In Act II Scene 1, Walter antagonizes George for being a young, well-dressed, rich, college boy. As George and Beneatha leave for their play, George says to Walter, " Thanks. Good night. Good night Prometheus!" Why would George compare Walter to Prometheus?
Learn more about Prometheus here:
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/p/prometheus.html
Meet the Author
Lorraine Hansbury: Author of 1961 screenplay "A Raisin in the Sun". Became the youngest American playwright and the only African American to win an award for Best Play of the Year by the NY Drama Critics Circle. When talking about her screenplay, Hansberry told her husband she wanted, "to write a social drama about blacks that was good art. Instead of stereotyped characters that would bear no resemblance to actual people, she invented a situation that was sometimes painfully realistic. The plot revolves around what her characters do given the opportunity to escape their cramped surroundings."
The Original Cast of "A Raisin in the Sun"(1961)
this picture displays Ruth, ironing and working hard for her family.
Walter Lee (right) and Mama (left) conversing on the set of the play about his dreams. Walter wants to make something of him self and a chance to strive in life. On the other hand, Mama wants Walter to be a man and take care of his family a "normal" way.
Beneatha Younger; sister of Walter Lee. She's striving to break the "norm" and become a doctor.
Travis Younger [son of Walter and Ruth Younger]
3 comments:
When George refers to Walter as Prometheus he is intending to let Walter know that making fun of him will not offend George. The reason why he will not be offended by Walter's comments is because like Prometheus, Walter should get what he deserves in the end. For putting people down and trying to make yourself feel good and confident at their expense is wrong and Walter will pay the price soon enough.
KNH
George compares Walter to Prometheus because Prometheus wanted to do good in life. Just as Walter did but. Prometheus did it in a wrong way and ended paying for what he stole. Prometheus thought he was better than everybody else as Walter does. George feels Walter will suffer for his wrong doings as Prometheus did. That's why George had compared Walter to Prometheus.
MPD
Prometheus is a character in Greek mythology that lied and stole from Zeus, the God. His punishment was to have his liver eaten out by an eagle everyday and then have it grow back every night. Unlike the previous comments, I think George compares Walter to Prometheus to state that by doing continuing what he is doing (making fun of people and trying to put those who are above him down) it is not helping him. He just keeps getting his "liver" eaten out so that it can grow back and get eaten out again. Antagonizing people like that doesn't help anyone. It makes the antagonist mad and it makes protagonist suffer, just like Zeus and Prometheus.
RPN
Post a Comment