Is money controlling today's society? The Younger family is an African-American family living in Chicago in the 1950s. The family lives in a small, dingy apartment with only one window. It's about an "average" family that receives the proceeds of a $10,000 life insurance policy following the death of Walter Lee Sr. Everyone in the family has their own idea of ​​what they want what to do with this money, if it was up to one member of the family. them. The setting of the author's story takes place in the apartment surrounded by various conflicts, conversations and actions of the characters. The story only lasts a few days, but in that time the author is able to show how poverty can have a negative effect on the Younger family. Hansberry uses the character of Walter Jr to show how poverty had an effect on the Younger family. family. At one point in the play, Walter rushes in and says, “Did that happen?” Mom mutters softly, “Can’t you greet people Christianly before you start asking about money?” Walter's mind, consumed by the thought of the ten thousand dollars, asks again, "Did it come?" (24) Walter shows callousness towards both Ruth and Mom, but on top of that he shows that all day he has been thinking about the check. As he bursts into the apartment and the first thing he asks is “Did that come?” without even bothering to ask them how they were feeling or how their day went. His only concern seems to be the $10,000 check from his father's death. This is a great example of how people can be so focused on something like money and how it can take over their thought processes. This is especially true in difficult times of major struggles and conflicts. Hansberry also shows how poverty can negatively affect a family due to Mom's actions. After...... middle of paper ...... shows his true deep emotions at the time towards his brother. Hansberry uses the setting, conflict, conversation, and actions of the characters to show how poverty has a negative effect. about the Younger family. Even though it was a very restricted time in America, young people were ready to make a change to better themselves and help influence those around them to be open to transformation. The Youngs made some stupid decisions about their money, but eventually they realized that money wasn't what made them who they are. They refused to accept Mr. Linder's offer that would earn them more money, in doing so they realized that they could keep their pride and they knew that they could work because they always had to improve. Works cited Hansberry, Lorraine. A grape in the sun. Mason: Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.