Intro to Multicultural Literature

Jenna Holland

In the novel A Raisin in the Sun by author Lorraine Hansberry and the play from 1963 by David Susskind, the story centers around the Younger family, a working class group of five who struggles in the tasks of their everyday lives. One person in particular that struggles greatly throughout the story is Ruth, the wife of Walter and the mother of their son Travis. In the progress of the story, Ruth is belittled by Walter, his mother Mama, and Beneatha constantly question Ruth for trivial reasons in the book, while in the movie Ruth is treated in an almost identical manner with more visual proof.

Looking first into the book perspective of Ruth, she consistently throughout the play is downtrodden by Walter, Mama, and a bit by Beneatha. Starting off towards the beginning of the story, in the first morning of the play, Walter looks at his wife and mentions how, “Just for a second it was- you looked real young again. It’s gone now- you look like yourself again” (Hansberry 27). Walter in comparing Ruth to how she looked in the past, he is insinuating that she does not look as attractive as when they first got together. This insulting comment concerning beauty happens coincidentally when the two start arguing about things that are affected by their circumstances like having to share a bathroom and Travis not having his own room. Later in the same conversation as things begin to heat up, Walter continues to discount Ruth by stating that, “That is just what is wrong with the colored women in this world… Don’t understand about building their men up and making ‘em feel like they somebody” (Hansberry 34). Walter talks about all African American women in a generalized negative way while referring to Ruth subtly. Walter saying that all wives are wrong since they don’t support their husbands dreams, gives the impression that Walter believes Ruth is not a good wife. Following the leaving of Walter and Travis on the first day, Mama mentions to Ruth how, “I just noticed all last week he had cold cereal, and when it starts getting this chilly in the fall a child ought to have some hot grits or something when he goes out in the cold” (Hansberry 40). Mama inquires about what Ruth is feeding Travis for breakfast due to the weather changing towards winter. In Mama questioning how well she is feeding Travis, this implies that Mama thinks Ruth is lacking as his mother by not supplying him with what she considers a proper diet. Right after the money arrives at the house, Mama talks about Ruth’s doctor appointment stating, “Now, Ruth… you know better than that. Old Doctor Jones is strange enough in his way but there ain’t nothing ‘bout him make somebody slip and call him “she”- like you done this morning” (Hansberry 70). Mama knows that Ruth’s primary doctor is a male, so she is suspicious as to who Ruth went to see instead. Mama concluding that Ruth had gone to see a female abortion doctor, is attempting to chastise Ruth for believing it is right to abort her fetus. After Ruth finds out she is pregnant for a second time, Beneatha asks about whether, “Did you plan it Ruth?.. It is my business- where is he going to live, on the roof” (Hansberry 58). Beneatha questions about if Ruth’s pregnancy was an accident and because of their current small home, where the new child would even sleep there. As Beneatha asks Ruth these questions, it casts Ruth into an inconsiderate light as an inconvenience to the family. Overall, Ruth is subjected to harsh judgement by her family.

In comparison to the book of A Raisin in the Sun, the movie version directed by Susskind presents Ruth in a very similar rendition of the book. The lines in the play almost match word for word with the movie lines besides a few topics changed. Another part different was that there were small speaking scenes put in involving Walter that help tell more of the story background. A portion that was altered was the part where Ruth and Mama had originally been about Ruth feeding Travis, the movie instead has Mama question Ruth over Travis doing his homework (Susskind). With Mama stating that fact, she thinks that Ruth is too hard on Travis rather than her being incompetent with feeding him as said in the book. One part where Ruth and Walter interact where I found his actions interesting was that during the egg scene, Walter continually started to move towards Ruth as they had their dialogue about Walter’s dreams (Susskind). The action of Walter moving in an assertive manner towards Ruth put extra emphasis on his words about Ruth not supporting him. Walter’s movements only further confirm the point that Walter projects his hostility at his wife along with the rest of their family in both versions of A Raisin in the Sun.

2 Discussion Questions-

How would you feel if you were put in the same situation as Ruth?

Do you think how Ruth is treated is warranted?

Work Cited 

Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Vintage, 1994. Print.

Susskind, David, et al. A Raisin in the Sun . Columbia Tristar Home Video, 1999.

Madison Scheuneman

Lorraine Hansberry created a cast of unique characters in her 1959 play A Raisin in the Sun.  Each character is a complex individual who has been molded by the circumstances of the world around them.  Walter Lee Younger is a character, who at first seems rather easy to categorize as selfish and sexist and nothing more, but is actually a character with far more depth.  Combined with Hansberry’s original portrayal of him in her manuscript, and Sidney Poitier’s portrayal of Walter in the 1961 film directed by Daniel Petrie by the same title we see his character come to life in a brand new way.    While Hansberry’s descriptions of each of her characters are extremely detailed in physical appearance, personality, and physical action, it takes Poitier’s performance to translate Hansberry’s vision that was hidden between the lines of her stage directions and character descriptions.

Hansberry’s first description of Walter is “He is a lean, intense young man in his middle thirties, inclined to quick nervous movements and errict speech habits–and always in his voice there is a quality of indictment” (25).  The word “intense” is a really interesting one especially when examining it in relation to Walter’s characterization.  “Intense” is a pretty subjective term that can be interpreted with varying connotations.  When I think “intense” I think more of an aggressive, yet an adult-like, behavior that is often brought on by extremely negative emotions that is used as an intimidation technique.  This single word negated the phrase “…quick nervous movements…” almost entirely as I read Hansberry’s play because of the sheer power I relate the word to (25).  Even so the way Poitier performs doesn’t seem to encompass the idea of “…quick nervous movements…” so much as childish and almost manic (Hansberry 25).  When looking at the first time that Walter is introduced in the film we see the same sequence that Hansberry wrote in which Ruth tries to wake him up just like she did her son, Travis.  But once Walter actually gets moving, he literally kicks the blankets off of himself and pouts as a child who does not want to wake up would (A Raisin in the Sun 3:41).  He then quite literally bursts into movement, running wildly around the apartment, collecting his clothing and other things that he’ll need to prepare himself for the day (A Raisin in the Sun 3:57).  In this instant Ruth is forced to act as more of a mother figure to Walter than taking on the role of his wife.

As the film progresses alongside the play we see Walter’s story play out the way Hansberry had intended it to.  In the final scenes of both the play and the film we see the moment in which Walter steps away from this childish attitude of his.  Prior to the scene in which Walter chooses not to take Linder’s money he never stops moving.  Poitier captures Walter’s personality by keeping him in constant motion no matter how small it may be such as the jittery movements of his fingers as Bobo tells him the bad news about the money (A Raisin in the Sun 1:39:17).  When it comes to finally facing Linder all over again, this time feeling the pride in his family that has been passed down from generation to generation, as Mama would say, Poitier finally allows Walter to stand mostly still, but something particular seems to bring this on.  When Ruth and Walter try to send Travis away Mama says “‘And you make him understand what you’re doing Walter Lee.  You teach him good, like Willy Harris taught you.  You show him where our five generations done come to son.  Go ahead.  Go ahead” (A Raisin in the Sun 1:59:42).  As Mama gives this speech Walter stands so straight and still that he almost looks like a statue.  Knowing that his son will forever remember this moment Walter is forced to make a split second decision that will determine the future of his entire family, and he must take Mama’s words into consideration as he does so.  Poitere quite literally shows us the subtleness of Walter’s transformation into the man Mama always wanted him to be by finally removing those constant childish moments that has become a huge part of Walter’s characterization.  This visual representation of this moment creates a clear moment when Walter is able to call himself worthy of the role of the family head that he has so desperately wanted to take on.  

This dynamic role of Walter Lee Younger is an interesting one that takes both reading the play and watching an actor’s portrayal to best see what it was Hansberry was trying to accomplish in creating his character.  Walter is far more than the surface level character he may originally seem to be.

1. How did Sidney Poitier’s portrayal of Walter differ or align with your imaging of the character?  How did this difference or similarity either alter or enhance your understanding of Walter as a character?
2. Do you think Walter’s character actually developed throughout the play or was this change a temporary one that was influenced by his son’s presence?

Work Cited

Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Vintage, 1994. Print.

Susskind, David et al. A Raisin in the Sun . Culver City, California: Columbia Tristar Home Video, 1999. Film.

-Angelica Santiago
In Lorainne Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” we see many hardships, such as financial issues and discrimination, between a family that identifies as African American. Those hardships affected every family member in different ways. One of the family members who was deeply affected was Walter because his relationship with his sister and others within the household and the way they view him is affected throughout the story. Walter had a dream to someday open up his own liquor store business. Walter is full of pressure throughout the story because he feels he needs to live up to being the man of his house just like his father was. Through her portrayal of Walter, Hansberry helps us understand that masculinity during this time period was important to be head of household.

Walter has always wanted better for him, and his family, but he has faced many challenges. Walter constantly tries to seek support from Mama, and his sister Beneatha. After he lost the money Mama gave him Walter lost hope and decides that maybe his family shouldn’t move into the new house. Walter says, “I’m going to look that son-of-a bitch in the eyes and say all right, Mr.Lindner that’s your neighborhood out there! You got the right to keep it like you want! Just write the check and the house is yours.” (Hansberry, 144). This shows how Walter has lost hope after losing the money and believes that taking the money Lindner gives his family will better the situation. He feels it’s better not to move into a neighborhood where his family isn’t welcomed. Mama constantly compares him to his father leaving him with the impression that he has to put his foot down and be a man and do what is right for his family.

Beneatha is one of few people who want Walter to be the man of the house. Walter’s actions have affected his relationship with his sister Beneatha and the way she views him. Beneatha grew anger towards him because she believes there’s no way for her to go to college and become a nurse. Beneatha felt like Walter crushed her dream. Beneatha states, “Yes just look at what the New World hath wrought! … Just look! There he is! Monsieur le petite bourgeois noir – himself! There he is – Symbol of a Rising Class! Entrepreneur! Titan of the system! Did you dream of yachts on Lake Michigan, Brother? Did you see yourself on that Great Day sitting down at the conference table, surrounded by all the mighty bald-headed men in America? All halted, waiting, breathlessly, waiting for your pronouncements on industry? Waiting for you – Chairman of the Board.” (Hansberry, 138). Beneatha uses words like” Petite bourgeois noir”, which means small middle class black man, to insult him and make him feel bad about himself. Beneatha’s decision to use those words proves that she has high expectations of him being the masculine head of household figure, Beneatha mocks Walter and is angry with him over losing the money. Beneatha’s actions were childish in a way because when someone is at their lowest, it’s best to be there for them and support them to the best of your ability. I think this is one of the reasons why Walter lost hope because he didn’t have a support system. All Beneatha ever did was point out the negative Walter has done.

Mama is one of the main people who expect Walter to be the man of the house and own up to his actions. Walter changes his mind after he sees how Mama reacts. Mama said, “Son- I come from five generations of people who was slaves and sharecroppers- but ain’t nobody in my family never let nobody pay’em no money that was telling us we wasn’t fit to walk the earth. We ain’t never been that poor. We ain’t never been that- dead inside.” (Hansberry, 143). This proves that Mama felt hurt with Walter’s thoughts on moving. Walter explains “Hell, yes, I want me some yachts someday! Yes, I want to hang some real pearls ‘round my wife’s neck. Somebody tell me, who decides which women is supposed to wear pearls. I tell you I am a man- and I think my wife should wear some pearls in this world.” (Hansberry, 143). This shows that Walter came to the realization that maybe he should stop trying to get pity from others and put his foot down. Walter then wants to talk to Lindner and ends up calling him and telling him to come to the house. He explains to Lindner, “And we have decided to move into our house because my father- my father- he earned it for us brick by brick. We don’t want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no causes, and we will try to be good neighbors. And that’s all we got to say about that. We don’t want your money.” (Hansberry, 148). This shows how Walter finally reached his “manhood” and did what was right for his family. If he didn’t go through those challenges, he wouldn’t have realized how much his family deserves to move into a new house. Beneatha is happy with how Walter took action. Beneatha states, “That’s what the man said.” (Hansberry, 148). This proves that Beneatha’s view on Walter has changed. She went from seeing him as a “tooth less rat” (Hansberry, 144). to a “man” (Hansberry, 148). Throughout the story Walter’s actions has affected his relationship with Mama and Beneatha and their view of him as a man. Walter stands up to Lindner is an example of how “head of the household” should be when it comes to family.

Discussion questions:

1. Did the challenges Walter face help him reach his “manhood”? Why or why not?
2. Do you think Walter made the right decision for his family? Why or why not? What would you have done differently? Explain.

Works Cited
Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Vintage, 1994. Print.

Erin Clifford 

In “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry focuses on an African American family going through all of the battles they face in life with their given circumstances.  The Younger family has a lot of struggles due to being an African American family living in Chicago in the 1950s.  Many African American families during this time faced lower living conditions, and the Younger family was no exception to this.  The Younger family consists of: Mama, Walter, Ruth, Beneatha, and Travis.  All five of them were living in a small apartment, and had to share a bathroom with another family.  “At left, a door leads to a bedroom which is shared by Mama and her daughter, Beneatha. At right, opposite, is a second room which serves as a bedroom for Walter and his wife, Ruth” (Hansberry 24).  This shows that the apartment they all share is much too small.  There aren’t even enough bedrooms for Travis to have a bed to sleep on, he sleeps on the couch in the living room. 

When Mama got the insurance money, she saw an opportunity to do something beneficial for the whole family. She wanted to put a down payment on a house, it showed that the family was going to have more and get something they deserved to have.  Almost all of the Younger family was excited to get a new house, with more room, and a yard, and something that was really their own.  However, Walter was not very thrilled about the house because he wanted to be able to spend the insurance money on his dream, but mama went out and spent some of it on something for everyone.  Walter did eventually come around and want to move along with the rest of the family.  

 Getting the house came with some struggles throughout the story.  The majority of the problems arose, most likely because of the location of the house.  The house was in Clybourne Park, which was an all-white neighborhood.  Karl Linder was part of the Clybourne welcoming committee, and one day he went to the Younger’s apartment to talk.  “…that for the happiness of all concerned that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities” (Hansberry 118).  Karl Linder went over to the Youngers’ apartment and tried to sound like he was on their side, before he broke the bad news that the Clybourne community did not want the Younger family to move into their neighborhood.  The Younger family did not take what Linder said very well.  When Linder acted like he was on their side, it seemed as though he was starting to gain the trust and respect of Walter and Beneatha, then Linder told them that they shouldn’t move into their new house, and betrayed the Younger family. He tried to bribe the family with more money than they paid for the house in return of staying where they were at.  Linder tried to be civil about giving the family the bad news, but the message was degrading to the family still.  Despite the Clybourne community not welcoming the Younger family they still chose to move out of the old apartment and into the nice house, that is more fitting for a whole family to be in.  When the family decided they would still be moving into the house they saw Karl Linder one more time.  Linder thought they would be taking the offer of money instead of moving, but that is not what happened.  Linder even tried to convince Mama to override Walter’s statement that they were moving.  It almost seemed as though Linder was threating the Younger family about moving in “I sure hope you people know what you’re getting into” (Hansberry 149).  The way that Linder made this statement to the family before he left tells us that maybe the community is going to be planning something bad towards the family once they move in, to make them regret moving into the neighborhood.  It is very inspiring to see that the Younger family was able to stand their ground and do what they wanted, even though the odds were against the family getting this house.  

Discussion Questions: 

1. How would you feel about with living with so many people in such a small space?  

2. What would you do if someone came to you and tried to bribe you into not living somewhere because of your culture? Do you agree with what the Younger family did in regards to moving to Clybourne Park? 

Work Cited: 

Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Vintage, 1994. Print. 

In “A Raisin in the Sun” we see a story of an African American family who is going through many hardships and trying to get by with any means possible. In this story we are introduced to a character named Walter who is trying to live out his “dream.” For many people in Walter’s situation living out their own dreams is not as realistic as they believe, and many things are holding them back. Walter seems to always come to disagreements about his dreams and aspirations when discussing them with the family.Walters family believes that they are African Americans and just that is enough to show him that his dreams are just a fantasy. Walter wants to open a liquor store and follow through with his dreams, but many obstacles are getting in his way. 

Mama and Ruth are two people in the story who Walter desperately tries to get support from and explains how he does not want to settle for what his life is. He also states how it is emotionally distressing being a black man during his time. Walter says “Mama – sometimes when I’m downtown and I pass them cool-quiet-looking restaurants where them white boys are sitting back and talking ‘bout things…sitting there turning deals worth millions of dollars…sometimes I see guys don’t look much older than me” (Hansberry 74). This example explains how Walter sees rich white men the same age as him and how he feels hopeless about himself and far behind his peers. For Walter having money is the only way he can feel respected and free in the world. Being a black man at Walters time was challenging and they were not seen as equal as well as not having opportunities, while many were serving white men in one way or another. Walter is tired of his boring life as a chauffeur for Mr. Arnold and wants to be worth something in life. “I want so many things that they are driving me kind of crazy…Mama – look at me” (Hansberry,73). Walters’ fight to achieve his dreams and want more has taken a toll on his mental health because he wants his dreams to be a reality so much and cannot seem to figure out how to get by. He knows what he wants and imagines it but needs to turn it into reality. Walter does not feel like race should hold someone back like the rest of the family thinks. Walter does not want to be serving people anymore and wants to the boss of his own business and must take a leap of faith to do this. If successful with his investment he would make more money, feel respected, feel more free and be able to provide for his family. He would show his son that you can be anything you want and do not have to do what society thinks is right for you, in his case driving around another white man all day. It even gets to the point where Walter does not show up to work for three consecutive days because he is tired of his meaningless life. 

For Walter to go after his dreams he needs support through the process and that is lacking throughout his journey. Ruth is one character who is not supportive of Walters investments and always thinks they will fall through. Walter has seen one of his missed investment opportunities fall through because Ruth thought his partner was a “good-for nothing loudmouth.” In this case Ruth was wrong since Charlie Atkins was grossing a hundred thousand a year but she still does not support the liquor store investment. Walter is tired of the way they live, and Ruth believes Walter never says anything new and is always talking about his so-called investments that will get them money. In one of the scenes when Walter is talking about the liquor store investment, all Ruth can say to Walter is “eat your eggs.” He is pouring his emotions out and trying to get support and all Ruth can say is “eat your eggs.” Walter believes that the phrase “eat your eggs’ illustrates how women keep men from achieving their goals. Also, if Walter just sits down and eats his eggs, he is accepting the misfortunes that he faces in life and living the same day as he did the day before, not pursuing his dreams. Not having any support and getting held down by race is why Walter thinks African American men cannot pursue more in life.Walter does not need nourishment in life and wants moral support, not something he is expecting every day. This is just another one of the difficulties Walter faces in trying to go pursue his dreams. 

Discussion Questions: 

1) Is too much trust a bad thing in a relationship? Did it cause Walter to make bad financial decisions? 

2) Is support an essential component in a relationship? Can to much support be a negative quality in a relationship? 

Work Cited 

Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Vintage, 1994. Print. 

Hey! My name is Logan Knowles and i’m from Horseheads, New York. I’m going to SUNY Cortland majoring in biology and I like to read about biographies of people who have overcome hurdles throughout there life that led them to reach there goals. A fun fact about me is that I love to ski!

Hi, im Chloe. I am from Long Island, New York. I love traveling, watching netflix, and spending time with my friends. Right now i am not on campus im doing school from home. As of right now i am undecided but im thinking about majoring in Phys Ed and health.

Hi, my name is Sydnie Schreier. I am from Long Island, New York. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, cooking/baking, and just trying new things. I am an Inclusive Childhood Education major with a concentration of English.