A Raisin in the Sun Analysis

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Throughout A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry provides an effective feminist statement that conveys a feministic critique of a male society when it reconstructs women roles within the 1950s.The three African American female characters in the play, Lena, Ruth, and Beneatha, are prominent figures that represent three contrasting personalities, which personifies the view of females in a society. Lena and Ruth are from an older generation, and still withholds a traditional ideology of female roles, and are more wary of their actions. Beneatha on the other hand, has a different perspective than that of her mother, Lena. Beneatha aspires to become a doctor, a field dominated by men, and make a difference in the world. As the play initially begins, Ruth is the first character to be introduced. Ruth is a subservient, and submissive woman that insists on putting her family matters first and herself last. Ruth occupies a quintessentially traditional position within her family. She is the first person to awake, so she could prepare breakfast for her family. Additionally Ruth is represented as being inferior to her husband, Walter Lee Younger. This notion is accentuated when in spite of Ruth telling her son Travis they don’t have fifty cents for his book, Walter not only gives Travis the money for the book, but gives him an additional fifty cents since he noticed the angered expression on Ruth’s face. Although Ruth is disgruntled, she constantly withholds her opinions in order to not upset her husband. When Walter Lee begins speaking about the money their family will soon be receiving, and his dreams of establishing a liquor store, Ruth just reiterates “Eat your eggs” (Hansberry 1.1). This quote is utilized to convey Ruth’s way of tryi... ... middle of paper ... ...ys understand why her children act the way they do, but she ties her best to be supportive. There are circumstances however where Lena must demonstrate her virtuous character, and express her opinions in order to keep her family together. Lena confronts Walter Lee about her wife’s, Ruth, plan to have an abortion, in hopes that he would act like a man and take control of the situation. Another example of Lena’s strong character is when she slaps Beneatha for stating “There simply is no blasted God - there is only man and it is He who makes miracles! (Hansberry 1.1)” and having such a non-Christian attitude about God. Despite all the characteristics she opposes from both her children, Lena just wants her family to be happy. This is the reason why Lena plan for the money was to purchase a house, pay for Beneatha’s education, and give Walter Lee all the remaining money.

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