The word that best describes the central idea or motif in "A Raisin in the Sun" is heritage (C). Heritage can be defined as an inheritance. The story follows the Youngers family, an African-American family in 1950s Chicago. They receive an insurance check for $10,000, or an inheritance, after the death of Mr. Younger. The story goes on to explain what each one of the family members want to do with the money.