A Raisin in the Sun

A detailed Summary of A Raisin in the Sun

The Coming of Walter Lee Younger into Manhood

"A Raisin in the Sun" can be seen as a play about a middle-aged African-American male's belated rise to manhood. In the beginning of the play, Walter Lee is portrayed as the typical man of the house, however he is far from being a man. Walter still lives with his mother, he avoids his responsibilities by getting drunk, and he struggles to support his family; his occupation is a chauffer for white people. Walter has high ambitions of discovering new, and better ways to reach economic prosperity. Yet, social and economic barriers prevent him and his family from reaching the prosperity they seek. . Walter finally steps into manhood after realizing the family's dream of owning a home was more important that his personal dream of getting rich quickly.

Walter being the only man of the home carries many responsibilities: to support his family, raise his children, and to be a good husband. Walter however, is far from being the responsible man of the house. On page 255 when Mama tells him Ruth is expecting another baby, and getting rid of the child, Walter cannot say anything. Walter cannot take the role of his father, and defend the child's life. Walter drinks his problems away,

Most of all, Walter believes money will solve all of his problems. Walter reveals money is life to him, when Mama asks him why money is so important: "No-it was always money, Mama. We just didn't know about it," (254). Walter believes having money defines him as a man, and he will live an easy and happy life with money. Money to Walter; shows his ability to support and take care of his family. Walter's feels enslaved with his job, and money is absolute freedom.

Walter's final chance to step into manhood comes in the final scene when Mr. Lindner is called back to discuss the terms of the house. At first, it seems that Walter will accept Mr. Lindner's money, after he delivers his speech on page 290. Mr. Lindner is a

Walter is frustrated with his job as a chauffer; he drives and opens doors for white men all day; and he doesn't make enough money. His frustration with his job is presented in a conversation with Mama, "Mama, a job? I open and close car doors all day long. I drive a man around in his limousine and I say, "Yes, sir; no, sir; very good, sir; shall I take the Drive, sir?"" (254). Walter cannot support his family economically with his current job. Walter must open doors for white men, and say "Yes, sir, no sir." This tells the reader, African-Americans started to get jobs working for whites. However, it was very unlikely to find African-Americans with high paying executive positions at the time the play was written. Walter has this dream of becoming an executive, and seeks new ways to make money.

Walter's ambitions of making money are driven by selfishness and greed. Walter's selfishness is displayed in a verbal argument with Beneatha about medical school, "Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? If you so crazy bout messin' round with sick people-then go be a nurse like other women- or just get ma

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Approximate Word count = 1249
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels