Walter In A Raisin In The Sun

The main character of Walter in A Raisin in the Sun presents an excellent topic to write an American Literature research paper on. Walter can be approached as a character analysis or simplying look at the theme of the play from Walter's point of view.

"A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry is a play about a black family in 1950s America. Like other African American families of this time, the Younger family had to deal with following issues which make excellent topics for a research paper:

• Segregation in A Raisin in the Sun
• Discrimination in the play
• Issue of Poverty in A Raisin in the Sun

Although the play is filled with subplots, one of the most striking revolves around Walter Younger and his desire to better himself at the cost of his family if necessary. To ensure that his dream of escaping poverty comes true, Walter is willing to act in selfish and immature ways that ignores the feelings of those he lives with and loves.

Walte's Role

Walter serves several purposes in the play. He is Mama's only son, Beneatha's brother, Travis's father, and Ruth's husband. His interaction with each of these characters differs according to his own agenda. In many ways he is the central character of the play in that the plot revolves around him and his actions. For most of the play he appears as a selfish, self-absorbed individual with only his interests at heart.

Walter's role is that of the man of the family. Supporting the family is difficult however, and he is constantly on the lookout for a better way to make ends meet and to secure his own economic prosperity. To overcome the barriers that obstruct his goals, he devises schemes that end up hurting his family. For instance he gives Travis a dollar to spite Ruth, even though he knows that they cannot afford it. While his action benefits his son it is immature in that he did it simply to prove to his wife that he could.

.