Character Analysis Chart For A Raisin In The Sun Answers
A Raisin in the Sun is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that was first performed in 1959. The play is about an African American family, the Youngers, who live in a small apartment in Chicago. The family is struggling financially, and they receive a large insurance check after the death of the patriarch of the family. The play follows the family as they decide how to use the money, and it explores themes of race, class, and the American Dream.
The Characters
The Younger family consists of five main characters: Walter Lee Younger, his wife Ruth, their son Travis, Walter's sister Beneatha, and their mother Lena (also known as Mama). Each of these characters has a distinct personality and contributes to the overall themes of the play.
Walter Lee Younger
Walter Lee is the protagonist of the play. He is a chauffeur and dreams of starting his own business, but he is frustrated with his current situation. He feels emasculated by his job and wants to provide for his family in a better way. Walter is often at odds with his mother, who wants to use the insurance money to buy a house for the family. He wants to use the money to invest in a liquor store with his friends. Walter's character represents the struggle of African American men to provide for their families and achieve their dreams.
Ruth Younger
Ruth is Walter's wife and the mother of Travis. She is a practical woman who wants to provide for her family and maintain a stable home. Ruth is often caught in the middle of the conflicts between Walter and Lena. She supports Walter's dreams but also sees the importance of buying a house for the family. Ruth's character represents the struggle of African American women to balance their own aspirations with the needs of their families.
Travis Younger
Travis is the ten-year-old son of Walter and Ruth. He is a playful and curious child who is often caught in the middle of his parents' conflicts. Travis's character represents the hopes and dreams of the next generation of African Americans.
Beneatha Younger
Beneatha is Walter's sister and a college student. She is interested in her African heritage and wants to become a doctor. Beneatha's character represents the struggle of African American women to find their place in society and to pursue their own dreams.
Lena Younger
Lena is the matriarch of the family. She is a deeply religious woman who wants to use the insurance money to buy a house for the family. Lena's character represents the importance of family and the struggle of African American women to maintain their traditions in a changing world.
The Themes
A Raisin in the Sun explores several themes, including:
Race
The play takes place during a time of racial tension in America. The Younger family faces discrimination and oppression, and their dreams are often limited by their race.
Class
The Younger family is struggling financially and is part of the working class. The play explores the struggles of African Americans to achieve financial stability and upward mobility.
The American Dream
The play presents different visions of the American Dream. Walter's dream of starting his own business represents the idea of achieving success through hard work and entrepreneurship. Lena's dream of buying a house represents the idea of achieving stability and security through homeownership.
The Character Analysis Chart
A character analysis chart can help you to better understand the motivations and personalities of the characters in A Raisin in the Sun. Here is a sample chart:
| Character | Traits | Motivations | Relationships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walter Lee Younger | Dreamer, frustrated, ambitious | To provide for his family and achieve success | At odds with his mother, supportive of his wife |
| Ruth Younger | Practical, caring, conflicted | To provide for her family and maintain a stable home | Caught in the middle of conflicts between Walter and Lena |
| Travis Younger | Playful, curious, innocent | To have fun and learn about the world | Caught in the middle of his parents' conflicts |
| Beneatha Younger | Intellectual, independent, conflicted | To find her place in society and pursue her dreams | At odds with Walter, close to Lena |
| Lena Younger | Religious, traditional, caring | To provide for her family and maintain their traditions | At odds with Walter, close to Ruth and Beneatha |
A character analysis chart can help you to identify the key traits and motivations of each character, as well as their relationships with other characters. This can help you to better understand the themes of the play and the overall message that the author is trying to convey.
Conclusion
A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful play that explores the struggles of African Americans to achieve their dreams and maintain their traditions in a changing world. The characters in the play are complex and multifaceted, and a character analysis chart can help you to better understand their motivations and personalities. By exploring the themes of race, class, and the American Dream, the play offers a powerful commentary on the state of American society in the mid-twentieth century.
