A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
Walter Younger, for a majority of the play, focuses intently on the value of wealth and the good it will do for his family. While Walter's perspective was born out of good intentions, his materialistic views fuel his frustration and division within the Younger family. Ruth and Walter argue over Walter's dreams of business, wealth, success, and how Ruth hinders each of them. At one point, Walter goes so far as to tell Mama, "[Money] is life, Mama!" as she questions why he focuses so much on external possessions (Hansberry 475). Accordingly, when Walter realizes his materialistic dreams have been crushed by a conniving Willy Harris, he snaps. Seeing no other solution the suddenly horrible fiscal situation, Walter shares with his family the plan to grovel before Mr. Lindner and accept his business proposal at the cost of pride. In doing so, anger and sorrow emanate from Walter. His life has been destroyed. However, when Lindner arrives and the time comes for Walter to sacrifice his manhood for the sake of wealth, he refuses. Instead, after explaining the Younger family's rich history of proud members, he stares Lindner in the face and says, "We don't want your money" (Hansberry 532). Making this decision, Walter assumes a clear identity as a dynamic character because of his mental shift from obsessive materialism to dignity and family pride. He also, in speaking to Lindner, takes on his manhood, at least according to Mama.
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