Pressure Makes Diamonds

An increase in pressure occurs with a decrease in area. In "A Raisin in the Sun," the entire Younger clan is smushed into the tiny apartment. They bounce against the walls, and against each other, until the pressure becomes so great that an eruption occurs. Everyone in this apartment feels the pressure and the squeeze, the iron vice of poverty. The most depressing vision of poverty in this story occurs when watching Travis. Travis sleeps on the couch every night, in a room that Walter uses to conduct "business" with his friends. Travis goes to sleep late each night, wakes up early every morning, and goes to school. All of the pressure to get out of poverty leads Travis to take on an after school job at the tender age of eight years old. He is being robbed of his childhood, not being able to play outside, have fun, and make memories as often as he'd like to, due to the fact that he is carrying groceries in order to make some more money for his family. Child poverty is extremely difficult; trying to keep up with the other children your age who have more money, better toys, and more opportunities. And even though Travis is making money, it is not nearly enough. Looking on the bright side, this pressure will turn Travis into a moral man. Travis is learning the value of a dollar, how good rest feels after a hard days work. These life lessons can only be taught by experience, giving Travis an advantage over those his age who have never lifted a finger in their lives. One day, Travis will look back on these days and know that while the work was hard, the reward was well deserved.