A Raisin In The Sun Character Chart Answer Key
“A Raisin in the Sun” is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry that was first produced in 1959. The play revolves around the Younger family, an African-American family living in a small apartment in Chicago in the 1950s. The family is struggling financially and wants to use the insurance money they have received from the death of the family patriarch, to improve their lives. The play has several dynamic characters, each with their own unique personality and story. Here is a character chart answer key that will help you understand each character better.
Walter Lee Younger
Walter Lee is the protagonist of the play. He is a dreamer, ambitious, and wants to make a better life for himself and his family. However, he is frustrated with his current life and feels trapped. He wants to invest the insurance money in a liquor store, but his family disagrees. Walter Lee is married to Ruth and has a son named Travis.
Ruth Younger
Ruth is Walter Lee’s wife. She is tired and overworked, but she loves her family. She is supportive of her husband’s dream but wants him to be realistic. Ruth wants to use the insurance money to buy a house for their family. She is also pregnant and is considering having an abortion because of their financial situation.
Beneatha Younger
Beneatha is Walter Lee’s sister. She is a college student and wants to become a doctor. She is interested in her African heritage and wants to explore it further. Beneatha is dating two men, George Murchison, who is wealthy and assimilated into white culture, and Joseph Asagai, who is from Nigeria and shares Beneatha’s interest in African culture.
Lena Younger (Mama)
Lena is the matriarch of the family. She is a deeply religious woman who wants the best for her family. Lena wants to use the insurance money to buy a house for her family. She also wants to help her children achieve their dreams.
Travis Younger
Travis is Walter Lee and Ruth’s son. He is a young boy who is excited about the prospect of having his own bedroom in a new house. Travis is also interested in becoming a man and learning how to take care of his family.
Karl Lindner
Karl Lindner is a white representative from the Clybourne Park Improvement Association. He offers to buy the Younger family’s house to prevent them from moving into a white neighborhood. Lindner represents the racism and discrimination that the Younger family faces.
Conclusion
“A Raisin in the Sun” is a powerful play that explores the struggles and dreams of an African American family living in the 1950s. The characters are complex and dynamic, each with their own unique personality and story. The character chart answer key will help you understand each character better and appreciate the play even more.