The Protagonist in a Raisin in The Sun

Throughout Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun, the question arises: who is the protagonist? Is it the ambitious Walter Lee Younger, whose dreams of a better life drive the narrative? Or is it his resilient mother, Lena Younger, who holds the family together through hardship? In this essay, we will explore the complex nature of the protagonist in A Raisin in the Sun and argue that the protagonist is not a single character, but rather the collective strength and determination of the Younger family. By examining the individual struggles and growth of each family member, we will see how their interconnectedness contributes to the overall development of the play's central theme.

The Ambitions of Walter Lee Younger

One of the key characters in A Raisin in the Sun is Walter Lee Younger, a man desperate to escape the confines of his current life and make a better future for his family. Walter's dreams of owning a liquor store represent his aspirations for financial security and social mobility. In the text, Walter often expresses his frustrations, stating, "I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy... I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy... Mama—look at me. I'm thirty-five years old; I been married eleven years and I got a boy who sleeps in the living room... You see, this little liquor store we got in mind cost seventy-five thousand and we figured the initial investment on the place be 'bout thirty thousand, see." (Hansberry, 44) These desires and his pursuit of them form a central conflict in the play, as Walter's decisions and actions impact the entire family.

However, it is important to note that Walter's ambitions are not purely self-serving. Despite his flaws and moments of desperation, his dreams are rooted in a desire to provide a better life for his loved ones. This is evident when he passionately expresses, "We one group of men tied to a race of women with small minds... Big Walter used to say, he'd get right wet in the eyes sometimes, lean his head back with the water standing in his eyes and say, 'Seem like God didn't see fit to give the black man nothing but dreams—but He did give us children to make them dreams seem worth while.'" (Hansberry, 61) Walter's motivations are driven by the hope of breaking free from societal constraints and creating opportunities for his family, making him a central force in the play.

The Resilience of Lena Younger

While Walter's ambitions drive the narrative, it is his mother, Lena Younger, who anchors the family and serves as a source of strength and stability. Lena, also known as Mama, is a wise and religious woman who consistently puts her family's well-being above her own desires. She is depicted as the moral compass of the play, offering guidance and support to her children and grandchildren in times of crisis.

Throughout the text, Mama's actions and decisions reflect her selflessness and her dedication to her family. For example, when she receives a life insurance check after the death of her husband, Big Walter, she must make a difficult choice between using the money to improve their living conditions or investing in her son's business venture. Ultimately, she chooses to purchase a house in a white neighborhood, symbolizing her determination to provide a better future for her family and to challenge the racial segregation that pervades their lives.

Despite facing adversity and the skepticism of others, Mama remains steadfast in her beliefs and her commitment to her family. It is through her resilience and unwavering love that the Younger family is able to navigate the challenges they encounter, ultimately finding strength in their unity.

The Collective Strength of the Younger Family

While both Walter and Lena play significant roles in the play, it is the collective strength and determination of the Younger family that truly defines the protagonist. Each family member faces their own struggles and undergoes personal growth, contributing to the overall development of the play's central theme.

Ruth, Walter's wife, experiences her own journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Initially resigned to accepting her circumstances, Ruth eventually finds the courage to assert herself and demand respect. Her transformation is evident when she confronts Walter, stating, "I'm waiting to see you stand up and look like your daddy and say we done give up one baby to poverty and that we ain't going to give up nary another one... I'm waiting to see you stand up and look like your daddy and say we done give up one baby to poverty and that we ain't going to give up nary another one." (Hansberry, 46) Ruth's growth contributes to the family's resilience and serves as a reminder that they are all protagonists in their own right.

Beneatha, Walter's sister, also undergoes a transformation throughout the play. Her aspirations of becoming a doctor and her exploration of her African heritage challenge societal norms and expectations. Beneatha's quest for identity and self-empowerment adds complexity to the narrative, highlighting the struggles faced by young African Americans in a racially divided society.

By examining the individual journeys and growth of each family member, it becomes clear that the protagonist in A Raisin in the Sun is not a single character, but rather the collective strength and determination of the Younger family. Through their interconnectedness and unwavering love for one another, they confront and overcome the obstacles that stand in their way, ultimately asserting their humanity and dignity in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, A Raisin in the Sun presents a complex portrayal of the protagonist, challenging traditional notions of a singular central character. While Walter Lee Younger's ambitions and Lena Younger's resilience are key elements of the narrative, it is the collective strength and determination of the Younger family that truly defines the protagonist. Through their interconnectedness, the family members navigate personal struggles and undergo individual growth, contributing to the overall development of the play's central theme. By exploring the multifaceted nature of the protagonist in A Raisin in the Sun, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human experience and the power of unity in the face of adversity.

Bibliography

Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. Vintage, 2011.