A Raisin in the Sun # 10

Walter, a character in A Raisin in the Sun written by Larraine Hansberry, changed significantly in the story. At one point, he embraced the role as head of the house and began to act and live like a man. He changed from a person that neglected the feelings of his wife and mother, and instead took his own wife on a date and had the courage to hold her hand. Despite his continual selfish behavior, he was attempting to better his family and their living conditions as a whole when he invested the money his mother gave him. The forces that seemed to bring about the change in Walter came from his mother. She had money left over that was rightfully hers and she made the conscious decision to relinquish it on Walter to now be in charge of for their family. He understood what she was trying to do. No longer could he continue to live as though his success was the only important thing to happen in this family's life. The handing over of the money seemed to represent the leash of the power being given to Walter. From then on he dealt with people with respect. It was expressed in the scene three of act two when Walter welcomed their guest and treated him as a man. He introduces himself as the son of Mrs. younger and then formally introduces the newcomer to his wife and sister. Then he shows the pride of the family by saying, "What can we do for you, Mr. Linder!"(Act II, Scene III). This was one prime example of the new Walter overcoming the new Walter by treating a guest like a guest in his own house.