A Raisin in the Sun Group

Question:

trapper
trapper
Student
High School - 10th Grade

What is the significance of Karl Lindner's name in "A Raisin in the Sun"?

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Posted by trapper on Thursday October 23, 2008 at 2:10 PM and tagged with a raisin in the sun, character, karl lindner, name, significance.

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  1. ms-mcgregor Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The name "Karl" may be Hansberry's way of getting back at people like Linder, because "Carl" was the first name of Hansberry's father who also bought property in an all white area when Hansberry was a child. The traditional symbolism for Linder is the devil. His name rhymes with "cinder", what is left after something burns. In addition, what Linder is asking Walter to do is a devilish bargain. He will make it possible for Walter to get back the money he has lost if he is willing to give up his identity and self-respect. This, to many, seems very close to a Faustian bargain. Walter would be "selling his soul" for money. Of course, Walter finally decides to reject Linder's offer and, as Mama notes, that decision brings him into his "manhood".

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/mockingbird

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    Posted by ms-mcgregor on Thursday October 23, 2008 at 6:29 PM