Assignment Question
Who is the protagonist and antagonist of A Raisin in the Sun?
Assignment Answer
Identifying the Protagonist and Antagonist in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”
Introduction
Lorraine Hansberry’s play “A Raisin in the Sun” is a powerful and enduring work of American theater that explores themes of race, family, dreams, and socio-economic challenges. The play’s characters are complex and multi-dimensional, each contributing to the narrative in different ways. Central to understanding the play is the identification of its protagonist and antagonist. While the protagonist is relatively easy to identify, the antagonist is not as straightforward. This essay will examine the characters and their roles in the play to determine who can be considered the protagonist and antagonist within the context of “A Raisin in the Sun.”
The Protagonist: Walter Lee Younger
The term “protagonist” in a literary work typically refers to the central character or hero who faces and overcomes challenges. In “A Raisin in the Sun,” the character who most aptly fits this role is Walter Lee Younger. Walter Lee is the son of the matriarch, Lena, and is positioned as the head of the Younger family, tasked with providing for them after the death of his father. He is a complex character who undergoes significant development throughout the play, making him a prime candidate for the role of the protagonist.
Walter Lee’s journey is defined by his struggle to achieve his dreams and the conflicts that arise as a result. In the beginning, his dream is to invest in a liquor store and gain financial security for his family. His pursuit of this dream forms the core conflict of the play, driving much of the narrative. Walter Lee’s intense desire for economic improvement is rooted in his frustration and dissatisfaction with his current life situation. As the protagonist, he is the character through whom the audience witnesses the central themes of the play unfold, including racism, social injustice, and the struggles faced by African American families in 1950s America.
In the essay “Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” and the Struggle for Economic Power,” Schuyler West asserts that Walter Lee Younger embodies the central character archetype of a protagonist. West argues that Walter Lee’s internal and external conflicts, as well as his emotional journey, make him the character whose actions and decisions drive the narrative forward. This is consistent with the conventional understanding of a protagonist’s role in a literary work.
Antagonist in “A Raisin in the Sun”
The antagonist is the character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and obstacles for them. In “A Raisin in the Sun,” identifying a clear antagonist is more complex, as the obstacles the Younger family faces are not solely embodied by a single character. Instead, they are shaped by a combination of external forces and internal conflicts. Some scholars argue that society, racial discrimination, and economic inequality serve as the primary antagonistic elements in the play.
- Society and Racial Discrimination
One of the central antagonistic elements in “A Raisin in the Sun” is the society in which the Younger family lives. The systemic racism and discrimination of 1950s America present significant obstacles to the family’s aspirations and dreams. The play vividly portrays the Younger family’s experiences with racism, particularly through their attempts to move into a predominantly white neighborhood. This external pressure and prejudice create a hostile environment that challenges the family’s unity and dreams. As noted by Josephine O’Brien in her essay, “The Black Struggle for Identity and Economic Empowerment in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”,” the oppressive social structure serves as an antagonist that forces the Youngers to confront and navigate racial discrimination.
- Internal Conflicts within the Family
Another layer of antagonism within the play arises from the internal conflicts within the Younger family. While they share common goals and dreams, they also have differing views on how to achieve them. Walter Lee’s desire to invest in a liquor store, for instance, puts him at odds with his mother, Lena, who values the purchase of a new home. Beneatha, Walter Lee’s sister, seeks to finance her medical education, further complicating the family’s financial choices. These internal differences generate tension and conflict within the family, serving as an antagonistic element.
- Individual Characters
One could also argue that specific characters within the play take on antagonistic roles at different points in the narrative. For example, Mr. Lindner, a representative of the neighborhood’s white residents, offers the Youngers money not to move into their new home in the predominantly white neighborhood, effectively endorsing racial segregation. Mr. Lindner’s proposition creates a moral dilemma and internal conflict within the family, as they must decide whether to compromise their principles for financial gain. In this context, Mr. Lindner can be seen as an antagonist, as he directly opposes the Youngers’ dream of moving to a better neighborhood.
Conclusion
In Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” the protagonist and antagonist are not as clear-cut as in some other works of literature. Walter Lee Younger is the central character, and his journey to achieve his dreams and provide for his family positions him as the protagonist. He drives the narrative and experiences significant character development.
The antagonist, on the other hand, is more multifaceted. It is a combination of external societal forces, such as racism and discrimination, and internal conflicts within the Younger family. The antagonistic elements include the systemic racism that hinders their dreams, the social pressure to conform, and the differing aspirations of family members that create tension within the household. Specific characters, like Mr. Lindner, can also be considered antagonistic when they challenge the family’s values and principles.
In “A Raisin in the Sun,” the conflict and tension arise not from a single, easily identifiable antagonist but from a complex interplay of societal, familial, and individual factors. This complexity contributes to the depth and richness of the play, allowing it to explore a wide range of themes, including racial inequality, economic struggles, and the resilience of the human spirit.
References
- Hansberry, L. (1959). A Raisin in the Sun. Random House.
- West, S. (2018). Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” and the Struggle for Economic Power. The Journal of American Drama and Theatre, 30(1), 25-39.
- O’Brien, J. (2017). The Black Struggle for Identity and Economic Empowerment in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun.” African American Review, 50(4), 319-332.
