Changes in Walter in a Raisin in The Sun

• Walter's Dreams
• Walter's View of Family Values
• Walter's Personal Growth
• Conclusion

Introduction

Ever read "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry? It's a real eye-opener about an African American family living in 1950s Chicago. The play dives deep into the life of Walter Lee Younger, who changes quite a bit as the story unfolds. This essay looks at how Walter's dreams, his take on family values, and his personal growth all shift throughout the play. By exploring these changes, we get a better sense of the bigger themes, like racism and identity. In the end, we see that Walter’s journey reflects the struggles and hopes of the African American community during that era.

Walter's Dreams

So, what’s up with Walter’s dreams? At first, he’s all about money—big time! He wants to start his own business and get rich quick to give his family a better shot at life. He thinks cash will solve everything and help him escape from racial constraints. But as things progress, he starts to get it: money ain’t everything. His conversations with other characters, especially his sister Beneatha, open his eyes to personal identity and self-worth. This change shows he's evolving on a deeper level.

Remember when 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”? That's his frustration talking. He’s stuck dreaming of wealth.

Why's he so obsessed with financial success? Well, being a black man in a segregated society kinda does that to you. It's all about social mobility and caring for his family. But eventually, he learns there's more to life than just dollars.

Walter's View of Family Values

Now let’s talk about how Walter sees family values. Initially, he's kinda checked out from family stuff, particularly with Ruth (his wife) and Travis (his son). He's wrapped up in his own world and ignores them quite a bit. But then things change—big time! The insurance money comes into play and forces him to rethink his priorities.

When he says, "What you need me to say you done right for? You the head of this family..." it highlights how he initially dismisses others’ opinions but is starting to acknowledge their importance.

This shift? It tells us something major about unity within the African American community—a theme running strong through the play. As Walter understands what his family sacrificed for him, he realizes their fate is tied together with his own well-being.

Walter's Personal Growth

Apart from changing dreams and views on family values, Walter goes through some serious personal growth too. At first glance, he's insecure—feels totally stuck in life without knowing where he belongs. But facing those challenges head-on helps build resilience!

Take when he says “We one group of men tied to a race of women with small minds.” Sounds harsh at first but marks an important turning point because he starts recognizing unity matters way more than division among genders!

This personal development connects directly back into understanding both himself within familial roles AND broader struggles faced by African Americans during this timeframe.

Conclusion

In wrapping up our look into Walter's character arc within "A Raisin in The Sun," we see profound shifts happening all around—whether it be through changes surrounding dream realization or newfound appreciation towards familial bonds & responsibilities coupled alongside newfound internal strength/resilience too! By examining these transformations further insight becomes available regarding larger social themes present throughout such impactful pieces while serving ultimately illustrating ongoing aspirations/struggles faced collectively then (& now) by many individuals seeking equity/fairness alike themselves amidst adversity encountered along respective paths ahead...

References

 
• Hansberry, L. (1959). A Raisin in The Sun.

 

Keep in mind:
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• Bennetts, L. (2004). Lorraine Hansberry: Her Life and Legacy.

 

• Miller-Cooper-Michaels Editor Team 2005 Edition Literature Analysis Series Vol.VIII pp77-104