Changes in Walter in a Raisin in The Sun

A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, is a groundbreaking play about an African American family in 1950s Chicago. One key character, Walter Lee Younger, goes through big changes throughout the play. This essay looks at how Walter's dreams, his view of family values, and his personal growth evolve. By looking at these changes, we can understand bigger themes in the play, like racism and identity. In the end, this essay argues that Walter's transformation mirrors the struggles and hopes of the African American community back then.

Walter's Dreams

Walter's dreams are a big deal in the play, and they change a lot. At the start, Walter is all about making money. He dreams of starting his own business and getting rich. He wants to give his family a better life and get away from the limits set by racism. But as the play goes on, Walter's dream shifts. He sees that money alone won't make him happy. Through his chats with other characters, especially his sister Beneatha, he starts to see the value of personal identity and self-worth. This change in his dreams shows a deeper change in him.

In Act I, Scene 1, Walter says, "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." This quote shows Walter's initial dream of wealth and his frustration with where he's at.

Walter's push for financial success comes from his experience as a black man in a segregated society. His dream is about wanting to move up socially and take care of his family. But as the play goes on, he starts to see that there are more important things than money.

Walter's View of Family Values

Another big change in Walter is how he sees family values. At first, he's kind of disconnected from his family, especially his wife Ruth and son Travis. He's so focused on his own dreams that he often ignores his duties as a husband and dad. But as things progress, Walter starts to see how important his family is and the sacrifices they've made for him. This shift is triggered by the insurance money, which gives Walter a choice that makes him face his own values.

In Act II, Scene 2, Walter says, "What you need me to say you done right for? You the head of this family. You run our lives like you want to. It was your money and you did what you wanted with it." This quote shows Walter's initial disregard for his family's opinions and his growing recognition of their agency.

Walter's change in attitude towards his family highlights a bigger theme in the play: the importance of unity and support within the African American community. As Walter begins to understand the sacrifices his family has made for him, he realizes that their well-being is tied to his own. This realization marks a significant turning point in his character development.

Walter's Personal Growth

Besides changes in his dreams and family values, Walter also grows personally throughout the play. At first, Walter is insecure and frustrated. He feels trapped by his situation and struggles to find his place in the world. But as he faces challenges and obstacles, he starts to develop resilience and determination.

In Act III, Scene 1, Walter says, "We one group of men tied to a race of women with small minds." This quote reflects Walter's initial frustration with the women in his life but also marks a turning point in his character as he begins to recognize the need for unity and understanding.

Walter's personal growth is closely tied to his understanding of his own identity and the role he plays within his family and community. Through his struggles and challenges, he begins to recognize the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. This growth is significant not only for Walter as an individual but also reflects the broader struggles of the African American community during this time period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Walter's character undergoes significant changes throughout A Raisin in the Sun. His dreams, understanding of family values, and personal growth all contribute to his transformation. Through examining these changes, we gain insight into the larger themes of the play, such as the effects of racism and the importance of identity. Walter's journey serves as a microcosm of the struggles and aspirations of the African American community during this time period. By understanding his transformation, we can better appreciate the broader social and cultural context of the play.