Langston Hughes once wrote, “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up / like a raisin in the sun?” In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, it opens with a family of five living in an apartment in Chicago’s Southside during the 19050s and struggles socially and economically as they dream of a better life (486). The recurring theme that family is more important than materialism is shown as Walter proves his masculinity by helping his family to move out of the apartment. Throughout the play, Walter grows from a greedy and selfish person to a responsible family member like his father.
A Raisin in the Sun begins with Walter being an ambitious and stubborn character that only recognizes materialistic goods as way to bring happiness to his household. When Ruth comments that Willy Harris was a “good-for-nothing loudmouth” (493), Walter points out that Ruth’s attitude towards his partner due to her being
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Walter’s actions portray that he wants his son to have more ambition, more to see, and understand the life outside of poverty. This emphasizes that Walter wishes Travis to pursue a bigger dream and become something that he wants to be, not just in order to survive. However, Travis only wants to become like his dad (546). Thus, Mama uses Travis to influence Walter’s desires to become a role model for his son (574). This demonstrates that having Walter to realize that Travis needs someone to look up to that desires more than just money. According to Mama, Travis needs to see a real man who will defend his family in time of hardships, and not a man who craves only money. Mama is determined that family values will touch and transform Walter into a different man, as shown by her yearning where she tries to persuade him. Towards the end of the play, Walter eventually achieves a sense of masculinity by rejecting