Dreams Deferred In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

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Dreams Deferred A Raisin in the Sun is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry. The three act composition is a glimpse into the life of the Youngers, a less than well off family living in Southside, Chicago in the 1950s. After losing her husband, the matriarch of the family, Lena Younger, or Mama, as they call her, receives a $10,000 check from her late husband’s insurance policy. The play opens as the family is preparing to receive the incoming stipend and the reader discovers that each adult member has their own plans with that money. Lena wants to buy a house, a dream she shared with her husband. Walter Lee, Lena’s son, would like to invest in a liquor store with his friends. Beneatha, Walter’s sister, wants to use the money for her medical schooling. Ruth, the wife of…show more content…
Walter Lee Younger is described as lean and intense, in his middle thirties and always speaks with the quality of indictment. Walter, like every American male, wants a better life for his family. Walter believes that investing in the liquor store will abolish his family’s financial despair and will bring about a financial prosperity. In Act One, scene two, the check arrives and Walter receives a phone call from Willy Harris, whom is coordinating the entire ordeal. It appears that the plan is running as desired and the insurance check is all Walter needs to pursue the deal. Walter then tries to persuade Lena to allow him the money so that he may invest in the project, however, Lena turns him down and this upsets Walter. He then leaves in a fit of anger. In Act Two, Lena announces that that she has put a down payment on a house, and while everyone is excited about the decision, Walter feels betrayed and openly expresses his feelings in attempt to make Lena feel guilty that she has crushed his dream. Walter then exits to his bedroom, leaving Lena to worry. In the next scene, it is revealed that Walter has not been to work in three days. Walter then discloses that he

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