Sunday, May 31, 2015

Assignment Seven: How does Walter's conversation with Karl Linder fully develop the American Dream theme? (Act 3) (100 words)

15 comments:

  1. Lorraine Hansberry in, “A Raisin in the Sun,” fully develops the American Dream theme through Walter’s conversation with Mr. Lindner. Walter calls Mr. Lindner to come over because, “he is going to walk in [the] door able to write checks for more money than [they] ever had” (Hansberry 143), because the people in the neighborhood they are moving to are, “so upset they [are] willing to pay [them] not to move” (Hansberry 142). Walter lost the rest of the insurance money and now calls Mr. Lindner over to accept the deal for the house so they will not have financial problems. This goes against everything Walter has stood for the entire book because he is constantly preaching about dreams, his dreams. Walter’s change of heart when Mr. Lindner arrives is obvious when he claims that they, “come from people who had a lot of pride” (Hansberry 148), and that they, “decided to move into [the] house because [his] father… earned it for [them] brick by brick” (Hansberry 148). This completes the American Dream because Walter is achieving so a dream because of his father and his father’s hard work. The basis of the American Dream is to work hard to achieve something which is presented well in Walter’s conversation with Mr. Lindner. Walter continues by saying that they, “don’t want [his] money” (Hansberry 148) and Mama backs him up by saying that, “[Walter] said that [they were] going to move and there [isn’t] nothing left for [her] to say” (Hansberry 148-149). Walter ends the conversation by finally telling Mr. Lindner they do not want his money and Mama’s comment ends the discussion once and for all. Mama backing up Walter shows that she is supportive of him and his dreams just like she has always been. The theme of the American Dream is completely developed by Walter pursuing his dream for the family even in hard times.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Replies
    1. Lorraine Hansberry in, “A Raisin in the Sun,” fully develops the American Dream theme through Walter’s conversation with Mr. Lindner. Walter calls Mr. Lindner to come over because, “he is going to walk in [the] door able to write checks for more money than [they] ever had,” because the people in the neighborhood they are moving to are, “so upset they [are] willing to pay [them] not to move” (Hansberry 142, 143). Walter lost the rest of the insurance money and now calls Mr. Lindner over to accept the deal for the house so they will not have financial problems. This goes against everything Walter has stood for the entire book because he is constantly preaching about dreams, his dreams. Walter’s change of heart when Mr. Lindner arrives is obvious when he claims that they, “come from people who had a lot of pride,” and that they, “decided to move into [the] house because [his] father… earned it for [them] brick by brick” (Hansberry 148). This completes the American Dream because Walter is achieving so a dream because of his father and his father’s hard work. The basis of the American Dream is to work hard to achieve something which is presented well in Walter’s conversation with Mr. Lindner. Walter continues by saying that they, “don’t want [his] money,” and Mama backs him up by saying that, “[Walter] said that [they were] going to move and there [isn’t] nothing left for [her] to say” (Hansberry 148-149). Walter ends the conversation by finally telling Mr. Lindner they do not want his money and Mama’s comment ends the discussion once and for all. Mama backing up Walter shows that she is supportive of him and his dreams just like she has always been. The theme of the American Dream is completely developed by Walter pursuing his dream for the family even in hard times.

      Delete
    2. Great - thanks for the MLA corrections.

      Delete
  3. Lorraine Hansberry in, "A Raisin in the Sun," completely develops the American Dream theme through Walter's final conversation with Carl Linder. Earlier in the day, Walter received information from Bobo that Willy Harris had stolen their money that was going to be used as an investment for the liquor store. The family also discovers that the stolen money includes the three thousand dollars assigned by mama to be put in a savings account for Beneatha's medical school tuition. As a result, Walter rummages through a packed box to find Carl Linder's number and tells him to come by the house. Walter explains to the family that he has "figured out" what "life" is about (Hansberry 141). He includes that life is all about the "takers" and the "tooken" (Hansberry 141). Walter plans to sell the house to Mr. Linder. His plan is to negotiate in a way that will require Mr. Linder to pay more money for the house so the family will have more financial resources when the deal is said and done. Mama is not pleased including that "I come from five generations of people who was slaves and sharecroppers- but ain't nobody in my family never let nobody pay 'em no money that was a way of telling us we wasn't fit to walk this earth" (Hansberry 143). Obviously, Walter was shocked and traumatized about the loss of the life insurance money, which explains his thought process at this time. He not only disappointed himself but also his family. However, as Mr. Linder entered the home and prepared to sign the paperwork, Walter had a change of thought while looking at the sixth generation of his American family. Travis was present in the room when the negotiations were about to begin. Walter informs Mr. Linder that his family are "proud" people who plan to move into the house, because his own father build this opportunity "brick by brick" (Hansberry 147-148). By moving in the house, Walter and the Younger family live the dream of their father and grandfather who relentlessly pursued his desire to provide the best life possible for his family. For once, Walter did not make a decision with money in mind. Instead, he though of just his family and their future. Also, by Walter deciding to keep the house it showed that his dream and his family's dream were not going to be stopped by anyone or any belief that was negative toward them being African American. The American Dream theme came to full fruition after a decision that focused on family and the thirst for a better life, while rising above the hate and discouragement from others, in order to pursue the life long goals of passed ancestors and living descendants.

    ReplyDelete
  4. In Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” the theme of the American Dream is fully developed when Walter denies the money from Mr. Lindner. When Walter originally tells the family that he called Mr. Lindner to come back over, he explains that he is going to take their money to not move in; he states that his reasoning is that there “ain’t nothing but taking in this world, and he who takes most is smartest,” not mattering how it’s taken (Hansberry 143). Upon learning that Willy has stolen their money, Walter’s thoughts and spirits are crushed. He essentially just feels that he needs to get the money for his family, and that at this point he’ll do whatever it takes to obtain it, even if it means giving up their new house and simply accepting that the residents don’t want the Youngers there. The family is appalled, especially Mama, claiming that no one in her family has ever been that “dead inside” to take money from someone as a “way of telling [them] [they] wasn’t fit to walk the earth” (Hansberry 143). The Youngers have obviously faced hardship throughout their lives, however, they kept their heads up high in dark times and had dignity and respected who they were. Mama, as well as Ruth are simply in disbelief at Walter is saying, as they feel like he is sacrificing all they stand for in return for money, as though they were selling their own pride. However, in speaking to Mr. Lindner, Walter rethinks his decision; he explains to Mr. Lindner that they are “proud people,” and that they have decided to move in to that house that his father “earned [it] for [them] brick by brick” (Hansberry 148). In doing this, Walter fulfills a dream; not his own, but one that his father had in mind, the American Dream set forth by the Younger’s hard work. Walter finally comes to the realization of the gift that has been given to them with this house, and no longer worries about the money to provide for his family. Walter understands that this house is part of the collective dream for the family, a dream that is much more important than the store he plans to own. The Youngers fulfill the American Dream through moving into their new house, so that they can be happy and live a new and positive life in their own roof, despite the hardships thrown their way in the past.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lorraine Hansberry "A Raisin in the Sun" The theme of the American Dream is developed due to Walter being faced with a racial situation where he denies money in exchange for his house . Walter has to make a decision whether to move out of a racist neighboorhood or continue to live his dreams . Linder," The neighborhood associate" pleads with Walter asking him to move out of the house, At one time Walter considered doing just that. "Dont cry , Mama. Understand. That white man is going to walk in that door able to write checks for more money we ever had"(Hansberry 143). Walter made this statement, not focused on his dream but more to a better life for his family. Walter talks with his mom about his ongoing decision and Mama states"Son I come form generations of slaves and sharecroppers, but aint nobody in my family never let nobody pay'em no money that was a way of telling of us we wasnt fit to walk the earth"(Hansberry 143). Mama made this statement to Walter to let him know if he exchanges his house for money that would make him seem like he's less than a person. Walter thinks on what his mother has said and as he meets with Linder he comes with a change of heart. "We have decided to move into our house because my father has earned it for us brick by brick"(Hansberry 148). Walter fulfills his dream by staying in their new house , despite the harsdships and situations they face. The Youngers achieve their dream considering the hard work the father faced , by earning that house. The Youngers will live out the American Dream , happy and postive in their new house.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Too many errors - please revise/edit and repost. Thanks.

      Delete
  6. . Walter and Karl Lindner's conversation in "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorrain Hansberry proved that Walter was a good man and would stand up for his family and their rights as people. Walter tells Lindner "I have worked as a chauffeur most of my life-and my wife here, she does domestic work in people's kitchens. So does my mother. I mean-we are plain people" and "uh-well, my father, well he was laborer most of his life" (Hansberry 147). He explains how his whole family is just regular working people. He states that his family is not fancy but they have earned everything they have. Walter mentions his sister saying "And that's my sister over there and she's going to be a doctor-and we are very proud" (Hansberry 148). Many families dream of their children becoming doctors, not only for financial security but for the prestige as well. Beneatha becoming a doctor is something they are delighted in because it made them feel more dignified. Then Walter said "And we have decided to move into our house because my father-my father-he earned it for us brick by brick" (Hansberry 148). Walter's final testimony to Lindner displays the American Dream as how his father worked for them to have something better than he had. Now that the opportunity has come, Walter refuses to let the "takers" dishonor his father's intentions. The entire family supported the American Dream and demanded to be treated as equals.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great posts. Be careful with typos: there is a period at the beginning of this post.

      Delete
  7. In "A Raisin in the Sun," Lorraine Hansberry fully develops the American Dream theme in the conversation between Walter and Karl Linder. Walter's original plan is to make a scene and accept the money from Mr. Linder. Walter is obviously upset about losing all the money. He feels that this is the only way to give his family a fighting chance, however, when Mr. Linder arrives he has a change of heart. Walter tells Mr. Linder that he has "worked as a chauffeur most of [his] life" along with the rest of his family that have worked their whole lives (Hansberry 147). Walter at this point has realized that he has put the work in and it is time that the work pays off. He wants to break the cycle of poverty and move up in society. He goes on to say that "[they] are very proud people" who have pride in their work ethic (Hansberry 148). They are a prideful family that refuses to let racial prejudice stop them from getting what they deserve. The American Dream promises that if the work and time is put in anything is possible. Walter believes they have put in the effort and it is time that the family achieves the dream they were promised. Walter tells Mr. Linder "[they] have decided to move into [the] house" because their father earned the house "brick by brick" (Hansberry 148). By moving into the house, Walter fulfilled his parent's dream for the family. It is also a testament to not letting anything stop people from reaching their dreams even when it seems the world is against them and times are tough. The American Dream theme is completed when Walter makes the life changing decision for the family in order to pursue a better future.

    ReplyDelete
  8. In "A Raisin in the Sun," Lorraine Hansberry has proven Walter to be a fine man who would do anything for his family. Walter refuses to give into Karl Linder’s request of not moving into the white neighborhood. Walter states, "I have worked as a chauffeur most of my life-and my wife here, she does domestic work in people's kitchens. So does my mother. I mean-we are plain people" and "uh-well, my father, well he was laborer most of his life" (Hansberry 147). In this scene we see that Walter is proud of Beneatha on her choice of going to medical school as Walter tells Karl, “And that's my sister over there and she's going to be a doctor-and we are very proud" (Hansberry 148).The Younger family is a truly devoted set of people who feels that they have earned every bit that they have ever got. Walter believes that they deserve the house and he tells Karl that his final decision is, “And we have decided to move into our house because my father-my father-he earned it for us brick by brick" (Hansberry 148). The family wants to be treated as one and will accept nothing less. The Younger family has completed the American Dream when Walter makes the final decision on the house.

    ReplyDelete