Raisin in the Sun is a play about the inward and outward struggle of an African American family. Outwardly struggling because of race, inwardly struggling with individual dreams. The Younger’s each had their own ways of trying to achieve their goals and reach their dreams. Yet one stood out among the rest, Walter Lee Younger, he had very strong ideas on ways to make the family better. In this journey, we see Walter was misguided, disconnected, and eventually hitting bottom.

Walter Lee Younger, a 35-year-old man, fairly lean and quite nervous. Just by the tone in his voice you knew whether or not he approved of you. Living with his family in a run down apartment, he dreamed of being able to give to his family the same luxuries and necessities as a white man.

Walter was a man with misguided dreams. When you hear Walter talking about himself, you hear a man trying to convince himself that he can rise above the hardships of this world. His idea of being the man his family needs is by providing, not only for necessities, but luxury items for his wife, Ruth. Yet an inward turmoil goes on, as he describes himself as a volcano, internalizing his regrets and pipe dreams. He’s so obsessed with getting material possessions for Ruth, that he doesn’t realize how he actually treats …show more content…
He is not respected, he feels like a failure. So when Mr. Linder offers money to this African American family to not move into the white neighborhood, the temptation was great. Walter was going to, out of desperation, grovel and take the money. Yet this is where Walter’s life changes. With dignity and pride, he stands up to injustice. A new dream transpires and a new connection takes hold as Walter stands up to Mr. Linder. Giving his family the right to live wherever they wanted. For the first time, Walter thinks of what is right for everyone and not just about personal gain. He realizes that together, rather than alone, they each can see their dream come