A Raisin in the Sun
Persuasive Essay Prompt

I believe the most important lesson about life that I learned by reading and studying Lorraine Hansberry’s play was that life has its peaks and valleys. The opening of the story starts with a family name the Younger’s in their apartment in the South Side of Chicago during the 1950s. It goes on to show us that it isn’t the best apartment in Chicago. It tells us that there is only one bathroom on their floor and that it isn’t very big and they refer to it as a “rat trap”.
Next it tells us that Lena Younger is expecting a $10,000 life insurance check from the estate of her late husband, Walter Lee. With the check she is planning to retire from her job as a maid for a white family. Lena’s son, Walter Lee Junior, wants to use the money to buy a liquor store. His wife, Ruth, also a domestic in a white household, hopes to move to a larger apartment. Beneatha, Lena's daughter, dreams of going to medical school to be a doctor.
When the check finally arrives anxiety breaks out in the family. Walter Lee feels he should get the money because he is the head of the family. While Ruth and Beneatha agree with each other that it is Lena's money, and she should decide how she wants to spend it. Lena realizes that the family's survival depends on their escape from the apartment. Because of this she makes a down payment on house in Clybourne Park. The only problem is that Clybourne Park is an all-white residential neighborhood.
The plans for the move worsen the tensions. Walter now feels that his manhood is at question so he escapes to bars. He doesn’t return home for several days. Lena finally acknowledges his desperate need and finds him in his favorite lounge. She opens her purse and entrusts him with the rest of the money. This makes Walter feel better about himself and makes himself feel like he actually matters and isn’t worthless. The money she entrust him with is part of which is to be used for Beneatha's tuition, the rest for his liquor store.
The residents of all-white Clybourne Park have learned of their new neighbors. Realizing that it is African American family they decide to send an emissary to meet with the Younger’s to explain the "rules." They send a man named Mr. Lindner, the representative, carefully disguises his racist attitudes beneath neutral terms. Beneatha quickly realizes that he is proposing to buy them out. He makes the Younger’s a generous offer that Walter Lee refuses. He says that his family has a right to a new life, and they will move to Clybourne Park.
On moving day Walter gets the worst news of his life. He learns that Lena’s money never made it to the bank. He had given it to Willy Harris, who he thought was a trusted business partner. However, Willy took the money and left.
Being overwhelmed by this awful news, the family members respond in different ways. Beneatha is furious and is mad with Walter. Lena starts to unpack, saying they can no longer move. Ruth on the other hand still doesn’t give in saying that she thinks they can still make the payments. In a desperate act to set matters right, Walter Lee sends for Mr. Lindner. He does this because he realizes that the offer that Mr. Linder is offering them could replace the money he has given away. No one in the family supports his decision, feeling contempt for his willingness to sell their dreams so cheaply. In the final scenes, Walter Lee recognizing not only who he is, but, his place within his family and race. As he begins to tell Mr. Lindner that they will accept the offer, he suddenly decides to refuse the offer. The moving men are told to continue, and the family departs for what everyone hopes will be a new beginning and better life.