"Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry

The play, A Raisin in the Sun, explains how the poverty in which the characters live has shaped who they are. Poverty affects the Youngers' living conditions. Poverty also mold their dreams. The family's impoverishes state shapes their living arrangements and their dreams.
Living in poverty has effects on the living conditions of the Youngers. Their furnishings are covered by what is described as "acres of crocheted doilies and couch covers." Their furniture is given an old, worn-out look while "a table or chair has been moved to disguise the worn places in the carpet." As if having old décor isn't enough, the Youngers' apartment is occupied by cockroaches, which Beneatha sprays for in the beginning of Act 1, Scene2. The cockroaches are talked about as if they have and always will be in the apartment. …