Review acts 1–3 of A Raisin in the Sun. Choose a character from the play and examine how that character changes from the beginning to the end of the play. Identify and explain any symbols that are used in the play that help readers understand how the character changes. Use lines from the play to support your ideas.
In A Raisin in the Sun, acts 1-3 unravel a gripping story filled with dreams, struggles, and growth among the Younger family. One character that undergoes a significant transformation throughout the play is Walter Lee Younger. At the beginning, Walter is an ambitious but frustrated man, yearning to make a mark in the world. However, by the end, he learns important lessons about family, identity, and self-worth, resulting in newfound maturity and understanding.
In the beginning, it is evident that Walter is dissatisfied with his life and envious of those who have achieved more. He dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur and continually expresses his desire to invest in a liquor store opportunity. However, his desperation for financial success blinds him to the importance of other aspects of life, such as the emotional well-being of his family. Walter's persistence in pursuing the liquor store reveals his initial self-centeredness and short-sightedness.
One symbol that highlights Walter's changing character is the money Mama receives from the insurance check. Walter sees this money as the key to his dreams and becomes obsessed with it. His sister, Beneatha, challenges his obsession by suggesting that he has become "mixed up between suffering things and making them better" (Act I, Scene 2). This conversation showcases Walter's initial inability to see beyond his personal desires and his disregard for the struggles of others. However, as the play progresses and Walter experiences setbacks, he gradually realizes the importance of family and individual sacrifice.
Another crucial turning point for Walter's character is when he loses the chance to invest in the liquor store due to his friend's betrayal. This event forces Walter to confront his mistakes, leading to a transformation in his values and priorities. He acknowledges his selfishness, telling his son, Travis, "Son, I come from five generations of people who was slaves and sharecroppers, but ain't nobody in my family never let nobody pay 'em no money that was a way of telling us we wasn't fit to walk the earth" (Act II, Scene 3). Walter's realization signifies his acceptance of his heritage and the need to prioritize dignity over financial gain.
Finally, Walter's ultimate growth is symbolized through his rejection of Mr. Lindner's money. Lindner offers the Younger family a deal to ensure they don't move into the predominantly white neighborhood, assuming they would be incompatible. However, Walter's response demonstrates his newfound sense of self-worth and pride in his family. He states, "And we have decided to move into our house because my father—my father—he earned it for us brick by brick" (Act III, Scene 1). By refusing the money, Walter asserts that his family's dignity and self-respect are worth more than any material gain.
In conclusion, Walter Lee Younger undergoes a significant transformation throughout A Raisin in the Sun. Initially driven by selfish ambitions, Walter learns the importance of family, heritage, and personal values as the play progresses. The symbols of Mama's insurance money and Walter's rejection of Lindner's offer highlight his journey from self-centeredness to self-discovery. By the end of the play, Walter's growth exhibits a newfound maturity and understanding of what truly matters in life.