Monday, May 19, 2008
George, Giants, and Ants
3) George, a friend of Beneatha(Bennie) was over the Younger home. Walter began to argue with the young man about college and the meaning of being a man. George replied by saying , "I'm a volcano! Bitter? Here I am a giant- surrounded by ants. Ants who (an't ever) understand what it is the giant is talking about."(Hansberry p.85) How might the metaphor represent Walter's outlook on life and show his social position in society?
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"A Raisin In The Sun"
Ruth
Ruth Younger ironing, her job and takes up most of her time.
Raisin Set
A set from one of the plays of A Raisin In the Sun.
5 comments:
The metaphor of Walter being a giant and the rest of the world being a crowd of ants, is a very ironic metaphor to Walter's life. Obviously Walter sees himself as a giant, a wonderful man, to whom everyone should respect and look up to. He feels he should be a very prominent man in society, however,in reality, he has no social power and is not very respected. It shows that he has a very big ego, with not much to back it up.
KDB
In this scene, Walter claims, “And you--ain't you bitter, man? Ain't you just about had it yet? Don't you see no stars gleaming that you can't reach out and grab? …Bitter? Man, I'm a volcano. Here I am a giant--surrounded by ants! Ants who can't even understand what the giant is talking about.” In this quote, Walter is speaking to George, Bennie’s wealthy, educated suitor. As a result of his upbringing, George does not understand Walter’s position and conflict. I disagree with the previous analysis. Rather than Walter egotistically speaking, I believe that by “I’m a volcano” he means to say that he has reached his breaking point. He is frustrated that he cannot provide for his family as he longs to, and feels a certain inferiority to George. Walter compares himself to a giant to symbolize the extent of the struggles he is facing. As he speaks, George, much like the ant, cannot relate to Walter’s words because although he is an educated man, he lacks an understanding of the situation.
VT
Like KDB, I believe that Walter comparing himself to a giant is ironic, however for a different reason. Walter may think he's a giant, but in reality he just wants George to fear him because he thinks fear is where respect comes from. Walter, like VT suggested, is indeed like a volcano because after all of the problems he has faced he has had enough and is ready to erupt. In reality though I think that Walter may actually feel like an ant. There's a saying about people who are little or lesser off that bully bigger or better off people because they envy them. This is true of Walter. He envies George so he tries to seem bigger and better. He is the ant though when it comes to society's classifications because unlike the white man (giant) he is trapped among the black society (the ants). The giants do not understand where the ants are coming from and the ants do understand where the giants are coming from because they worked vigorously to get the giants there. This idea is what makes the comparison ironic.
KCH
Walter has a low- end job and his is tired of it. He feels that no one respects him in society and now in the house. He feels as if he is loosing all power and is "small". A giant is very large and mighty. By saying he is a giant and everyone are ants, Walter makes himself feel important and respected.
KES
The metaphor Walter Lee uses shows his egotistic personality. He feels as if he's "bigger" than everyone when he has no social power whatsoever. He feels as if everyone should look up to him "bow to him". So I agree 100? with KDB.
KMB
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