Home > A Raisin in the Sun Summary & Study Guide > A Raisin in the Sun Group > Question and Answer

Question:

Answers:

1. 
   akannan Teacher
   Middle School

   eNotes Editor

   Throughout the play, the expectations of both husband and wife play a significant role in how both approach their union and life together.  Ruth's expectations of Walter would be that he would act in the interests of the family, while finding contentment in his own dreams.  She expects that he will find some level of solace in his dreams and join this level of happiness in his love of family.  She does fear that the family will drift towards a sense of moral and fiscal oblivion, being crushed underneath the weight of their hopes and social challenges.   Her hopes are that Walter will act in accordance to deferring this reality, maintaining his social strength in the face of unspeakable challenges.  Walter's expectations are that his wife will stand by his dream of owning the liquor store.  He expects that his wife will stand with him as he pursues his dreams, even as he navigates through the sometimes challenging conditions brought about by domesticity.  As Walter seeks to advance his own sense of self as both family man and human being, he sees his wife's role as one of support in this process.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/raisin-in-the-sun/characters

   Rate answer:

   • Flag as inappropriate

   Posted by akannan on Friday September 4, 2009 at 5:46 PM