A Raisin In The Sun Character Analysis Chart
A Raisin In The Sun is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that tells the story of a black family living in Chicago's South Side in the 1950s. The play explores themes of racism, poverty, and the struggle for the American Dream. The characters in A Raisin In The Sun are complex and multifaceted, and their motivations and actions are shaped by their personal experiences and the social and political context of the time. In this article, we will analyze the main characters in A Raisin In The Sun and explore their roles in the play.
Walter Lee Younger
Walter Lee Younger is the protagonist of A Raisin In The Sun. He is a 35-year-old black man who dreams of a better life for himself and his family. Walter is frustrated with his job as a chauffeur and feels emasculated by his inability to provide for his family. His main goal in the play is to use the $10,000 life insurance check left by his father to start a liquor store business with his friends. However, his plans are met with resistance from his family, who are skeptical about the business's viability and worried about the risks involved. Walter's character undergoes a transformation throughout the play, as he learns to confront his own flaws and reconcile with his family.
Mama (Lena Younger)
Mama, also known as Lena Younger, is Walter's mother and the matriarch of the Younger family. She is a deeply religious woman who believes in traditional family values and the importance of hard work and perseverance. Mama's main goal in the play is to use the insurance money to buy a house for her family in a better neighborhood. Her character represents the older generation's values and struggles to reconcile them with the changing times and the aspirations of her children.
Beneatha Younger
Beneatha Younger is Walter's younger sister and a college student studying to become a doctor. She is a free-spirited and independent woman who questions traditional gender roles and the expectations placed on black women in society. Beneatha's character represents the younger generation's aspirations and the changing social and political landscape of the time. Her conflicts with her family and her relationships with her suitors reflect the struggle to define her own identity and find her place in the world.
Ruth Younger
Ruth Younger is Walter's wife and the mother of their son, Travis. She is a practical and hardworking woman who supports her husband's dreams but also worries about their financial situation and the strain it puts on their marriage. Ruth's character represents the sacrifices and compromises that women make for their families and the social and economic inequalities that affect black women in particular.
Travis Younger
Travis Younger is Walter and Ruth's son, who is about ten years old. He represents the future generation and the hope for a better life. Travis's character is a reminder of the sacrifices that parents make for their children and the importance of family and community in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
A Raisin In The Sun is a powerful and timeless play that explores the complexities of the human experience and the struggle for equality and justice. The characters in the play are vividly drawn and represent a range of perspectives and experiences. Through their interactions and conflicts, the play highlights the challenges and opportunities of the African American community in the 1950s and beyond. By analyzing the character analysis chart of A Raisin In The Sun, we can gain a deeper understanding of the play's themes and messages and appreciate the enduring relevance of its message.
