Essay On Walter Sacrifice In A Raisin In The Sun

From the play Raisin in the Sun, the decision that Walter makes to move his family to an all-white neighborhood proves how he's matured into a responsible, loving father. One can see evidence of Walter’s transformation through his sacrifice, as well as,his acts of courage.

When offered a bribe to not move his African American family into an all white neighborhood, Walter declines the money, proving his development of courage. As a limousine driver for wealthy, white businessmen, Walter is ashamed of his life and desires a change. In order to achieve the lifestyle he wants, Walter must develop the courage to pursue his dreams. Throughout the play, Walter Younger and his family begin to see a shift in opportunity and believe that they can build themselves a life to be proud of. Their newfound hope continues to grow until Walter loses the insurance money, diminishing all opportunities for a better life. At this moment in the play, Walter hits rock bottom and is prepared to accept the bribe from the white neighbors. If he takes this bribe, Walter is submitting himself to the white community and degrading his race, as a whole. Despite his desperation, Walter realizes that he must make an example to his son, Travis, and prove his courage. In order to do this, Walter declines the offer and defies segregation. By

choosing to stand up for what he believes in, Walter displays his courage and teaches Travis the importance in fighting for one’s dreams.
By choosing to move his family into better living conditions, Walter sacrifices his opportunity of wealth and fortune, proving himself to be a loving father. In the beginning of the play, Walter’s focus was to put his father's insurance money towards a liquor store. Despite Walter’s confidence in the plan, his family discourages him from using the money to invest in such a risky and immoral business. Walter ignores his family's opposition, choosing to trust in his business partners and pay a down payment on the liquor store. By neglecting his family and going after his own desires, Walter is proving himself to be irresponsible and unreliable. Walter’s wife, Ruth, is so disappointed with her husband's actions that she looks into getting an abortion. Because of Walter’s inability to supply for his family, Ruth sees no other choice but to give up their new child. When Walter’s shady business partner betrays him and runs off with his investment, he makes a decision to move his family, rather than taking the bribe from the white neighbors. This is a turning point in the play, as Walter has chosen his family over his own selfish desires. By valuing his family over his own fortune, Walter has shown the sacrifice he is willing to make in order to be a compassionate father. These changes in values prove Walter’s newfound maturity and love for his family.
Walter Younger’s maturity throughout the play can be proven from the development of courage, as well as, the sacrifices he is willing to make in order to benefit his family.

To prove that he is a valiant father, Walter Younger disregards his own desires and moves his family into a better home. Doing this, Walter sets an example for Travis, encouraging him to go after his dreams. In the process, Walter causes a racial conflict with the white community and learns to stand up for what he believes in. From the personal growth of Walter Younger one can see the significance in fighting for what’s important, as well as, making sacrifices for those that one

loves.