Choose a character from the play "A Raisin in the Sun" 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.
One character from the play "A Raisin in the Sun" who undergoes significant changes throughout the course of the play is Walter Lee Younger. At the beginning of the play, Walter is a frustrated and disillusioned man, worn down by his monotonous life and unfulfilled dreams. However, as the play progresses, he experiences transformative moments that reshape his outlook on life, family, and his own identity.
One symbol that helps readers understand Walter's development is the liquor store business idea. This symbolizes Walter's desire for financial independence and the opportunity to provide a better life for his family. Initially, the liquor store represents Walter's desperation for a quick solution to his problems. He sees it as a chance to escape his current circumstances and regain control over his life. In Act I, Walter exclaims, "Ain't nobody interested in no booze store!" (Act I, Scene 1), highlighting his belief that success and prosperity can only be achieved through entrepreneurship.
However, as the play progresses, Walter's perception of the liquor store symbol shifts. After being cheated out of his dream by his business partner, Walter realizes the potential damage the liquor store can cause to his family's well-being and values. This realization alters his priorities, making him reevaluate the significance of money and material desires. In Act II, Scene 3, Walter states, "That money is made out of my father's flesh!" This line embodies Walter's acknowledgment of his father's hard work and sacrifice. It demonstrates his newfound understanding that some things are more important than money or personal ambitions.
Another symbol used in the play to showcase Walter's transformation is the family's new house. Initially, the house serves as a manifestation of Walter's dreams and aspirations. He believes that moving into a bigger and better house will solve all their problems. However, as the play progresses, the house becomes a symbol of Walter's growth in identity and responsibility.
In the final scene, Walter redeems himself by refusing Mr. Lindner's offer to buy back the house from the Younger family. Through this act, Walter solidifies his belief in self-worth and dignity: "We have decided to move into our house because my father—my father—he earned it for us brick by brick" (Act III, Scene 3). This statement reveals Walter's newfound pride in his family's history and his acceptance of his role as a provider and protector.
Overall, through the symbols of the liquor store and the house, readers can witness Walter's transformation from a desperate and disillusioned man to a strong and principled individual. The play portrays his journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of family, pride, and sacrifice over individual desires.