A Raisin in the Sun 1

A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry


Throughout the first Act of A Raisin in the Son, all of the main characters are searching for a better way of life, although some choose not to act on these dreams.  Walter Younger, with considerably more active dreams than his mother, wife, or sister, wants to escape their life of poverty and become wealthy enough to support his family.  He plans to invest in the liquor business because he thinks that it's a surefire way of getting wealthy.  On page 32, Walter says "You tired, ain't you? Tired of everything.  Me, the boy, the way we live--this beat-up hole--everything.  Ain't you?"  Throughout the first and second Acts, Walter becomes more emphatic and spirited as he tries to accomplish his dreams.  On the other side, there is Ruth who does not approve of the means of attaining wealth.  It seems that she is okay settling with her simple life of work and few monetary rewards, yet she still wants a little less stress.  Her passiveness majorly conflicts with Walter who wants the wealthy lifestyle, regardless of the means of attaining it.  Lena favors Ruth in this aspect because she doesn't approve of the liquor business, so she is a little weary of giving part of the insurance check towards that investment.  She wants to spend part of the money on the new house and part on Beneatha's education.  Beneatha also has a dream for a better life--becoming a doctor and helping people.  While both siblings have important dreams, Beneatha desires to help the sick and make a difference and Walter just has monetary gains in mind (and I suppose his family).