How Does Walter Mature In A Raisin In The Sun

Over the course of A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, the main character, Walter Younger, struggles with immense moral conflicts. As a result of Walter ejecting a white man from his house and, consequently, fighting racism, it becomes evident that he has matured and adopted the role of head of household. In the beginning of the play, it is shown that Walter selfishly dreams about providing for his family and releasing them from the demons of poverty. When Mama gains a great deal of insurance money, Walter desires to build a liquor store and when she puts a down payment on a house instead, he is deeply saddened. He decides to hurt his mother by saying that she ruined his life, which is an extremely childish reaction: “You run our lives like you want to. It was your
Linder, and tries to sell the house. Instead, when Mr. Linder comes, he acknowledges the history of struggle behind the house and refuses to sell it. It is thereafter shown that Walter is extremely proud of this decision because ahead of his announcement, he “draws him [Travis] before him facing the men” (Hansberry 148). This quote helps prove his worth as a man and it opens his eyes to ways he can help better Travis’ future, which is a dramatic adjustment from the beginning of the play. The reader can infer that Walter would have most likely accepted the offer to buy the house, due to his previous behavior and decisions, and his reaction showed that he matured. Also, in the end, it is shown that Mama realizes this transformation and allows him to become head of household as she says, “He finally come into his manhood today, didn’t he? Kind of like a rainbow after the rain…” (Hansberry 151). Thus, Mama recognizes that Walter realized his previous belief, of materialism being the only means to reach his goal, was indeed