Both Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” and Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” detail specific events in the lives of poor urban families during the mid-20th century. Each story tells of a man struggling to find his dreams and support his family, facing different challenges along the way. Between both of these leading male characters, Walter Lee Younger and Willy Loman, there are many intriguing parallels and distinctions. The two families’ housing situations are somewhat similar. Both the Youngers and the Lomans live in large cities, specifically Chicago for the former. The Lomans’ home is cheap and modest; surrounded by towering apartments, symbolizing the way the family “has become palisaded by ruthless urban sprawl . . .
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Neither of the men are happy with their financial situations, and both have their own views on how to improve them. Walter “equates self-expression with material gain and wealth,” and believes that “capital would ensure entrance into ‘good’ society” (Matthews 559). He is a chauffeur, a job he feels is not only dishonorable but far too low in pay. According to him, making good money is the key to success and happiness. But in Willy’s mind, popularity is of highest importance. In his own words, “the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead . . . Be liked and you will never want” (Miller 1441). He is certain that if only people will like him more, he can be a huge success as a salesman. Even though other characters point out his proficiency with tools, and the fact that he would most likely make a better salary if he quits his white-collar job and takes on manual labor, he refuses to listen. His pride prevents him from making the logical
Neither of the men are happy with their financial situations, and both have their own views on how to improve them. Walter “equates self-expression with material gain and wealth,” and believes that “capital would ensure entrance into ‘good’ society” (Matthews 559). He is a chauffeur, a job he feels is not only dishonorable but far too low in pay. According to him, making good money is the key to success and happiness. But in Willy’s mind, popularity is of highest importance. In his own words, “the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead . . . Be liked and you will never want” (Miller 1441). He is certain that if only people will like him more, he can be a huge success as a salesman. Even though other characters point out his proficiency with tools, and the fact that he would most likely make a better salary if he quits his white-collar job and takes on manual labor, he refuses to listen. His pride prevents him from making the logical