Page 2: Character Dreams and Side Characters

This page delves deeper into the dreams and aspirations of the main characters in A Raisin in the Sun, as well as introducing important side characters.

Beneatha Younger's dream is to become a doctor. She seeks the insurance money for her studies and wants to express herself through various activities. Her character represents the pursuit of education and self-discovery.

Walter Lee Younger's dream centers around opening a liquor store with his friend. This ambition drives much of the plot's conflict.

Mama (Lena Younger) dreams of investing in Beneatha's education and buying a house with a garden for the family. Her aspirations reflect her selfless nature and desire for her family's betterment.

Quote: "This money belongs to Mama" - This line highlights the central conflict over the use of the insurance money.

The page introduces several side characters who play significant roles in the story:

1. Joseph Asagai: An intelligent, polite Nigerian student who influences Beneatha positively.
2. George Murchison: A rich, arrogant character who represents assimilation into white society.
3. Karl Lindner: A racist character who doesn't want the Youngers to move into Clybourne Park.
4. Bobo: Walter's friend who also loses money to Willy Harris.

Vocabulary: Assimilation - The process of adapting or becoming similar to a dominant culture or society.

These characters provide contrast and conflict, enriching the narrative and highlighting the themes of racial identity and societal pressures.

Page 3: Detailed Character Profiles

This page offers in-depth profiles of key characters in A Raisin in the Sun, providing insight into their personalities, motivations, and roles within the story.

Beneatha Younger is described as an attractive, young, and independent college girl searching for her identity. She is highly educated, aspiring to become a doctor, and speaks more formally than other characters.

Highlight: Beneatha's character represents the struggle for self-realization, career ambitions, and independence, particularly as a young African American woman in the 1950s.

Lena Younger (Mama) is portrayed as a strong, powerful woman in her early sixties who became the head of the family after her husband's death. She is deeply religious, old-fashioned, and conservative.

Quote: "God gave her hope" - This phrase underscores Mama's reliance on faith to overcome life's challenges.

Mama's character embodies traditional values, unconditional love, and the desire for her family's betterment. She is motivated by improving their living conditions and often acts as a peacemaker in family conflicts.

Ruth Younger is described as having a close relationship with Mama. She is characterized as a "self-personality," not aggressive but tired of life. Ruth acts as a peacemaker and takes care of the apartment and family.

Example: Ruth's biggest dream is fulfilled when the family moves out of their current apartment, illustrating her modest aspirations compared to other characters.

The page concludes with a list of adjectives describing Walter and Ruth:

• Walter: impulsive, short-tempered, caring, distant, proud
• Ruth: kind, gentle, caring, fair

These character profiles provide a deeper understanding of the family dynamics and individual motivations that drive the plot of A Raisin in the Sun.

Page 4: Additional Character Information

This page provides further details about the characters in A Raisin in the Sun, focusing on their relationships and the conflicts that arise in Act 1, Scene 1.

The page begins by mentioning Travis Younger, Walter and Ruth's son, and his relationship with his grandmother, Mama. This highlights the intergenerational dynamics within the Younger family.

Highlight: The strong bond between Travis and Mama contrasts with the tensions between the adult characters, showcasing the complex family relationships in the play.

The page then revisits Walter Lee Younger's character, emphasizing his role as a chauffeur and his dreams of opening a liquor store. This information reinforces Walter's ambition and his belief that money can solve the family's problems.

Example: Walter's obsession with his business plan, despite lacking education or entrepreneurial skills, illustrates his desperation to improve his social and financial status.

The conflict between Walter and Ruth is briefly mentioned, which is a key element in A Raisin in the Sun Act 1, Scene 1. This conflict stems from their differing views on how to improve their family's situation and Walter's fixation on his business idea.

Quote: "Walter Lee Younger tells him that..." (The quote is incomplete, but it suggests a conversation between Walter and another character, possibly about his dreams or plans.)

The page also touches on the theme of the American Dream again, reiterating that there is no universal definition and that it varies for each American. This concept is central to understanding the motivations and actions of the characters throughout the play.

Definition: The American Dream in the context of A Raisin in the Sun refers to the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Finally, the page mentions Bobo, a friend or partner of Walter who, like Walter, lost money to Willy Harris. This information foreshadows potential conflicts and disappointments that Walter may face in his pursuit of his dreams.

This additional character information enriches the reader's understanding of the complex relationships and motivations driving the story in A Raisin in the Sun.

Page 1: Characters and Symbols

The first page of the A Raisin in the Sun PDF introduces key characters and symbols that play crucial roles in the story.

Walter Lee Younger is presented as a chauffeur with big dreams of becoming rich. He believes money can solve all problems and is in constant conflict with his family members, especially Mama and Beneatha. Walter's character embodies the struggle between ambition and reality.

Highlight: Walter's obsession with opening a liquor store showcases his desperation to improve his social and financial status, despite lacking education or entrepreneurial skills.

Travis Younger, Walter's 10-year-old son, is described as brave and mature for his age. His relationship with his grandmother is strong, and he often tries to help the family by carrying groceries.

The page also introduces important symbols in A Raisin in the Sun:

1. Mama's plants: Representing hope for a better future and Lena's dream of a garden.
2. Beneatha's hair: Symbolizing resistance to assimilation and embracing African roots.
3. The house in Clybourne Park: Embodying hope, a new beginning, and the family's materialistic dream.

Definition: The American Dream is described as the belief that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination, often leading to unrealistic expectations.

The page concludes by touching on the theme of the American Dream, noting that Walter's dream evolves from simply becoming wealthy to becoming a man who can help his family.