Mama, also known as Lena Younger, is portrayed as being in her sixties in Lorraine Hansberry’s play A Raisin in the Sun. While her exact age is not explicitly stated in the text, various references throughout the play suggest she has lived a long and full life, filled with struggles and hopes for her children.
Her age is significant as it reflects her wisdom and the generational differences within her family. Mama’s experiences and values shape the family’s dreams and aspirations, making her a crucial pillar of strength. Her desire to secure a better future for her children and to move into a new home symbolizes her hopes for change, despite her age and the challenges she faces.