The Dreams of Walter Lee in "A Raisin in The Sun"

What Drives Walter's Dream in "A Raisin in the Sun"?

Ever wonder what Walter Lee Younger really wants in A Raisin in the Sun? Lorraine Hansberry’s famous play dives deep into the dreams and struggles of the Younger family, especially Walter. Set in 1950s Chicago, this story shows us Walter’s dream, which is all about getting money, respect, and a better future for his family. By looking at how his dream unfolds in the play, we get to know Walter better and see big ideas like the American Dream and racial issues. Let's dig into what Walter's dream really means and see where it takes him.

The Money Angle

First off, Walter’s got this huge thing about money. He’s always talking about buying a liquor store because he thinks it'll make him rich. Remember when he says, “I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy..."? (Hansberry, 34). That line shows just how much he's wrapped up in wanting financial success. He believes having money will let him escape the race-related barriers holding him back. Plus, there's his dad’s life insurance cash—a chunk of change that could turn everything around for his family. But as you’d expect, things don’t go smoothly, making Walter rethink what matters most.

The Need for Respect

Walter isn’t just chasing dollars; he craves respect too. As a black man living with racism every day, he feels looked down upon. Part of why he wants money is because he thinks it’ll earn him some dignity. You can hear this when he says to Ruth, "I'm trying to talk to you 'bout myself and all you can say is eat them eggs and go to work” (Hansberry, 14). He’s upset about being brushed aside like that. Through his dream, Walter's trying to prove himself not just to his family but also to society at large.

Family Comes First

And then there's his family—Walter wants a better future for them more than anything else. The whole time, he's driven by this belief that if he makes it financially, he'll give Travis, his son, a life free from poverty's chains. It's all connected to wanting what's best for Travis. Remember when he talks with Ruth? He's always thinking about giving their kid something more than he ever had.

The Bigger Picture

To wrap it up, Walter's dream in A Raisin in the Sun isn’t simple; it's layered with desires for financial freedom, self-respect, and family welfare. His journey shows us how tough it was back then for African Americans pursuing their dreams amid racial discrimination. As obstacles hit him hard throughout the play, Walter has to figure out what success really means—and maybe even change his definition of it along the way.

This look at Walter's aspirations gives us a clearer view of who he is while highlighting bigger themes about resilience and hope despite life's hurdles.

References

• Hansberry, Lorraine. "A Raisin in the Sun." Vintage Books, 2004.
• Carter Jr., Albert Howard. "The Art of American Playwrights: From O'Neill to Albee." Duke University Press Books.
• Baldwin, James. "Notes of a Native Son." Beacon Press.
• Sawyer-Lauçanno C.R., Benard B., & Marcinowski M.D., editors "Playwrights on Drama: Excerpts from Writers Guild Forums." Writers Guild Foundation Archive.