How does poverty contribute to the development of the play A Raisin in the Sun?

The theme of poverty contributes to the development of the play by serving as the primary catalyst for Walter Younger's financial decision to invest Lena's insurance money into a liquor business, which drives the plot and increases the suspense of the play. The Younger family lives in the poverty-stricken South Side, where they desire to move out of their outdated, cramped apartment using Lena's insurance money. The ten thousand dollar insurance check is a significant amount of money to the poor Younger family and each member plans on using the money to invest in their own separate dreams. While Lena and Ruth are concerned with moving into a newer, comfortable home and Beneatha is focused on earning an education, Walter views the insurance money as a way to attain financial stability. The Younger family's current financial struggles act as a catalyst for Walter to make a risky business decision, which leaves the family broke again.
Walter's desire to attain financial security goes awry, which leads to a dramatic decision to sell Lena's home in Clybourne Park back to the white community. If the Younger family were not living in poverty, the insurance check would not have created such a disturbance in their home and influenced Walter to make a risky business decision, which leads to a dramatic scene between Walter and Mr. Lindner towards the end of the play. Overall, poverty serves as a significant aspect of the Younger family's lives, which serves as the catalyst for Walter's decision to invest Lena's insurance money in a liquor business while simultaneously driving the plot and contributing to the drama of the play.