Book Review: "A Raisin In The Sun": Permethus

Monday, May 19, 2008

Permethus

4) One night George goes over to the Younger home to pick up Beneatha(Bennie). When he is their he gets into an arguement with Walter, Beneatha's brother about biterness. While George is leaving he says, "Good night, Permethus!" (Hansberry p.86)referring to Walter. Who is Permethus and why would George use Permethus in this allegory?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...: Prometheus is one of the mighty titans from Greek mythology. It was said that Prometheus stole the sacred fire, originally the only fire on the planet, from the gods giving it to man. Because of this Prometheus was chained for eternity to a rock where everyday an eagle would eat his liver and it would be renewed the next day. George used Prometheus as an allegory to Walter because Walter was acting as if he was high and mighty compared to George and that George didn't deserve to be richer and more powerful than he was similar to how Prometheus wanted the sacred fire that only the gods had.; May 22, 2008 at 6:42 AM
Anonymous said...: Prometheus is one of the mighty titans from Greek mythology. It was said that Prometheus stole the sacred fire, originally the only fire on the planet, from the gods giving it to man. Because of this Prometheus was chained for eternity to a rock where everyday an eagle would eat his liver and it would be renewed the next day. George used Prometheus as an allegory to Walter because Walter was acting as if he was high and mighty compared to George and that George didn't deserve to be richer and more powerful than he was similar to how Prometheus wanted the sacred fire that only the gods had.
MJS; May 22, 2008 at 6:42 AM
Anonymous said...: It is said that Prometheus is an ancient Greek God. Prometheus supposedly stole sacred fire from Zeus and his punishment was to be chained to a mountain and have his liver eaten by an eagle and then it would be renewed everyday, for eternity. I believe George would use this allegory because, like Prometheus, Walter is chained down to his dreams and he feels like he needs to blame everyone for his failure to achieve his dreams.

SMZ; May 27, 2008 at 8:48 AM
Anonymous said...: Prometheus is a strong greek god. This god was selfish and only thought of himself, therefore he was trapped on a rock for the rest of his life. George uses this allegory because he believes that Walter wants to be high and mighty when he really isnt. It is like Walter is living in a land of dreams and not in reality.
ANZ; May 27, 2008 at 7:55 PM

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"A Raisin In The Sun"

"A Raisin In The Sun," is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that takes the viewer through the struggles of the Younger family. Lena, the grandmother is awaiting for the arrival of an insurance check from her husband's death that could change the lives of all the Younger's. Beneatha, Lena's daughter is a noncomformist who wants to become a doctor, but she struggles to find her identity throughout the play. Beneatha gets help finding her identity by means of Joseph Asagai. Joseph teaches Beneatha that she cannot pretend to be something that she is not and that she has to accept who she really is. Walter, Lena's son, is a chauffeur for a rich white man and is fed up with not being able to provide the life he wants for his family. Walter's dream is to open a liqor store and have a successful business. Ruth, Walter's wife is shy and never expresses her feelings, so you never know Ruth's dream until her catharsis moment; Ruth breaks down and expresses all she wants is to live in a home and have a backyard for her son to play in . Travis, is Ruth and Walter's son and all he wants to do is live a normal life, but it's difficult when his parents can't supply him with money like his other friends. When the insurance check finally arrives, Lena decides to buy a home in Clybourne Park, a white community. A representative from the neighborhood goes over to Younger home to try to buy the home back from the Younger's because the community doesn't want any problems with a black family moving in. Lena then gives the rest of the money to Walter and hopes he can finally make a good decision in his life. However, Walter gives all the remaining money to a friend who eventually steals the money. Walter's friend was supposed to get the liqor license for the store. Everyone's dreams are crushed and Lena decides not to move to the white neighborhood. However, Walter finally steps up and becomes a man and makes the decision that the family will move to the new home. The play is full of catharsis moments, historical references, and personal connections.