Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

The Evolution of Walter in A Raisin in the Sun Lorraine Hansberry, an African-American, wrote the play, A Raisin in the Sun. The setting takes place in Chicago after World War II, and the story centers on a particular black family. Living in poor and dirty conditions, the family is thrilled and excited when Mama is about to receive a $10,000 check from her deceased husband’s insurance money. Her son, Walter Lee Younger, plays a major role in this play, and he believes that he can solve his dreams, motivations, conflicts, and values only through money. However, he changes from being a bitter, unthankful, and ungrateful person to truly becoming a man who is proud of himself and his family. In that day and age, whites were considered to be superior …show more content…
In addition, economic situations for black men at that time were very rough because it was difficult to find a good job. As a result, Walter is extremely bitter throughout the play. For instance, he says to his wife, Ruth, “You tired, ain’t you? Tired of everything. . . .So tired-moaning and groaning all the time, but you wouldn’t do nothing to help, would you?” (1159). Furthermore, Walter is greatly bothered and irritated with his job and his way of life, for he complains, “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” (1160). Even George Murchison, a wealthy and educated man who is dating Walter’s sister, Beneatha, says to Walter, “You’re all wacked up with bitterness, man” …show more content…
As a result, this feeling is like a burden that will supposedly never cease to end. When Walter hears that Mama bought a new house with the insurance money, he is furious, believing that his mother has ruined his life. For instance, Walter bitterly says, “so you butchered up a dream of mine-you-who always talking ‘bout your children’s dreams” (1185).
Mr. Lindner, who is the chairman of the welcoming committee in the white neighborhood where the Younger family plan to move, came to tell the Younger family that their kind was not wanted. He tells them that the white people living in the neighborhood will pay more than what Mama bought the house for. Ironically, Mr. Lindner doesn’t really seem at all to be welcoming the family. Surprisingly, Walter did not lose his temper at that moment, for he was in control of himself for once in his life. We realize that this is his one turning point and a new direction in his

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