IndexThe ambitions of Walter Lee YoungerThe resilience of Lena YoungerThe collective strength of the younger familyConclusionBibliographyDuring Lorraine Hansberry's work, A Raisin in the Sun, the question arises: who is the protagonist ? Is it the ambitious Walter Lee Younger, whose dreams of a better life drive the narrative? Or is it her resilient mother, Lena Younger, who keeps the family together despite the difficulties? In this essay we will explore the complex nature of the protagonist of A Raisin in the Sun and argue that the protagonist is not a single character, but rather the collective strength and determination of the Younger family. By examining the individual struggles and growth of each family member, we will see how their interconnection contributes to the overall development of the play's central theme. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Ambitions of Walter Lee Younger One of the key characters in A Raisin in the Sun is Walter Lee Younger, a man desperate to escape the confines of his current life and create a better future for his family. Walter's dream of owning a liquor store represents his aspirations for financial security and social mobility. In the lyrics, Walter often expresses his frustrations, stating, "I want so many things that drive me crazy... I want so many things that drive me crazy... Mom, look at me. I'm thirty-five years old, I've been married for eleven and I have a boyfriend. sleeping in the living room... You see, this little liquor store we had in mind costs seventy-five thousand and we calculated the initial price the investment on the place will be about thirty thousand dollars, you see." (Hansberry, 44) These desires and his pursuit constitute a central conflict in the play, as Walter's decisions and actions impact the entire family. However, it is important to note that Walter's ambitions are not purely selfish. Despite his flaws and moments of desperation, his dreams are rooted in the desire to provide a better life for his loved ones. This is evident when he passionately expresses: "We are a group of men related to a race of women with small minds... Big Walter always said, sometimes he would wet his eyes, lean his head back with the water according to the his eyes and saying, 'It seems that God didn't see fit to give the black man anything but dreams, but he gave us children to make the dreams seem worth while.'" (Hansberry, 61) Le Walter's motivations are driven by the hope of breaking free from social constraints and creating opportunities for his family, making him a central force in the show. The Resilience of Lena Younger While Walter's ambitions drive the narrative, it is his mother, Lena Younger, who anchors the family and serves as a source of strength and stability. Lena, also known as Mama, is a wise and religious woman who constantly puts the well-being of her family above her own desires. She is depicted as the moral compass of the play, offering guidance and support to her children and grandchildren in times of crisis. Throughout the text, Mom's actions and decisions reflect her selflessness and dedication to her family. For example, when she receives a life insurance check after the death of her husband, Big Walter, she must make a difficult choice between using the money to improve their living conditions or investing in her son's business venture. Ultimately, he chooses to buy a house in a white neighborhood, symbolizing his determination to provide a better future for his family and to challenge the racial segregation that pervades their lives. Despite adversity and the skepticism of others, Mama remains steadfast., 2011.