Conflicts in A Raisin in the Sun – Essay OutlineI. Conflicts in the play - There are many types of conflicts evident in this play. Some are as follows: A. Man vs. Man – Mom is the matriarch of the family and has full control over her children's lives. She is driven by a strong sense of pride and a strong belief in God. Her ideas conflict with three other characters:1. Walter - His dreams of owning a liquor store conflict religiously with his mother's value system. The conflict between Mom and Walter is amplified by the fact that the family lives in Mom's apartment and Walter is unable/unwilling to make decisions because Mom is so overbearing. Ironically, it is the one decision he ultimately lets Walter make that nearly destroys the family.2. Beneatha - Mom is angry and confused by Beneatha's views on religion.3. Ruth - Mother cannot accept the fact that Ruth might find it necessary to have an abortion.B. Man against Nature1. Living conditions - five people in a small apartment2. The neighborhood - ghetto-itis3. Economic conditions4. Job dissatisfaction5. The racism of societyIII. Individual dreams vs. Family Responsibilities - A central conflict in the play arises when there is disparity between the individual's dreams and his or her family responsibilities. Walter's desire to own a liquor storeB. Beneatha's dream of becoming a doctorIV. Contrasts of characterA. George vs. Asagai - George is trying to deny his heritage. His family has thrived in America and sees no need to celebrate his African heritage. It illustrates the blandness and superficiality of a life rooted in the pursuit of wealth and status. Asagai counters with George. He is an idealist. He is intelligent, insightful, and dedicated to helping his country in its quest for liberation. These two men embody the two forces that operate on and within the family: materialism and idealism.B. Mama vs. Walter - Mama's desires for the family conflict with Walter's. The mother wants to use the insurance money to buy a house, a symbol of stability. Walter would rather spend the money on a high-risk investment. Mother represents the wisest generation.V. Important propsA. The plant - Represents the mother's ability to resist despite the hostile environment and her tenacity in keeping her dream alive.