Character Analysis Chart A Raisin In The Sun
Introduction
"A Raisin in the Sun" is a play that highlights the lives of African Americans in the 1950s. The play revolves around the Younger family and their struggles to achieve the American Dream amidst racial discrimination and poverty. The characters in the play are well-developed, and each one has a unique personality that contributes to the story's development. This article will analyze the characters in the play and their role in the story's plot.
The Younger Family
The Younger family is the center of the play. They are a poor African American family living in a small apartment in Chicago's South Side. The family consists of Mama, her son Walter, his wife Ruth, and their son Travis. Beneatha, Walter's younger sister, also lives with them.
Mama
Mama is the matriarch of the Younger family. She is a strong-willed and religious woman who dreams of owning a house with a garden. Mama is the moral compass of the family and often acts as a mediator between the family members.
Walter
Walter is Mama's son and the protagonist of the play. He is a chauffeur who dreams of owning a liquor store with his friends. Walter is a complex character who struggles with his identity and masculinity. His desire for success leads him to make questionable decisions that affect the family's welfare.
Ruth
Ruth is Walter's wife and Travis's mother. She is a practical and hardworking woman who often has to mediate between Walter and Mama. Ruth is pregnant and is considering having an abortion because of their financial situation.
Beneatha
Beneatha is Walter's younger sister, who is studying to become a doctor. She is an intellectual who questions her African heritage and struggles to find her identity. Beneatha is the most progressive character in the play and often clashes with her brother's conservative views.
Travis
Travis is Walter and Ruth's son. He is a typical ten-year-old boy who dreams of having a room of his own. Travis is a symbol of hope and innocence in the play.
Other Characters
The play also features other characters who interact with the Younger family and affect the story's development.
George Murchison
George is Beneatha's wealthy boyfriend. He is from a privileged background and is often at odds with Beneatha's views on African heritage.
Joseph Asagai
Joseph is Beneatha's Nigerian friend and love interest. He is proud of his African heritage and encourages Beneatha to embrace hers.
Karl Lindner
Karl 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.
Conclusion
"A Raisin in the Sun" is a powerful play that highlights the struggles of African Americans in the 1950s. The characters in the play are well-developed and contribute to the story's development. Mama is the moral compass of the family, Walter is the protagonist struggling with his identity, Ruth is practical and hardworking, Beneatha questions her African heritage, and Travis is a symbol of hope and innocence. The play also features other characters who affect the story's development. Overall, "A Raisin in the Sun" is a timeless play that continues to resonate with audiences today.