Post 5

Divided into three groups, people make things happen, watch things happen, or wonder what happens. In A Raisin in the Sun, the characters fall within these categories. Although he never appeared physically within the book, Walter's father made things happen. Through his death, he made things possible to his children and wife to move out of the small, dingy apartment. Also, mama forces things to happen; she moves the family. In a broader sense, she forces her new neighbors to either accept her or deny her when she moves into her new house. It creates more assimilation or a push for civil rights. On the other hand, Ruth permitted things to happen. She let Walter drink every night because she did not know what to do. Stuck, she could not move or breathe, yet she had no motivation to move herself out of her despair.Finally, Travis wonders what happens. Primarily because of his age, Travis does not fully comprehend why Lindner arrived at his family's apartment. His family holds his life in their decisions, and Mama manipulates Walter to see that he is wrong. She says, "No. Travis, you stay right here. And you make him understand what you doing, Walter Lee. You teach him good (147)." Walter could not permit a pay off while his son was looking because of his pride and background.