Generation Gap

A Raisin In the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry

The difference between generations leads to miscommunication between Mama and the rest of her family. The main topic of miscommunication is money. Mama says, "Somebody would of thought my children done all but starved to death the way they talk about money here late" (451). The younger generations major concern is money, and we see this through the constant concern with the insurance money. Mama does not understand this concern for money, because when she was younger, money was not one of her major concerns. Her generation was more concerned about surviving and finding a way out of the torturous ways of slavery.

Generation after generation, the concern seems to always be getting more out of life than the previous generation. However, in some cases, the next generation wants more than is possible based on their situation. This situation occurs in the play.Walter's goals for his life surpass what is capable based on the family's situation. The goals in themselves are pure and good, but the process of maintaining the goals was lacking on both preparation and capability on Walter's end.