Logan Ayscue

Price

English

May 23, 2018

Money kills ?

Obsession can lead to many things including family conflicts, loss of employment and

even loss of a life. Obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD) is a condition where excessive

thoughts (obsessions)lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Compulsions are

irresistible urges to behave in certain ways that go against one's conscious wishes.

Walter from A Raisin In The Sun has OCD and this is seen through the symptoms that he

displays, such as anxiety, guilt, and panic attacks.

Walter has an obsession with the life insurance check, and with trying to make his

dream come true.This ties in with anxiety, and family problems.”People with OCD may

have symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or both. These symptoms can interfere with

all aspects of life, such as work, school, and personal relationships.Obsessions are

repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety”(Grohol). An explanation

of what OCD is and how it works, OCD is obsessive thoughts that lead to recurrent

behaviors. This can definitely be seen from the symptoms in Walter and how this

disorder affects Walter. “No there ain't no woman! Why do women always think there’s a

woman somewhere when a man gets restless. Do you know what this money means to

me? Do you know what this money can do for us? Mama mama I want so many
 things…” The quote from page 73 shows how Walter’s obsession with this money, this

check has an affect on his family and their relationships. OCD is a disorder that can affect

many things, and cause behavioral issues, such as his obsessive thoughts about money

and his dreams.OCD affects Walter, and his family through his emotions and obsessive

thoughts that can control Walter . The quote from Ghorol shows how OCD works and the

symptoms that come with it. The quote also mentions how OCD can affect all aspects of

life such as work, and personal relationships. Walter’s job and personal relationships can

be affected by the disorder of OCD. Walter has a disorder that does not just affect him

but his family, his relationships and his job. Walter is the man of the house and is the

family’s main source of income, when Walter is letting his obsession take control of his

life it affects everyone. Anxiety plays a major role in Walters obsession, Walter is in fear

that he will not get the money and that he can not have his “American dream”.

Walters disorder of OCD does not just affect him, this affects his job, which affects his family.

”She said Mr. Arnold has had to take a cab for three days … Walter, you ain’t been to

work for three days! Where you been, Walter Lee Younger? You’re going to lose your

job.” Ruth, Walter’s wife, is showing her concern about Walter and his job. His

obsession has taken over his life to the point where walter is not showing up to work,

which affects everyone in the family and how the money comes in. Walter hasn’t shown

up to work because he is obsessed with the money and fulfilling his life dream for his

family. Also if Walter does not show up he will be replaced as said in the quote above.

Walter clearly has an obsession with the life insurance check, and his intentions with the
check. Some may say he is trying to do good for his family and that walter does not have

a disorder. Although while Walters intentions may be good, his disorder takes control

over his life and is negatively affecting his family and friends.

Despite the evidence against OCD, many people believe that walter just

cares strongly about his goal but they fail to see that Walter is obsessed, this

creates problems for his personal life and his family. Those who believe Walter

just cares very strongly about his goal may think that Walter does not have a

obsession. “ well, what was you doing all that yelling for if I can't even get in

there? Check coming today”? Page 4. Walter’s obsession is clear, right when

walter wakes up he is asking about the check. The life insurance check must be on

his mind all the time, when he should be worrying about about other problems

he’s focused on the life insurance check. Although aspects of this argument are

enticing, it ultimately fails to be a stronger argument because It can be seen

clearly that Walter has an obsession.Within the story, walter continues to ask

when the check is coming. He also gets angry when he is not getting the

opportunity to put the money towards what he wants to, and this creates problems

in the household.

Walter has obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD), this is seen

through the symptoms of anxiety, guilt, and panic attacks. Walter is hurting his
family with his obsession. Walter is arguing with Momma, Beneatha and is not

treating Ruth fair. Walter is also so caught up in his obsession that he does not

realize he has a child on the way. Obsessions can take over, and control your

lives, and Walter experienced this first hand on regards to getting the life

insurance check. OCD can affect you mentally and physically.Often people with

the disorder resort alcohol or drugs which isn’t healthy, Walter also seems to

drink his pain away a lot. Walter has the ability to be happy without the check in

his hands, he loses the money and mama buys the house and walter is alright.

Walter can thrive without this liquor store, so why does he want it so much?

Because Walter knows what the life of a rich man lives, and Walter wants to live

like that, Walter is obsessed with how he wants his life to be and how he wants

the family life to be. Sometimes when you are obsessed or worry to much about

goals, you can forget what is right in front of you.