Walter vs. Beneatha

In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, two of the main characters seem to clearly contrast each other.  These siblings, Walter and Beneatha, having conflicting views on many issues and chose to view situations in a very different manner.  Beneatha is extremely motivated by the new roles she believes African Americans and women are going to play in society.  She is also rather social status conscience, yet down-to-earth in a respectable manner.  Beneatha openly admits she will not marry a man that does not make her happy, even if he is rich, which was a very odd idea for the time.  Her brother, Walter, views the world differently.  He sees it foolish to waste such an opportunity for money, which in his mind would lead to happiness.  Walter is also rather resistant to change in society overall, as he asks Beneatha, "Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor?  If you so crazy 'bout messing 'round with sick people- then go be a nurse like other women- or just get married and be quiet..." (Hansberry, 38).  Walter seems bitter about not being anything important at the beginning of the story, and thus finds comfort in making other people stay in their designated stereotype.  It is a wonder how Beneatha can be such a activist and into new ideas while Walter is stubborn and set in the ways of the world, and they be siblings raised in the same home.  This contrast continues throughout the story, and seems to ebb and flow as the plot progresses.