In Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun, the character Walter Lee Younger serves as a central figure in the exploration of themes of manhood and its definition . Walter's pursuit of financial success and his struggle to assert his masculinity in a society that often belittles the value of black men provide a compelling narrative. This essay aims to deepen Walter's understanding of manhood and the implications of his actions and decisions within the play. By analyzing key moments in the text, we can explore how Walter defines manhood and the consequences of its pursuit. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Walter Lee Younger's understanding of manhood is multifaceted and evolves over the course of the show. Initially, his definition of manhood appears to be tied to financial success and the ability to provide for his family. In Act I, Scene 2, Walter expresses his frustration with his current job as a chauffeur, stating, "I'm thirty-five; I've been married eleven years and I've got a boyfriend sleeping in the living room and all." I have to tell him stories about how rich white people live" (Hansberry, 35). Here we see how Walter believes that financial prosperity is a crucial aspect of being a man and providing for one's family. Additionally, Walter's perception of manhood she is influenced by societal expectations and pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. In Act II, scene 1, Walter confronts his wife Ruth about her decision to terminate the pregnancy, stating, “You slaughtered my dream. You held him in the light of day and killed him" (Hansberry, 79) . At this moment, Walter's anger stems from his belief that his wife's decision undermines his authority as a man and tests his ability to carry on the family legacy. However, as the show progresses, Walter begins to redefine his understanding of manhood in Act II, scene 3, when he is presented with the opportunity to realize his dream of starting a 's venture, Walter initially plans to use his father's life insurance money for his own selfish desires. However, after a heartfelt conversation with his son Travis, Walter realizes the importance of setting a positive example and providing for future generations. He states: "Son, I come from five generations of people who were slaves and sharecroppers, but nobody in my family never let anyone pay them money, it was a way of telling us that we were not fit to walk the earth" ( Hansberry, 98). Here, Walter begins to understand that true manhood is not solely defined by financial success, but also by leaving a legacy and fighting against the oppression his ancestors endured. Furthermore, Walter's interactions with his sister Beneatha also contribute to the evolution of his understanding of manhood. . Beneatha challenges traditional gender roles and aspires to become a doctor, defying society's expectations for women in that time period. Walter initially dismisses Beneatha's dreams, belittling her aspirations by saying, "Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? If you're so crazy about messing with sick people, then go be a nurse like other women, or just get yourself a nurse." get married and be safe" (Hansberry, 41). However, as the play progresses, Walter begins to see the importance of supporting his sister's ambitions and respecting her choices, eventually recognizing that true manhood involves supporting and empower women in its, 1994.