Raisin in the sun analytical
Brianna Gervickas
February 20, 2013
Period 4 Analytical Essay Do you value your pride more than money? In the play, A Raisin In The Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, An African American family is struggling in a inadequate worn down apartment trying to make a living. Mama, the eldest of the family, is going to receive a check for 10,000 and the family is ecstatic for its arrival. Walter Lee Younger is the most dynamic character in the book. Walter’s character develops from materialistic and greedy, to the man that his family wants him to be, a leader of the household who values them more than anything. Lorraine Hansberry demonstrates Walter’s growth through the use of characterization. In the first scene, Walter and Mama are discussing his dream of opening the liquor store. Not surprisingly, Mama disagrees with. Mama: Son, How come you talk so much ‘bout money? Walter: Because it is life Mama! ( Hansberry, p.74) this first example of Walter’s characterization shows that Walter is so concerned about the amount of bills in his pocket, that it has become the object of which his life revolves around. Walter says that he detests his job as a chauffeur because he must serve another man. Yet he stills continues to work for his boss opening doors, and saying “Yes sir,” and “No Sir.” Indeed, Walter is using a materialistic approach to achieve happiness. Bills are nothing but sheets of special fabric used as a trade medium. In actuality, The object itself has no value. He is using a false source of joy, which can easily be lost, spent, and stolen. It will take a large shock for him to realize this. This was one of the first times Walter openly admits his obsession. After Walter gives all of Mama’s money to Willy Harris, he realizes Willy is never coming back. Eventually, Walter reaches his breaking point as he loses everything he believes that he has. “Gone,
February 20, 2013
Period 4 Analytical Essay Do you value your pride more than money? In the play, A Raisin In The Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, An African American family is struggling in a inadequate worn down apartment trying to make a living. Mama, the eldest of the family, is going to receive a check for 10,000 and the family is ecstatic for its arrival. Walter Lee Younger is the most dynamic character in the book. Walter’s character develops from materialistic and greedy, to the man that his family wants him to be, a leader of the household who values them more than anything. Lorraine Hansberry demonstrates Walter’s growth through the use of characterization. In the first scene, Walter and Mama are discussing his dream of opening the liquor store. Not surprisingly, Mama disagrees with. Mama: Son, How come you talk so much ‘bout money? Walter: Because it is life Mama! ( Hansberry, p.74) this first example of Walter’s characterization shows that Walter is so concerned about the amount of bills in his pocket, that it has become the object of which his life revolves around. Walter says that he detests his job as a chauffeur because he must serve another man. Yet he stills continues to work for his boss opening doors, and saying “Yes sir,” and “No Sir.” Indeed, Walter is using a materialistic approach to achieve happiness. Bills are nothing but sheets of special fabric used as a trade medium. In actuality, The object itself has no value. He is using a false source of joy, which can easily be lost, spent, and stolen. It will take a large shock for him to realize this. This was one of the first times Walter openly admits his obsession. After Walter gives all of Mama’s money to Willy Harris, he realizes Willy is never coming back. Eventually, Walter reaches his breaking point as he loses everything he believes that he has. “Gone,