A Raisin in the Sun

Act ll Scene ll

Dramatic purpose has a major impact on Act ll scene ll’s direction. As many new
evolving contrasts and revelations are in development. The way a few of the characters
are perceived, such as Walter and George, are beginning to alter to the negative.
George begins to be extremely discriminatory towards Beneatha and her desires.
Meanwhile, Walter reveals his selfish side; his actions and decisions are selfish as they
are only embettering him. Throughout the play, viewers gained perspective on the
family’s racial prejudice and economical issues. This point of the play is where
everything escalades as the Younger family gets to experience what having money feels
like, and due to that some character’s actions begin to change. It is the raising action of
the play.
A context of revelation was presented in the story through Mama when Mrs.
Johnson surprises her with a visit. While the two were having a conversation amongst
each other Mrs. Johnson quotes Booker T. Washington, a famous African- American
thinker and assimilationist. Mama had gotten frustrated by that point since Mrs. Johnson
is a lot to handle, or as Beneatha says, “Mama, if there are two things, we, as a people,
have got to overcome, one is the Ku Klux Klan-- and the other is Mrs. Johnson.” (Page
104). Mama does not see eye to eye with Mrs. Johnson, resulting in her disagreeing
with the quote, calling Booker T. Washington a fool. This had taken a surprising turn
since as a African- American assimilationist it would have been predicted that Mama
appreciated Booker T. Washington, yet the play reveals she does not. At this certain
point in the play, it is not yet understandable as to why Mama has such an opposing
perspective. An additional driving force is that Mama does not have any knowledge on
Africans, and in a conversation with Beneatha which she had previously, she questions
her daughter as to why she should know anything about Africans. This reveals a new
surprising revelation of Mama and her social and political view on controversies.
Through this scene it is obvious that Walter feels depressed, despondent and
useless as the man of the family. Mama feels guilty and hands him the rest of the
insurance money, leaving him with $3500. Suddenly, Walter becomes more confident
and energized. He talks to Travis about his plans, “your daddy’s gonna make a
transaction...a business transaction that’s going to change our lives…” (Page, 108).
Through this a prediction may be made as he is essentially foreshadowing the
disappearance of money. The plot revolves around him and the actions he takes, and it
is at this point where his character begins to evolve the most as he is about to make
one of the most crucial decisions of his life which could greatly affect his family, for the
good or bad. Furthermore, contrats begins to build up on Walter’s character, as he is
attempting to overcome difficulties and barriers that obstruct his and his family’s
progress to attain that prosperity that constantly frustrates him. He does not
acknowledge his family members’ concerns and his effect of his actions on them. In
order to achieve success, he must stop being selfish and acknowledge his family
members. This is also resulting in the advancement of the plot, since many things are
going to be affected with the big investment he is going to make.
An alteration to the atmosphere begins to transpire, since the family receives a
great amount of money they are not used to having. This brings relief amongst them as
Mama bought a house, raising Ruth with happiness. This comforts her as it seems that
many of the family issues begin to resolve, such as: the dirty old apartment, more space
and money and Mama’s dream of a garden. In addition, having money and a house
may prevent Ruth from having an abortion as they have more money and space.
Furthermore, the atmosphere begins to change as Younger’s are going to live in a white
community in which they are the only coloured people. This may result in possible
upcoming issues. Much weight is brought off of Ruth’s shoulders as she finally isn't
weary anymore with less concerns in her mind. Additionally, Walter is fortunately not
depressed anymore, he receives a great spazz of energy and confidence as he finally
has the solution to his dream of owning a liquor store. Finally, the Younger’s begin to
become more vibrant and hopeful.
This scene has brought many controversies, such as Walter not agreeing with
the purchase of the house, and George considering Beneatha as unsophisticated due to
her desires. Nonetheless, it finally seems as if the family’s life and financial situation is
embettering. Walter is not so depressed anymore and rather confident and hopeful. The
family begins to unite at last, or so it seems.