As Thomas Foster pointed out in his book “How to Read Literature like a Professor,” Karl Linder, in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” could very well symbolize the Devil offering a deal. Karl Linder wants to buy the Younger’s new house for “a generous offer” so that they don’t move in to the neighborhood he lives in (Hansberry 118). This is the metaphorical “deal with the Devil” where the party in question trades their soul for something prosperous the Devil has to offer. In this case, the Younger’s pride and dignity, and the actual house is a representation of the “soul,” (which in actual quite resembles one, trading pride for money as he just wants the house so they won’t move in) and the money Linder has to offer is what the “Devil” wants in return. Linder attempts to begin a smooth conversation and have them on his side, stating that “most of the troubles exist because people just don’t sit down and talk to each other” (Hansberry 116). Much as the Devil tries to do, Linder tries to lure the Youngers in with deceit. He attempts to gain their trust before making his offer, in hopes that they won’t be so appalled to his idea. His last statement is essentially a warning, that “people can get awful worked up when they feel that their whole way of life and everything they’ve ever worked for is threatened” (119). This is like the Devil stating that bad things are to befall them because he didn’t take the deal; that the Younger’s would be punished. This ultimately does follow through, as soon enough the Younger’s find out that although no one from the neighborhood has threatened them, all the money that they had given to Willy was stolen; this still results in a struggle for the Youngers. Karl Linder could definitely resemble the Devil, as he promises great fortune to the Younger’s if they accept his deal, but in a way “allows” bad events to occur among them if they did not.
Pretend you have not read Foster's viewpoint on this. What do you think he symbolizes? Post your answer. You do not need to do a full write up - just a simple answer for me to see what you think. Thanks.
I feel as though Karl Linder symbolizes the racial views that society had during this time period. The Linders were a kind family who kept to themselves and didn't cause commotion or problems among people; they had their own money to use on their own house, not having a problem with the race in the community. They were willing to bear with it so they could just live happily in a new home. Society still showed much disrespect towards African Americans at this time, and still yearned for segregation of the races, as shown when Karl wants them out of the "all white" neighborhood he lives in. He represents the hate and disrespect shown towards African Americans as a whole, though it may be hidden at first behind his clever explanation of his offer.
Lorraine Hansberry in, “A Raisin in the Sun,” introduces the character Karl Lindner who moderately resembles the devil. Mr. Lindner starts by making an offer, “to buy the house from [the Younger family] at a financial gain to [them]” (Hansberry 118) because, ‘the people of Clybourne Park” (Hansberry 118), do not want the Younger family to move in their neighbor hood. (Hansberry 118). Mr. Lindner resembles the devil by attempting to make a deal with the Younger family which is a version of the basic theme making a deal with the devil. This is a test of sorts to see if the family would give up their home and in a way back down from the white people already living in the neighborhood. Deals with devil usually require a trade for the soul, but in this instance it is more pride because the white people believe, “that for the happiness of all concerned that [the] Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities” (Hansberry 118). That is the nice way of saying that they do not want any African American families living in their neighborhood because they look down upon them. This deal represents a bargain for the soul in a way because someone’s pride is much like their sole and accepting the offer would be like admitting they don’t belong or deserve to be their which is not prideful. Like most deals with the devil, the offer seams worth it and so it does when the younger’s find out that the, “sixty-five hundred dollars,” (Hansberry 129), Mama gave Walter to put in the bank, “never went to the bank at all” (Hansberry 129), and, “it’s all gone” (Hansberry 129). The deal with Mr. Lindner was out of the question for everyone in the family until they were aware that the rest of their insurance money was gone. A deal for someone’s soul is only appealing to that person if the trade is for something they desperately need. Karl Lindner represents the devil because he makes a deal with the family at the time it is most appealing but would compromise their integrity.
Yes but pretend you have not read Foster's viewpoint on this. What do you think he symbolizes? Post your answer. You do not need to do a full write up - just a simple answer for me to see what you think. Thanks.
I think Karl Lindner represents the impediment that the white people in that neighborhood have put up to keep African Americans out. He essentially represents that impediment between all whites and all African Americans because the white people still do not want to accept the African Americans as equal to white. The white people still hold prejudices against them even though they are not necessarily bad people, but solely because of their skin color.
I believe Carl Linder symbolizes the racial barrier that continues to impede social and civil progress for African Americans, including the Youngers. It did not matter that the Youngers healed family relations, received a financial cushion, or were optimistic about a future for the family. The ever present racial prejudice and stereotypical beliefs towards the African American community continues to affect their lives and aspirations.
Lorraine Hansberry in, "A Raisin in the Sun," creates Carl Linder to symbolize the devil through his sly offer to buy the house from the Younger family. The family finally has an opportunity to move into their own home. When Linder comes by to speak to the family he includes that he is the "chairman" of the "welcoming committee" and has the job of dealing with "special community problems" (Hansberry 115). Linder implies here and later includes that they will not fit well in the neighborhood because of their skin color and the beliefs of the white residents. There is a clear reference to the racism some white people had toward African American families during the time in American history. Linder then proceeds to inform the family that he is willing "to buy the house from [them] at a financial gain" (Hansberry 118). The looming presence of the family in the neighborhood made the white residents uncomfortable. Linder offers the financially unstable family money in order to persuade them to the sell the house, satisfying the desires and interests of the white community. However, Walter asserts himself and informs Linder that they will not be bought. If Linder bought the house, he also would be buying the dreams and desires of the family. Linder attempts to further discourage the move by adding that he "doesn't understand why [they] are reacting this way" (Hansberry 119). He wants them to understand that if they did move, it would not be a pleasant living experience. Linder strives to make the Youngers aware of and fear the reaction from the white community. In life, the devil tries to tempt individuals in order to prevent success or productive change. In this case, Carl Linder represents the devil as he aims to bribe and dishearten the Younger family enough to sell their new house, even though it is in their best interest to move into the home.
Why didn't you stick with the racial barrier thinking? Yes, he symbolizes the devil but Foster tells us that. Other than the devil, what does he symbolize? What does he mean to you? "Racial Barrier" - Don't rewrite though. This is fine.
Karl Lindner in "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry represents the white majority in that time period. He explains that he came to their house as a part of a welcoming committee, but then mentions the category of "uh-special community problems" (Hansberry 115). Lindner was hinting at their presence being a problem for their white neighborhood community. He started to symbolize the racism that was occurring during that time period. Then Lindner went on to say that "for the happiness of all concerned that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities" (Hansberry 118). He spoke for both the black and whites, but it was only what would make the whites happy, considering this black family only wanted to live out their dream of owning their own home. Lindner stated "Our association is prepared to, through the collective effort of our people, to buy the house from you at a financial gain to your family" (Hansberry 118). He clearly represents all of the whites that are against a black family moving into their neighborhood. They wanted to pay them to not move into the house. This is how Karl Lindner represents the racism in their culture.
In "A Raisin in the Sun," Lorraine Hansberry portrays Karl Linder as a symbol of racism. Mr. Linder is from the welcoming committee at Clybourne Park. At first he seems to be a nice guy that wants to "sit down and talk" to the Youngers about moving into the park (Hansberry 116). However, he has come to try and bribe the family into not moving into the white neighborhood. Mr. Linder tries his best to make a logical argument as to why the Youngers should not move into the new house, but his reasoning is not taken well by the family. He states that "our community is made up of people who've worked hard" and they have "the right to want to have the neighborhood [they] live in a certain kind of way" (Hansberry 117). Mr. Linder is presumably the only white character in the play. His character portrays the white majority that controlled America. He insists that they will not gain anything "by moving into a neighborhood where [they] just aren't wanted" (Hansberry 119). Through this interaction, the segregation that still plagued America is made visible. Mr. Linder is one of the people who continued to fuel African American poverty. This displays that even with the financial means to move up the social ladder, racial prejudice still impeded African Americans.
In "A Raisin in the Sun," Lorraine Hansberry characterizes Karl Linder as basically the symbol of racism. As Beneatha is dancing happily the bell rings and a white man is at the door. Mr. Linder is looking for Mrs. Lena Younger. Beneatha exclaims “Oh- yes, that’s my mother.” (Hansberry 113). While their mother is not home Walter decides to take care of the business. Mr. Linder is from a welcoming committee at Clybourne Park; he has come to not welcome the family, but urge that they do not come and move into the white neighborhood. Linder tell the Youngers that "for the happiness of all concerned that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities" (Hansberry 118). Linder’s character is the only white character throughout the play meaning that this particular character represents the vast majority or white people during this period. Linder continues on saying that their family is not welcomed or wanted. (Hansberry 117). Linder also tries to bribe the family mentioning that his association will “buy the house from you at a financial gain to your family” (Hansberry 118). This situation is just an example on how segregation has been happening and also how the character Karl Linder represents the role of racism.
As Thomas Foster pointed out in his book “How to Read Literature like a Professor,” Karl Linder, in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” could very well symbolize the Devil offering a deal. Karl Linder wants to buy the Younger’s new house for “a generous offer” so that they don’t move in to the neighborhood he lives in (Hansberry 118). This is the metaphorical “deal with the Devil” where the party in question trades their soul for something prosperous the Devil has to offer. In this case, the Younger’s pride and dignity, and the actual house is a representation of the “soul,” (which in actual quite resembles one, trading pride for money as he just wants the house so they won’t move in) and the money Linder has to offer is what the “Devil” wants in return. Linder attempts to begin a smooth conversation and have them on his side, stating that “most of the troubles exist because people just don’t sit down and talk to each other” (Hansberry 116). Much as the Devil tries to do, Linder tries to lure the Youngers in with deceit. He attempts to gain their trust before making his offer, in hopes that they won’t be so appalled to his idea. His last statement is essentially a warning, that “people can get awful worked up when they feel that their whole way of life and everything they’ve ever worked for is threatened” (119). This is like the Devil stating that bad things are to befall them because he didn’t take the deal; that the Younger’s would be punished. This ultimately does follow through, as soon enough the Younger’s find out that although no one from the neighborhood has threatened them, all the money that they had given to Willy was stolen; this still results in a struggle for the Youngers. Karl Linder could definitely resemble the Devil, as he promises great fortune to the Younger’s if they accept his deal, but in a way “allows” bad events to occur among them if they did not.
ReplyDeletePretend you have not read Foster's viewpoint on this. What do you think he symbolizes? Post your answer. You do not need to do a full write up - just a simple answer for me to see what you think. Thanks.
DeleteI feel as though Karl Linder symbolizes the racial views that society had during this time period. The Linders were a kind family who kept to themselves and didn't cause commotion or problems among people; they had their own money to use on their own house, not having a problem with the race in the community. They were willing to bear with it so they could just live happily in a new home. Society still showed much disrespect towards African Americans at this time, and still yearned for segregation of the races, as shown when Karl wants them out of the "all white" neighborhood he lives in. He represents the hate and disrespect shown towards African Americans as a whole, though it may be hidden at first behind his clever explanation of his offer.
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DeleteYes! Good!
DeleteLorraine Hansberry in, “A Raisin in the Sun,” introduces the character Karl Lindner who moderately resembles the devil. Mr. Lindner starts by making an offer, “to buy the house from [the Younger family] at a financial gain to [them]” (Hansberry 118) because, ‘the people of Clybourne Park” (Hansberry 118), do not want the Younger family to move in their neighbor hood. (Hansberry 118). Mr. Lindner resembles the devil by attempting to make a deal with the Younger family which is a version of the basic theme making a deal with the devil. This is a test of sorts to see if the family would give up their home and in a way back down from the white people already living in the neighborhood. Deals with devil usually require a trade for the soul, but in this instance it is more pride because the white people believe, “that for the happiness of all concerned that [the] Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities” (Hansberry 118). That is the nice way of saying that they do not want any African American families living in their neighborhood because they look down upon them. This deal represents a bargain for the soul in a way because someone’s pride is much like their sole and accepting the offer would be like admitting they don’t belong or deserve to be their which is not prideful. Like most deals with the devil, the offer seams worth it and so it does when the younger’s find out that the, “sixty-five hundred dollars,” (Hansberry 129), Mama gave Walter to put in the bank, “never went to the bank at all” (Hansberry 129), and, “it’s all gone” (Hansberry 129). The deal with Mr. Lindner was out of the question for everyone in the family until they were aware that the rest of their insurance money was gone. A deal for someone’s soul is only appealing to that person if the trade is for something they desperately need. Karl Lindner represents the devil because he makes a deal with the family at the time it is most appealing but would compromise their integrity.
ReplyDeleteYes but pretend you have not read Foster's viewpoint on this. What do you think he symbolizes? Post your answer. You do not need to do a full write up - just a simple answer for me to see what you think. Thanks.
DeleteI think Karl Lindner represents the impediment that the white people in that neighborhood have put up to keep African Americans out. He essentially represents that impediment between all whites and all African Americans because the white people still do not want to accept the African Americans as equal to white. The white people still hold prejudices against them even though they are not necessarily bad people, but solely because of their skin color.
DeleteYes - good.
DeleteI believe Carl Linder symbolizes the racial barrier that continues to impede social and civil progress for African Americans, including the Youngers. It did not matter that the Youngers healed family relations, received a financial cushion, or were optimistic about a future for the family. The ever present racial prejudice and stereotypical beliefs towards the African American community continues to affect their lives and aspirations.
ReplyDeleteThis needs to be revised/edited to adhere to the format in the packet. Thanks!
DeleteLorraine Hansberry in, "A Raisin in the Sun," creates Carl Linder to symbolize the devil through his sly offer to buy the house from the Younger family. The family finally has an opportunity to move into their own home. When Linder comes by to speak to the family he includes that he is the "chairman" of the "welcoming committee" and has the job of dealing with "special community problems" (Hansberry 115). Linder implies here and later includes that they will not fit well in the neighborhood because of their skin color and the beliefs of the white residents. There is a clear reference to the racism some white people had toward African American families during the time in American history. Linder then proceeds to inform the family that he is willing "to buy the house from [them] at a financial gain" (Hansberry 118). The looming presence of the family in the neighborhood made the white residents uncomfortable. Linder offers the financially unstable family money in order to persuade them to the sell the house, satisfying the desires and interests of the white community. However, Walter asserts himself and informs Linder that they will not be bought. If Linder bought the house, he also would be buying the dreams and desires of the family. Linder attempts to further discourage the move by adding that he "doesn't understand why [they] are reacting this way" (Hansberry 119). He wants them to understand that if they did move, it would not be a pleasant living experience. Linder strives to make the Youngers aware of and fear the reaction from the white community. In life, the devil tries to tempt individuals in order to prevent success or productive change. In this case, Carl Linder represents the devil as he aims to bribe and dishearten the Younger family enough to sell their new house, even though it is in their best interest to move into the home.
DeleteWhy didn't you stick with the racial barrier thinking? Yes, he symbolizes the devil but Foster tells us that. Other than the devil, what does he symbolize? What does he mean to you? "Racial Barrier" - Don't rewrite though. This is fine.
DeleteKarl Lindner in "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry represents the white majority in that time period. He explains that he came to their house as a part of a welcoming committee, but then mentions the category of "uh-special community problems" (Hansberry 115). Lindner was hinting at their presence being a problem for their white neighborhood community. He started to symbolize the racism that was occurring during that time period. Then Lindner went on to say that "for the happiness of all concerned that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities" (Hansberry 118). He spoke for both the black and whites, but it was only what would make the whites happy, considering this black family only wanted to live out their dream of owning their own home. Lindner stated "Our association is prepared to, through the collective effort of our people, to buy the house from you at a financial gain to your family" (Hansberry 118). He clearly represents all of the whites that are against a black family moving into their neighborhood. They wanted to pay them to not move into the house. This is how Karl Lindner represents the racism in their culture.
ReplyDeleteGreat - thanks.
DeleteIn "A Raisin in the Sun," Lorraine Hansberry portrays Karl Linder as a symbol of racism. Mr. Linder is from the welcoming committee at Clybourne Park. At first he seems to be a nice guy that wants to "sit down and talk" to the Youngers about moving into the park (Hansberry 116). However, he has come to try and bribe the family into not moving into the white neighborhood. Mr. Linder tries his best to make a logical argument as to why the Youngers should not move into the new house, but his reasoning is not taken well by the family. He states that "our community is made up of people who've worked hard" and they have "the right to want to have the neighborhood [they] live in a certain kind of way" (Hansberry 117). Mr. Linder is presumably the only white character in the play. His character portrays the white majority that controlled America. He insists that they will not gain anything "by moving into a neighborhood where [they] just aren't wanted" (Hansberry 119). Through this interaction, the segregation that still plagued America is made visible. Mr. Linder is one of the people who continued to fuel African American poverty. This displays that even with the financial means to move up the social ladder, racial prejudice still impeded African Americans.
ReplyDeleteExcellent
DeleteIn "A Raisin in the Sun," Lorraine Hansberry characterizes Karl Linder as basically the symbol of racism. As Beneatha is dancing happily the bell rings and a white man is at the door. Mr. Linder is looking for Mrs. Lena Younger. Beneatha exclaims “Oh- yes, that’s my mother.” (Hansberry 113). While their mother is not home Walter decides to take care of the business. Mr. Linder is from a welcoming committee at Clybourne Park; he has come to not welcome the family, but urge that they do not come and move into the white neighborhood. Linder tell the Youngers that "for the happiness of all concerned that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities" (Hansberry 118). Linder’s character is the only white character throughout the play meaning that this particular character represents the vast majority or white people during this period. Linder continues on saying that their family is not welcomed or wanted. (Hansberry 117). Linder also tries to bribe the family mentioning that his association will “buy the house from you at a financial gain to your family” (Hansberry 118). This situation is just an example on how segregation has been happening and also how the character Karl Linder represents the role of racism.
ReplyDelete1) Again, be careful with too much summarizing; focus more on analyzing
ReplyDelete