Walter And Beneatha

Despite an individual’s race, demographics, and origin, most people have the desire to live a prosperous lifestyle. In many cases, to achieve this prosperous life, one must endeavor to overcome great obstacles. For instance, the characters in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, a play about a black family who all have aspirations of obtaining the American Dream, expect their goals to come easily. Achieving any goal is difficult but for these characters, racial boundaries make their dreams harder to achieve. Walter and Beneatha are all adamant about accomplishing their goals; however, they fail to notice their own characters flaws that stand in their way. Although trust and loyalty are important to Walter and Beneatha, they let their

However, he fails to grasp the tribulations of his parents. He wants to take the money that is meant or the whole family to invest in a “get rich quick” scheme in a business that his mother is against and that his father would not approve of. Walter learns that his family will be receiving a $10,000 insurance check from his father’s death and decides he wants to start a liquor business. His mother states, “In my time we worried about not being lynched and getting to the North if we could and how to stay alive and still have a pinch of dignity too… Now here come you and Beneatha-- talking ‘bout things we ain’t never even thought about hardly, me and your daddy. You ain’t satisfied or proud of nothing we done “ (1.2. 315-320). Despite what his mother says, Walter continues to be stubborn and talks Mama into giving him the money to invest in a liquor business. Walter believes receiving this money will allow him and his family to live a comfortable life. As the play progresses, Walter exhibits more and more selfishness which is revealed when he belittles his sister about becoming a doctor. His response is “Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? If you so crazy ‘bout messing ‘round with sick people – then go be a nurse like other women – or just get married and be quiet...” (1.1. 346-348). He believes that his dreams of becoming a business are more important than Beneatha’s dream to become a doctor.Walter also exemplifies greed when he says, “No-- it was always money, Mama. We just didn 't know about it” (1.2. 339), revealing money is more important. Amanda Kelly, author of The Art of Social Criticism: Lorraine Hansberry 's A Raisin in the Sun states that “Walter dreams of being a man and is simply consumed by the incorrect belief that materialism is the only means toward this goal” (Kelly par 3). Walter