, children, and dreams. Her personal dream is to have a garden of her own, and has maintained this dream to a lesser degree in the little plant that she keeps in the window of the Younger's apartment. Physically she is described as "in her early sixties, full-bodied and strong," with "a certain grace and beauty," which she wears "so unobtrusively that it takes a while to notice." Lena Younger is very strong and has been through a lot, including the death of her husband, which enabled the Younger family to come into a large amount of money at the beginning of the play. She is noble and soft-voiced, but prone to anger when provoked or when the dreams of her or her family have been threatened. She loves her children and her grandchild dearly.
Eggleston is Lena's maiden name.
Characters in Raisin in The Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. Lena is Ruth's mother-in-law.
Travis Younger is Ruth and Walter's son. He is Lena (Mama) Younger's grandson. His aunt is Beneatha.
The check belongs to Lena Younger. Lena Younger is oftentimes referred to as Mama. Her husband, Big Walter, died and left the inheritance money to her.
In "A Raisin in the Sun," the five family members are Lena Younger (Mama), her son Walter Lee Younger, his wife Ruth Younger, their son Travis Younger, and Lena's daughter Beneatha Younger. Each character grapples with their dreams and aspirations while facing financial struggles and societal challenges in 1950s America. The dynamics among them highlight themes of family, identity, and the pursuit of a better life.
Eggleston is Lena's maiden name.
Characters in Raisin in The Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. Lena is Ruth's mother-in-law.
Travis Younger is Ruth and Walter's son. He is Lena (Mama) Younger's grandson. His aunt is Beneatha.
The check belongs to Lena Younger. Lena Younger is oftentimes referred to as Mama. Her husband, Big Walter, died and left the inheritance money to her.
In "A Raisin in the Sun," the five family members are Lena Younger (Mama), her son Walter Lee Younger, his wife Ruth Younger, their son Travis Younger, and Lena's daughter Beneatha Younger. Each character grapples with their dreams and aspirations while facing financial struggles and societal challenges in 1950s America. The dynamics among them highlight themes of family, identity, and the pursuit of a better life.
Lena Younger's husband died, and the ten thousand dollars is from his life insurance policy.
In "A Raisin in the Sun," Mama's real name before her marriage is Lena Younger. She is referred to as Mama throughout the play, reflecting her role as the matriarch of the Younger family. Her character represents strength and resilience as she navigates the challenges faced by her family.
Lena Younger ("Mama")Walter YoungerRuth YoungerBeneatha YoungerTravis YoungerGeorge MurchisonKarl LindnerJoseph AsagaiBoboMrs. JohnsonWilly Harris (never appears on stage)Walter Younger Sr. (never appears on stage)
Lena Younger ("Mama")Walter YoungerRuth YoungerBeneatha YoungerTravis YoungerGeorge MurchisonKarl LindnerJoseph AsagaiBoboMrs. JohnsonWilly Harris (never appears on stage)Walter Younger Sr. (never appears on stage)
$6300
The film adaptation of "A Raisin in the Sun," directed by Daniel Petrie and released in 1961, features a notable cast, including Sidney Poitier as Walter Lee Younger, Ruby Dee as Ruth Younger, and Diana Sands as Beneatha Younger. The role of Lena Younger, the matriarch of the family, is played by the talented Claudia McNeil. This powerful ensemble brings to life Lorraine Hansberry's poignant exploration of dreams and struggles within an African American family.
In "A Raisin in the Sun," Walter Lee Younger is often referred to by the nickname "Bub." This informal name reflects his close relationship with his family, particularly his mother, Lena, who uses it affectionately. The nickname signifies both his youth and the familial bonds that shape his character throughout the play.