A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorrain Hansberry and Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller, both demonstrate how the protagonists’, Walter Lee Younger and Willy Loman, strive for wealth and happiness within their families, but the distinction between the two characters is evident when Hansberry reveals how Walter Younger is able to overcome his struggles by standing up for himself and his family, while Miller exposes how Willy Loman’s mind is destroyed by the obstacles he faces. Both characters represent working class men in an American society that fight their way to the top by overcoming impediments such as, family disputes, financial issues, and deterioration of their own mental state. Although Willy and Walter face similar situations, Walter is
…show more content…
In the beginning of A Raisin in the Sun, Walter is portrayed as a rude and selfish, but by the end of the play he demonstrates will-power and fights for his family to live in the house they dreamed of. When talking to Linder about moving into the new house, Walter firmly states, “…we have decided to move into our house because my father – my father – he earned it…. We don’t want you money”(121). Hansberry is able to demonstrate to the audience the dramatic change that portrays Walter as a logical and respectable man, whereas in the beginning Walter was uncertain and risky with all his decisions. Unlike Walter who was able to surmount his problems and come out strong, Willy Loman is defeated by his mental and physical conflicts. Throughout Death of a Salesman, Willy has illusions that he bases his decisions off of. For example, Willy has an illusion of his brother Ben, where Ben states “Opportunity is tremendous in Alaska, William. Surprised you’re not up there.”(). This reminds Willy everyday that he is not living the American dream. All these illusions make Willy believe he is living a good life, however at the end of the play when Biff and Willy get into an argument, Willy realizes that his life has been a lie. Trying to argue that they are successful Willy claims, “I am not a dime a dozen. I am Willy Loman, and you are Biff Loman!”(132) however, Ben makes him realize that “The jungle is dark but full of diamonds..” (134), which basically convinces Willy that his family would be better if he ended his life due to the fact that they will inherit his insurance money. This ending completely differs with Walters’s outcome because Willy sacrifices his life but Walter is able to earn
In the beginning of A Raisin in the Sun, Walter is portrayed as a rude and selfish, but by the end of the play he demonstrates will-power and fights for his family to live in the house they dreamed of. When talking to Linder about moving into the new house, Walter firmly states, “…we have decided to move into our house because my father – my father – he earned it…. We don’t want you money”(121). Hansberry is able to demonstrate to the audience the dramatic change that portrays Walter as a logical and respectable man, whereas in the beginning Walter was uncertain and risky with all his decisions. Unlike Walter who was able to surmount his problems and come out strong, Willy Loman is defeated by his mental and physical conflicts. Throughout Death of a Salesman, Willy has illusions that he bases his decisions off of. For example, Willy has an illusion of his brother Ben, where Ben states “Opportunity is tremendous in Alaska, William. Surprised you’re not up there.”(). This reminds Willy everyday that he is not living the American dream. All these illusions make Willy believe he is living a good life, however at the end of the play when Biff and Willy get into an argument, Willy realizes that his life has been a lie. Trying to argue that they are successful Willy claims, “I am not a dime a dozen. I am Willy Loman, and you are Biff Loman!”(132) however, Ben makes him realize that “The jungle is dark but full of diamonds..” (134), which basically convinces Willy that his family would be better if he ended his life due to the fact that they will inherit his insurance money. This ending completely differs with Walters’s outcome because Willy sacrifices his life but Walter is able to earn