A Raisin in the Sun #3

"We don't want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no causes, and we will try to be good neighbors. And that's all we got to say about that. We don't want your money." 

Although not evident in the beginning scenes, I think that Walter could be considered the protagonist of the story. At the beginning of the story, Walter is completely focused on his dream of owning a liquor store and using Mama's insurance money. Walter believes that money will solve all of their families problems. However, later on in the play, Walter begins to listen to Mama and Ruth. Mama and Ruth desire to buy a house for their family as a whole. Once Walter sees this, he begins to understand that buying a house for the family is better than becoming rich off of his store. In doing so, he turns down the money that Mr. Linder offers the family. To me, this was the point in the play in which Walter changed and proved to be the protagonist of the story.

A Raisin in the Sun #2

Beneatha: "I mean it! I'm just tired of hearing about God all the time. What does He got to do with anything? Does he pay tuition."

Mama: "You 'bout to get your fresh little jaw slapped!"

One apparent difference that I noticed throughout the book was between Beneatha and Mama. Beneatha is a strong, independent woman focused on her dream to become a doctor. Money, family, and love does not stand in the way of her dreams. Also, she does not believe that God has played a role in how she got to where she is today. In contrast to this, Mama is strong in her belief in God. Mama shows empathy and love towards everyone in her family and acts according to that love. Beneatha has a dream and aspires to be someone and acts according to her aspirations. In this way, it makes it hard for Mama to understand Beneatha and her reasoning for things. I think that Mama and Beneatha could definitely be considered foil characters.

A Raisin in the Sun #1

"Been thinking that we maybe could meet the notes on a little old two-story somewhere, with a yard where Travis could play in the summertime, if we use part of the insurance for a down payment and everybody kind of pitch in." (page 44)

Every character in "A Raisin in the Sun" are different from each other. Most significantly, they are different in their dreams and desires. Walter dreams of becoming a successful businessman and owning a liquor store. Ruth and Mama only want a better life for their family and dream of owning a beautiful home.  Beaneatha has hopes of finishing medical school and becoming a doctor as an individualistic woman. In a similar way, many people today want these very same things; a house, a family, and education, a prosperous career. I think that Lorraine Hansberry did a really good job of making this play universal in this way. No matter what era, everyone still aspires to have happiness. Whether that is through a home, an education, family, or career, people are always working towards that happiness. In this way, it makes it easier for the audience to connect with the Younger family's dreams and aspirations.