Adversity In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun
Josh Jameson, an avid author, once said, “There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book.” When facing a crossroads in life, one must always question whether to face adversity or give up in the pursuit of happiness. This idea also applies to the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, where Big Walter and his son, Walter Lee, choose between sacrificing their lives and dreams or giving up and living a monotonous life. Big Walter is an overworked father whose death provides his family a chance to escape their financial crisis. All the while, Walter is sacrificing his dream of investing since no one supports him. Hansberry uses the personal sacrifices of Big Walter and Walter Lee Younger in order …show more content…
On the other hand, his sister's dream to go to medical school is supported by Mama. Walter is pleading with his mother, explaining how he wants “so many things…” (73). He thinks his goal of investing in a liquor store is not understood by Mama and insists that it will be the jackpot for them. Mama beseeches Walter to not engulf himself in money and that his negligence of his family is a disgrace to Big Walter’s legacy. Walter still believes that it is him against his mother and family, where he has to sacrifice everything but Beneatha can sit and bring nothing to the table. Repeatedly, Walter is left alone in the dark while his family enjoys themselves, or so he believes wholeheartedly. When Mama reveals the news about a new house, she explains it is possible to buy a house “[because] it was [Big Walter] who [gave] [Walter] the house - in [Big Walter’s] way” (91). While not supporting and understanding Walter’s ambitions in life, Mama went ahead and fulfilled her dream and Beneatha’s. Another pattern emerges, where Walter is seen as unsatisfied and shaken by the fact that Mama preaches about wanting what is best for her children, and he is compelled to harshly explain his unjust treatment for his sacrifice. Following that, a conversation occurs with Mama and his sister where she describes how Walter has done so much for the family and Beneatha should consider “what he had been through… [to] Make sure you take into account what hills and valleys he [came] through…” (145). After losing the money Mama gave, Beneatha is criticizing Walter for his actions and how he is not a man nor her brother. Mama is still defending Walter by explaining about the jobs he has gone through and the humiliation. Mama is referring to what Walter has also lost in the process, mainly his dream to provide for Travis. She preaches to his sister to never
Walter Younger Thesis
1248 Words | 5 PagesWalter embodies the image of his father and his morals when he scolds Lindner, "My father almost beat a man to death once because this man called him a bad name or something, you know what I mean?”(147). Walter’s euphoric pride in his family was evident as his affiliation with his father’s principles was prominent. When Willy escaped with his money, Walter originally resorted to tomfoolery and begging to cope with his newfound pain. But when Mama reaffirms her faith in his judgment, he loses his vanity and ego, becoming a man his family respects. Walter continues to stand by his new beliefs when he lectures Lindner about self-worth, "And we have decided to move into our house because my father --my father--he earned it for us brick by brick”(148).
A Raisin In The Sun Consequential Actions Essay
732 Words | 3 PagesIn the story, Mama puts Walter in charge of handling the Life Insurance which turns out to be a big mistake. This action makes Beneatha very unhappy, and although Mama expresses anger at Walter, she can be blamed for not handling the situation herself. The negative effect of this decision is shown through the character of Beneatha, who cries and complains to her boyfriend Asagai. “Too many things --” she says, “too many things have happened today. I must sit down and think.”
Oppression In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun
1366 Words | 6 PagesAccording to Walter, self-employment is the key to a successful career. This is shown when Hansberry uses an ellipse; she makes the reader pause in alignment with his reflections on his career. Later in the play, Hansberry suggests the idea of Walter owning a liquor store. Therefore, the introspection Walter experiences when he is fighting with Mama is fueled by the revelation that his job, by his definition, is unsuccessful. Similarly, when Hansberry selects the phrase “that ain’t nothing at all,” she establishes a desperate tone in Walter, leaving the readers to infer that Walter yearns for more than what he owns and is unsatisfied with his current socioeconomic status.
Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun
1185 Words | 5 PagesIn Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, she discusses many types of dreams and familial situations. The drama shows how life was in 1950s Chicago for a lower-income, African-American family: the Youngers. Composed of Walter, his wife, son, mother and sister, the Younger family faces many trials as they try to move up in status, figure out what to do with the ten thousand dollar life insurance check, and attempt to achieve their dreams. In the story, Walter plays both the protagonist and antagonist, in a very antihero sort of way, aiming to help the family, but ultimately losing some respect from his family, along with most of their money. Throughout A Raisin in the Sun, Walter Younger grows from a money-obsessed man into a more caring
A Raisin In The Sun Betrayal
944 Words | 4 PagesAs time went by the dream Mama had of moving into the new house altogether faded each item into an impossible expectation to reach since each time something new (problems) came up. For instance, how she was betrayed by Walter when she trusted him that he would put three thousand dollars apart for her school fees and thirty-five hundred dollars for him to do his investment, but he took everything. When she found this out she was shocked and disappointed since that part of the money was going toward Beneatha’s future. This plays a part where Walter has forgotten about how much his family means to him. He put his own selfishness and greed ahead which made him betray his sister’s future
Decisions In A Raisin In The Sun
973 Words | 4 PagesMama made a decision that put Walter in charge of the remaining money, however she did not know that this decision might not have been the best for the Younger family. Walter was hesitant in taking the money, but Mama reassures Walter by saying, "I ain't ever stop trusting you" (Hansberry 546). This line from Mama foreshadows the possibility that Walter will not obey her and do something foolish with the money. Walter proves this foreshadowing as he is talking to Travis and says, "... your daddy's gonna make a transaction... a business transaction that's going to change our lives" (Hansberry 547).
Walter Lee Younger Thesis
676 Words | 3 PagesUltimately, his mother chose to buy a house, which is located in a white neighborhood called Clybourne Park. The family is thrilled that they will have their own home but Walter is furious. He tells his mother that she has butchered his dreams. Even though Walter said this, his mother still puts a down payment on the house and gives the remaining $6,500 to Walter. Walter's mom tells him to put $3,000 in a bank account for Beneatha, his sister, for schooling.
A Raisin In The Sun Sexism Analysis
779 Words | 4 PagesThe family starts to tear apart as Walter decides to sell the house to Mr. Lindner and take the check. Mama and Beneatha try to explain to Walter that their family, through generations, would have never thought about taking money in hard times. Beneatha then begins saying that their dream of moving to a new house is now dead, which Walter replies, “What’s the matter with you all! I didn’t make this world. It was give to me this way!
A Raisin In The Sun Betrayal Quotes
508 Words | 3 PagesNot even my own mother. " Walter feels betrayed by the family and especially the mother when they don't support his dream for the liquor store and is disappointed with the purchase of a house. He wants their respect and support, but when he doesn't receive it--goes crazy by missing work, dancing "African", and becoming very rude. As the man of the household he feels that all decisions should be made by him and by Mama rejecting his offer, he feels let down by his own family.
How Does Walter Give Up In A Raisin In The Sun
892 Words | 4 PagesHansberry illustrates the idea that they should not give up on their dreams and goals despite the inequalities they face, as Walter and Mama work tirelessly to achieve their dreams and overcome the injustice of society. Walter initially dreams selfishly, disregarding others' thoughts, but then he realizes his mistakes and becomes selfless. As a lower-class male, Walter feels that the only way to provide for his family is to "make a transaction .. . a business transaction that’s going to change [their] lives"(108).
Walter And Beneatha
1203 Words | 5 PagesHowever, he fails to grasp the tribulations of his parents. He wants to take the money that is meant or the whole family to invest in a “get rich quick” scheme in a business that his mother is against and that his father would not approve of. Walter learns that his family will be receiving a $10,000 insurance check from his father’s death and decides he wants to start a liquor business. His mother states, “In my time we worried about not being lynched and getting to the North if we could and how to stay alive and still have a pinch of dignity too… Now here come you and Beneatha-- talking ‘bout things we ain’t never even thought about hardly, me and your daddy.
Hardships In A Raisin In The Sun
1127 Words | 5 PagesAll Walter wanted was to have money and open his own liquor store but it was not possible. Walter’s dream was unfortle not able to come true
Examples Of Sacrifice In A Raisin In The Sun
754 Words | 4 PagesMama gives him money left from the purchase To add to Beneathea's bank account for her call studies and takes some for himself. Walter ignores the instruction and instead invests the money left in the liquor store. However, Lorraine Hansberry unexpectedly reveals “ ‘ Man... I trusted you, man I put my life in your hands.. man, why did you run away with that money ’ ” (128).
Raisin In The Sun Symbolism
793 Words | 4 PagesTrusting Walter, her son, she mistakenly gave him the money. Mama specifically told Walter to put away some money away for Beneatha Walter's sister. Like Walter Beneatha has big dreams. She wants to go to medical school
A Raisin In The Sun Mama Character Analysis
202 Words | 1 PagesMama Mama has different views about the insurance money that she is receiving for her husband’s death, she believes it is such a small about of money for her husband’s life. Although she would rather have big Walter by her side she thinks that some of the money is useful for her daughter Beneatha’s medical education. As well as to improve a bit of their living conditions by being able to buy their own house as mama states, “what you think your grandma gone and done with that money? She went out and she bought you a house!” (Hansberry 76).
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