In Lorraine Hansberry’s play “A Raisin in the Sun,” Walter Lee Younger is a complex character who undergoes a transformation throughout the story. As the head of the Younger family, he is burdened with the responsibility of providing for his wife and son. However, Walter’s dreams of financial success and social mobility often clash with the realities of his life and the struggles of being an African American in 1950s Chicago.
One of Walter’s most memorable quotes occurs in Act I, Scene I, on page 28. He expresses his frustration and yearning for a better life, saying, “I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy…Mama, sometimes when I’m downtown and I pass them cool-quiet-looking restaurants where them white boys are sitting back and talking ’bout things…sitting there turning deals worth millions of dollars…sometimes I see guys don’t look much older than me.” This quote encapsulates Walter’s desire to escape his current circumstances and achieve the same level of success that he perceives in others.
Another significant quote from Walter can be found in Act II, Scene III, on page 87. Frustrated by the racial discrimination he faces when trying to improve his family’s situation, Walter exclaims, “We come from people who had a lot of pride. I mean we are very proud people. And that’s my sister over there and she’s going to be a doctor…and we are damn proud.” Here, Walter asserts his family’s resilience and determination to overcome adversity, emphasizing their shared sense of pride and ambition.
Throughout the play, Walter’s character evolves, and his quotes reflect the internal conflicts he wrestles with. By analyzing these quotes and their corresponding page numbers, readers can gain a deeper understanding of Walter’s desires, frustrations, and the broader themes of aspiration and identity in “A Raisin in the Sun.”
Walter’s Dreams and Ambitions
Throughout “A Raisin in the Sun,” the character of Walter Younger harbors various dreams and ambitions. Walter is determined to break free from the limitations of his poverty and achieve financial success. His aspirations are shaped by his dissatisfaction with his current circumstances and his desire to provide a better life for his family.
One of Walter’s primary dreams is to start his own business. He envisions becoming an entrepreneur and investing in a liquor store with a group of business partners. This venture represents an opportunity for Walter to gain financial independence and status in society. He believes that the investment will allow him to provide a brighter future for his wife, Ruth, and their son, Travis.
Walter’s dreams are also fueled by his desire for social mobility. He wants to move his family out of their cramped apartment in the South Side of Chicago and into a house in a better neighborhood. This aspiration is motivated by Walter’s belief that a more affluent environment will offer his family better educational opportunities and access to a higher quality of life.
However, Walter’s dreams are not solely focused on himself. He also wants to use his newfound wealth to support his sister, Beneatha, in pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. He sees her ambition as a symbol of progress and represents his hope for a brighter future for the entire Younger family.
Walter’s dreams and ambitions are constantly challenged throughout the play, particularly by the harsh realities of racism and economic inequality. However, his determination and resilience enable him to continue pursuing his dreams, even in the face of adversity.
Walter’s Struggle for Identity
Throughout the play “A Raisin in the Sun,” Walter Younger, the protagonist, experiences a profound struggle in search of his identity. Walter’s journey is characterized by his desires, dreams, and the conflicts he faces in trying to assert himself in a society that oppresses him.
One of the key aspects of Walter’s struggle for identity is his desperate desire to become a successful businessman and provide a better life for his family. He believes that financial success will bring him the respect and recognition he yearns for. However, Walter’s dreams are constantly dashed by the realities of his circumstances. This is evident in the quote: “I’m thirty-five years old; I been married eleven years and I got a boy who sleeps in the living room… and all I got to give him is stories about how rich white people live” (Act 1, Scene 1). This quote highlights his frustration and disappointment with his current situation and his yearning to break free from the limitations imposed on him.
Additionally, Walter’s struggle for identity is also rooted in his conflict with his family. He often feels overshadowed by his sister Beneatha and struggles to assert his own dreams and aspirations. For instance, when he tries to explain his vision for a new business venture, his family dismisses his ideas and undermines his abilities. This can be seen in the quote: “I’m a volcano. … It’s just that I get so mad sometimes that I just explode” (Act 2, Scene 1). This quote shows his frustration at being overlooked and his desperate need to be acknowledged as an individual.
Furthermore, Walter’s struggle for identity is deeply tied to his experience as an African American man in a racially segregated society. He witnesses the discrimination and prejudice that pervade his everyday life, which further fuels his desire to break free from the limitations imposed on him. As he confronts the limitations placed on him because of his race, Walter is driven to assert his identity and prove his worth. This is illustrated by the quote: “I’m trying to talk to you ’bout myself and all you can say is eat them eggs and go to work” (Act 1, Scene 1). This quote highlights his frustration at being dismissed and not being allowed to express himself fully.
In conclusion, Walter’s struggle for identity is multifaceted and deeply rooted in his desires, dreams, and the conflicts he faces within himself and society. His journey to find his true identity involves overcoming his family’s dismissiveness, his own self-doubt, and the racial oppression he experiences. Through his struggles, Walter emerges as a complex and dynamic character who resists the limitations placed on him and strives for self-realization.
Walter’s Relationship with his Family
Throughout the play “A Raisin in the Sun,” Walter’s relationship with his family is complex and dynamic. Despite the conflicts and challenges they face, their bond as a family ultimately shines through.
- Walter and Ruth: Walter’s relationship with his wife Ruth is tumultuous at times. They often argue and struggle with communication, but their love for each other is evident. Walter’s dreams of owning a liquor store strain their relationship, as it causes financial strain and tension. However, they find common ground as they support each other’s dreams and work together to overcome obstacles.
- Walter and Travis: Walter’s relationship with his son Travis is characterized by a deep desire for a better life. Walter’s dreams of financial success stem from his desire to provide a brighter future for his son. He wants to break free from the poverty that has defined their lives and give Travis opportunities that were denied to him. Their relationship evolves as Walter learns the importance of family and the sacrifices they are willing to make for each other.
- Walter and Mama: Walter’s relationship with his mother Mama is filled with both tension and respect. They clash over their differing visions for the family’s future, with Walter’s dreams of financial success conflicting with Mama’s emphasis on tradition and family values. Despite their disagreements, Walter learns valuable lessons from Mama about the importance of pride and dignity. Through their struggles, their relationship deepens as they develop a mutual understanding and appreciation.
In conclusion, Walter’s relationship with his family in “A Raisin in the Sun” is complex, but ultimately grounded in love and a shared desire for a better life. Their journey is a testament to the strength of family bonds and the power of understanding and forgiveness.
Walter’s Interaction with Other Characters
Throughout the play A Raisin in the Sun, Walter Younger interacts with various characters, showcasing different aspects of his personality and his evolving relationships with them. Here are some notable interactions:
- Ruth Younger: Walter’s wife, Ruth, has a significant impact on his life. They have a strained relationship due to their financial struggles and Walter’s unrealistic dreams. Walter often takes out his frustrations on Ruth, causing tension between them.
- Beneatha Younger: Walter’s sister, Beneatha, and he often clash due to their contrasting views. Walter disapproves of Beneatha’s desire to become a doctor, seeing it as a waste of money. Their arguments highlight the generation gap and different dreams they have for their future.
- Lena Younger (Mama): Walter has a complex relationship with his mother, Lena. He often feels controlled by her decisions and resents her for not using the insurance money to invest in his business ideas. However, as the play progresses, Walter begins to find admiration and understanding for his mother’s values.
- George Murchison: Walter’s interactions with George, Beneatha’s wealthy and educated boyfriend, reveal Walter’s insecurities about his own lack of success. He feels inferior to George and expresses his frustration through sarcastic remarks and attempts to challenge George’s authority.
- Joseph Asagai: Joseph, a Nigerian student and Beneatha’s other love interest, provides Walter with a different perspective on life. They discuss their dreams and ambitions, and Joseph encourages Walter to embrace his African heritage and think beyond material wealth.
- Karl Lindner: Walter’s encounter with Karl, a representative of the Clybourne Park Improvement Association, is one of the most pivotal moments in the play. Walter initially agrees to accept money from Karl to prevent the Younger family from moving into a predominantly white neighborhood, but he ultimately rejects the offer, choosing his family’s dignity over financial gain.
These interactions shed light on Walter’s character development, as he navigates his own desires and struggles to balance them with the expectations and aspirations of those around him.
Walter’s Financial Situation
Throughout the play “A Raisin in the Sun,” Walter Younger’s financial situation is a central theme. Walter’s dreams of becoming a successful businessman and using money to provide for his family drive his actions and influence the conflicts in the story.
From the beginning, Walter’s financial situation is depicted as dire. He works as a chauffeur, earning a meager income that barely covers his family’s expenses. This is evident in Act 1, Scene 1 when Walter complains about his low wages, saying, “That ain’t no kind of job…I open and close car doors all day long.” (p. 11)
Walter’s frustration with his financial situation is also highlighted in Act 1, Scene 2 when he exclaims, “Damn my eggs…damn all the eggs that ever was!” (p. 22) This quote shows his despair and the feeling of being trapped in his current circumstances.
Walter’s desire for financial independence and a better life leads him to make risky decisions. In Act 1, Scene 2, Walter’s investment ideas are introduced. He talks about his plan to invest liquor store money in a business venture with his friends, saying, “I’m thirty-five years old; I been married eleven years and I got a boy who sleeps in the living room (…) I’m trying to talk to you ‘bout myself and all you can say is eat them eggs and go to work.” (p. 23) This demonstrates Walter’s desperate need to escape his current financial situation.
However, Walter’s dreams of using the insurance money to invest in a business clash with his sister Beneatha’s dreams of becoming a doctor. This conflict highlights the tension between practical financial goals and pursuing personal aspirations.
Ultimately, Walter’s financial situation reflects his desire for a better life for himself and his family. His struggle to escape poverty and provide for his loved ones drives the plot of the play and explores the themes of identity and the American Dream.
Walter’s Transformation Throughout the Play
Walter Younger, the main character in “A Raisin in the Sun,” undergoes a significant transformation throughout the play. He starts off as a frustrated and disillusioned individual, struggling to find his purpose and place in society. As the play progresses, Walter’s experiences and interactions with other characters shape his perspective and lead him to a greater understanding of himself and his potential.
One of the key moments in Walter’s transformation is when he realizes the importance of his family’s dreams and aspirations. Initially, he only focuses on his own desires for financial success and the liquor store investment. However, after his sister, Beneatha, confronts him about the importance of dreams, he begins to see the bigger picture. This realization is evident when he says, “Son — I come from five generations of people who was slaves and sharecroppers–but ain’t nobody in my family never let nobody pay ’em no money that was a way of telling us we wasn’t fit to walk the earth. We ain’t never been that poor. We ain’t never been that – dead inside.” (p. 113)
As the play progresses, Walter’s transformation becomes even more apparent. He starts taking responsibility for his actions and finds the strength to stand up against societal expectations. When Mr. Lindner offers the Younger family money to not move into the predominantly white neighborhood, Walter initially considers it. However, he ultimately rejects the offer, realizing that his self-worth and dignity are more important than any monetary gain. This is evident when he tells Mr. Lindner, “And we have decided to move into our house because my father – my father – he earned it for us brick by brick.” (p. 145)
Walter’s transformation reaches its climax in the final scene of the play. He embodies the strength and determination that he lacked at the beginning, as he stands up to his family and reclaims his role as the head of the household. He refuses to let his dreams be shattered, symbolizing the resilience and tenacity of the African-American community as a whole.
The transformation of Walter Younger throughout “A Raisin in the Sun” is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the ability to grow and change. It serves as a reminder that dreams and aspirations are not limited to financial success, but can also encompass self-worth, dignity, and the pursuit of a better future for oneself and one’s family.
Walter’s Quotes about Racism and Discrimination
Throughout “A Raisin in the Sun,” Walter Younger expresses his thoughts and experiences regarding racism and discrimination. These quotes highlight the racial tensions and challenges faced by the African American community during that era.
| Quote | Page Number |
|---|---|
| “And we are proud people – a proud and hard-working people – so why … ain’t we got nothing to leave them?” | Act I, Scene I |
| “We one group of men tied to a race of women with small minds.” | Act II, Scene I |
| “It’s all divided up – five generations alive at that table tonight. And each one’s brains got more than twice as much actual brain as the folks who passed that plate around.” | Act III, Scene I |
| “Son, I come from five generations of people who was slaves and sharecroppers – but ain’t nobody in my family never let nobody pay ’em no money that was a way of telling us we wasn’t fit to walk the earth.” | Act III, Scene I |
In these quotes, Walter expresses his frustration with the lack of financial success and opportunities for his family and the African American community as a whole. He acknowledges the long history of oppression and discrimination faced by his ancestors and questions why they haven’t been able to overcome it.
Walter’s quotes shed light on the systemic racism and social injustices prevailing during that time, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality and the desire for a better future. Through his words, the audience is reminded of the lasting effects of racial discrimination on individuals and families.
Walter’s Quotes about the American Dream
Throughout the play “A Raisin in the Sun,” Walter Younger, the protagonist, discusses his beliefs and aspirations regarding the American Dream. The American Dream is a central theme in the play, representing the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success, wealth, and happiness in the United States.
- “You know, this is the time of year that makes a man think things over […] sort of like a healthy, vigorous new start” (Act 1, Scene 1). This quote highlights Walter’s yearning for a fresh beginning and his hope that he can realize his dreams.
- “I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy” (Act 1, Scene 1). Walter expresses his desire for material wealth and a better life, indicating that he believes the American Dream is attainable.
- “What I want to know […] is what happened to the money Mama. […] I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy” (Act 1, Scene 1). In this quote, Walter is frustrated and desperate to see his dreams materialize. He believes that receiving the insurance money will be the key to achieving his ambitions.
- “I’m trying to talk to you ’bout myself and all you can say is eat them eggs and go to work” (Act 1, Scene 2). This quote shows Walter’s frustration that his family does not understand the intensity of his longing for success and financial stability.
These quotes from Walter Younger demonstrate his belief in the American Dream and his yearning for a better life. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks throughout the play, Walter’s desire to make his dreams a reality remains a driving force in his character development.
Question and answer:
How does Walter’s character change throughout the play?
Walter’s character undergoes a significant transformation throughout “A Raisin in the Sun.” At the beginning of the play, he is dissatisfied with his life and dreams of making a big investment to improve his family’s financial situation. However, his desperation and impatience lead him to make some poor decisions, such as accepting money from Mr. Lindner to not move into the white neighborhood. This choice initially brings him shame and disappointment. However, in the end, Walter learns the importance of family, dignity, and self-worth. He finds his strength and decides to reject Mr. Lindner’s offer, standing up for his family’s rights and dreams. This transformation showcases Walter’s growth as an individual and his ability to prioritize what truly matters.
What is the significance of Walter’s dreams in “A Raisin in the Sun”?
Walter’s dreams play a central role in “A Raisin in the Sun” and symbolize the aspirations and hopes of African Americans during that time period. Walter represents the collective desire for social and economic advancement. His dreams of opening a liquor store and investing in a business represent the yearnings for financial prosperity and autonomy. However, these dreams also highlight the limitations placed upon black individuals in a racially segregated society. Walter’s struggle to achieve his dreams mirrors the struggles of the African American community as a whole. Ultimately, the play explores the sacrifices and compromises individuals must make in pursuit of their dreams and the various ways in which dreams can be shattered or reshaped.
How does Walter’s relationship with his family evolve throughout the play?
Throughout the play, Walter’s relationship with his family evolves from one of frustration and tension to one of understanding and unity. In the beginning, Walter feels disconnected from his family and believes that they do not understand his dreams or ambitions. This causes tension and conflict within the family. However, as the play progresses, Walter begins to realize the importance of his family and the sacrifices they have made for him. He learns to appreciate his wife and children and understands that they are his true source of strength and happiness. This realization leads to a newfound unity within the family as they all come together to support each other in pursuing their dreams and overcoming adversity.