A Raisin in the Sun: The Problematic Man

 I have some mixed feelings about this play. I sympathized a lot with the families struggles, and can appreciate flaws within characters, as it makes them more believable. However, Walter Lee Younger frustrated me so much throughout 95% of this play. Not only did his behavior throughout the play frustrate me, but the women allowing him to get away with his attitude and actions frustrated me. His treatment towards his wife, his mother, and his sister was continuously disrespectful, and yet he continued to get away with it. The thing that really got me was his act of redemption. Walter finally did one thing right and was commended for it. However, one right does not erase all of the wrongs he did throughout the course of the play. There is nothing wrong with wanting more out of life, but he made it his entire personality and had no problem screwing others over, Beneatha, to try to get what he wanted. What made it even worse was the fact that his investment towards the liquor store didn't even work out. He was so obsessed with the idea of it that he entrusted the wrong person with money that was meant not only for him but his sister as well. He was overall a very selfish character, and I don't think that he deserved to be completely redeemed for doing one decent deed, which was the right thing to do to begin with. I was happy for the family for having a relatively happy ending, but for me Walter had too many flaws to be overlooked.