Questions: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry Choose one character in the play and do the following: 1. Describe the character 2. Explain what motivates this character 3. Explain how this character changes throughout the play What are the themes of the play? How does the character you chose help develop the themes of the play? Write down at least two quotations from the play that demonstrate how this character shows a theme in the play.

1. Describe the character: The character I will focus on is Walter Lee Younger. Walter is a complex character who is deeply ambitious and dreams of improving his family's financial situation. He works as a chauffeur but is dissatisfied with his job and yearns for a better life. Walter is often frustrated and feels emasculated by his inability to provide more for his family.

2. Explain what motivates this character: Walter is primarily motivated by his desire to achieve financial success and gain respect. He dreams of investing in a liquor store as a means to escape his current socioeconomic status and provide a better future for his family. His motivation is also driven by a need to assert his role as the man of the house and to fulfill his father's legacy.

3. Explain how this character changes throughout the play: Throughout the play, Walter undergoes significant personal growth. Initially, he is consumed by his dreams of wealth and is willing to take risks, even if they are morally questionable. However, after losing the money he invested, Walter hits rock bottom and contemplates accepting a demeaning offer from Mr. Lindner to not move into the white neighborhood. In the end, Walter rejects the offer, choosing dignity and family pride over financial gain. This decision marks his transformation from a self-centered dreamer to a responsible and principled man.

The primary themes of "A Raisin in the Sun" include:

• The struggle for identity and self-worth
• The importance of dreams and aspirations
• Racial discrimination and segregation
• Family unity and support
• Economic hardship and the pursuit of the American Dream

Walter's character is central to the development of several themes in the play. His struggle for identity and self-worth is evident in his quest for financial success and respect. His dreams and aspirations drive much of the plot, highlighting the importance of having dreams and the impact of their potential failure. Walter's interactions with Mr. Lindner and his ultimate rejection of the bribe underscore the theme of racial discrimination and the fight for dignity. His journey also emphasizes the significance of family unity and support, as his final decision is influenced by his desire to honor his family's legacy and protect their future.

1. "Mama, you know it's all divided up. Life is. Sure enough. Between the takers and the 'tooken.' I've figured it out finally. Yeah. Some of us always getting 'tooken.'"

   • This quote demonstrates Walter's frustration with his socioeconomic status and his belief that financial success is necessary for self-worth, reflecting the theme of economic hardship and the pursuit of the American Dream.

2. "We have decided to move into our house because my father—my father—he earned it for us brick by brick."

   • This quote shows Walter's transformation and his decision to prioritize family pride and dignity over financial gain, highlighting the themes of family unity and the struggle for identity and self-worth.