1. Description of the Setting
The description of the setting in "A Raisin in the Sun" indicates that the Younger family lives in a small, crowded, and worn apartment, reflecting their economic struggles and resilience. The setting suggests that the family is doing their best to maintain a sense of dignity and warmth despite their financial difficulties.
Three words that personify the room:
- Tired: Indicates weariness and the passage of time.
- Crowded: Reflects the limited space and the family's close quarters.
- Worn: Suggests the age and condition of their belongings, hinting at prolonged use and lack of means to replace them.
2. Predominant Word Characterizing Ruth
The predominant word that characterizes Ruth in the text is "weary". This word reflects her physical and emotional exhaustion, stemming from her struggles to keep the family together, manage the household, and cope with the disappointments in her life and marriage.
3. Description of Walter
Walter is ambitious, restless, and frustrated. He is deeply dissatisfied with his current life as a chauffeur and is desperate to improve his family's financial situation and status. Walter's dream of investing in a liquor store represents his desire for economic independence and his struggle with societal and familial expectations.
4. Relationships
- Ruth and Travis: Ruth is a loving but strict mother who is concerned about Travis's well-being and the family's future. She balances affection with discipline, trying to instill values and responsibility in her son.
- Walter and Travis: Walter's relationship with Travis is more aspirational. Walter wants to be a better provider and role model for his son, often expressing grand dreams and ambitions in hopes of inspiring Travis. However, his frustrations sometimes spill over, impacting their interactions.
5. Beneatha's Character from Her Speech
Beneatha's speech reveals her as intelligent, ambitious, and independent. She often challenges traditional norms and is determined to become a doctor, which was unusual for African American women at the time. Her conversations about identity and heritage indicate a deep interest in exploring her roots and defining her own path.
6. Racial Stereotype Revealed by Ruth
During her discussion with Mama about calling in sick to work, Ruth reveals a racial stereotype when she mentions that her employer would not believe a black person could be genuinely sick, thus perpetuating the stereotype that African Americans were not to be trusted or taken seriously in their grievances.
7. Beneatha's Realization of Ruth's Errand
When Mama tells Beneatha that Ruth had to go on "a little errand," Beneatha realizes where Ruth has gone. The quote that indicates her realization is: "Mama, you don't think Ruth would..." This unfinished question shows Beneatha's dawning understanding that Ruth may be considering an abortion.
8. Assimilationism and Characters' Views
Assimilationism: The process by which a person or group's language and/or culture come to resemble those of another group. In the context of the play, it refers to African Americans adopting the cultural norms of mainstream (white) America to fit in.
- Asagai's View: Asagai is critical of assimilationism. He believes in embracing one's cultural heritage and identity. He encourages Beneatha to connect with her African roots and to be proud of her heritage.
- Beneatha's View: Beneatha is initially influenced by assimilationist ideas but is drawn to Asagai's perspective. She is conflicted and exploring her identity, torn between the pressures to assimilate and the desire to embrace her African heritage.
9. Walter's Reaction to Ruth's Possible Abortion
Walter's reaction to Mama implying that Ruth is going to abort her pregnancy is one of shock, anger, and despair. He feels emasculated and devastated, as this act represents a complete negation of his dreams and his ability to provide for and protect his family. He says: "No—no—Ruth wouldn't do that." This shows his disbelief and the emotional turmoil he experiences at the thought of losing his unborn child and the implications it has on his sense of manhood and family responsibility.