Throughout "A Raisin In the Sun" we see the character of Walter Younger become a "man". This is an evident struggle and in almost every act the idea and the expectations of being a man are discussed. His Mama's opinion is always based on how well Walter's action resembles his father's. When Walter finally gets his mama's approval, he has spoken the words of his father. But, the real question that arises from this dramatic play is, "Did Walter really do the right thing"?
We all know everyone makes mistake and Walter's was a BIG one. If I lost all of my mother's money I would do anything to get it back. I actually sided with Walter when he chose to throw out his already broken pride, and resale the house his Mama bought. I made a pros and cons list to help me see the better option:
Pros- -Cons
~much nicer living conditions ~no more money for Beneatha's schooling
~a house for Travis to use when older ~impact of hatred of the neighbors
~more space ~unsafe environment
~advancement in society ~no way to continuously pay the mortgage on current salary
/fulfillment of father's dreams
Though the American Dream sounds enticing, I believe that Mama was looking for an immediate change, not the best interest of her family. Yes, Walter Sr. wanted them to live in a comfortable house, but he also wanted to see his daughter graduate from college and his son to make a comfortable living. Mr. Lindner was willing to pay the price of the house and more to remove the Youngers from his neighborhood. They could have taken that money, paid for Bennie's collage, and saved up enough to afford an even nicer home.
If you really think about it, wasn't it Mama's pride forcing them to move? Mama knew the dangers of blacks living in a white society and she chose to bring her family into harms way. If Walter would've stuck to his guns and shaken Mr. Lindner's hand, their financial well being and their safety would be much better off.
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