Adversity In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

Josh Jameson, an avid author, once said, “There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book.” When facing a crossroads in life, one must always question whether to face adversity or give up in the pursuit of happiness. This idea also applies to the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, where Big Walter and his son, Walter Lee, choose between sacrificing their lives and dreams or giving up and living a monotonous life. Big Walter is an overworked father whose death provides his family a chance to escape their financial crisis. All the while, Walter is sacrificing his dream of investing since no one supports him. Hansberry uses the personal sacrifices of Big Walter and Walter Lee Younger in order

On the other hand, his sister's dream to go to medical school is supported by Mama. Walter is pleading with his mother, explaining how he wants “so many things…” (73). He thinks his goal of investing in a liquor store is not understood by Mama and insists that it will be the jackpot for them. Mama beseeches Walter to not engulf himself in money and that his negligence of his family is a disgrace to Big Walter’s legacy. Walter still believes that it is him against his mother and family, where he has to sacrifice everything but Beneatha can sit and bring nothing to the table. Repeatedly, Walter is left alone in the dark while his family enjoys themselves, or so he believes wholeheartedly. When Mama reveals the news about a new house, she explains it is possible to buy a house “[because] it was [Big Walter] who [gave] [Walter] the house - in [Big Walter’s] way” (91). While not supporting and understanding Walter’s ambitions in life, Mama went ahead and fulfilled her dream and Beneatha’s. Another pattern emerges, where Walter is seen as unsatisfied and shaken by the fact that Mama preaches about wanting what is best for her children, and he is compelled to harshly explain his unjust treatment for his sacrifice. Following that, a conversation occurs with Mama and his sister where she describes how Walter has done so much for the family and Beneatha should consider “what he had been through… [to] Make sure you take into account what hills and valleys he [came] through…” (145). After losing the money Mama gave, Beneatha is criticizing Walter for his actions and how he is not a man nor her brother. Mama is still defending Walter by explaining about the jobs he has gone through and the humiliation. Mama is referring to what Walter has also lost in the process, mainly his dream to provide for Travis. She preaches to his sister to never