Engage in close reading as you normally would: Be aware of setting, track character development, consider important symbols, and note style, tone, and irony. Keep careful notes that reflect you thinking.
A societal force working universally against all the characters in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is their race. Due to being African American the entire Youngers family is often discriminated against, and because of that the characters are a bit bitter to face society and "mold" into the new age. A strong example of this is Mama; she's used to discrimination and being put down due to her race so she is hesitant to just give Walter money to start a business. Here Mama is talking to Ruth about Walters dreams with skepticism,"We ain't no business people, Ruth. We just plain working folks" whereas Walter is more compliant to mold with society and face the new traditions and try to create a life for him.. Mama does not understand, "Ain't nobody business people till they go into business, Walter Lee say colored people ain't never going to start getting ahead till they start gambling on some different kinds of things".
The biggest societal force working for the characters is Mama's check of 10,000 dollars. Money talks and for the Youngers they are used to being shut down, having "dreams deferred" and living an impoverished life due to the lack of money. The check brings family members such a Mama, Walter and Ruth new hope, new opportunities and possibly new life. This force is one that all the characters WANT control over however only mama HAS control over it. Walter, for example tries to control this force by convincing his wife Ruth to talk his mother into giving him money so he can launch his dream of opening up a new bar, "Mama would listen to you, You know she listens to you more than she do me and Bennie". When he does not receive that control, he quite literally shuts down and turns to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Beneatha also has dreams in which the society plays a big factor on her success. She dreams to become a doctor, although society in that time period does not particularly favor women and colored people to get the schooling and education needed for this to happen. Even her brother does not support her, he says at one point, "then go be a nurse like other women- or just get married and be quiet..". But Bennie does not let society rule her future, instead it fuels her to keep working hard and continue on her education. Here Benetatha (quite dramatically) talks to Walter and Ruth about how she has a dream and how no one wants her to follow it; Beneatha; (dropping to her knees) "And forgive me for ever wanting to be anything at all! (pursuing him on her knees across the floor) FORGIVE ME, FORGIVE ME, FORGIVE ME!!"
Race and racism is the largest societal force working upon the characters in the play. Bennie, while trying to find her own identity in 1950s America, embraces her African roots and pursues a medical school education after which she could become a black, woman professional. This was something that was quite rare at the time - especially from a family without much economic means. Beneatha reacts to the stark racism at the time by rebelling against the discriminatory societal ideals by further pursuing her dreams and connecting proudly with her heritage. Unlike the rest of her family, she dislikes her mother's apparent desires to conform with the rest of white society. Bennie is proud and progressive, whereas her mother prefers to focus on providing for her family as best she can throughout preexisting societal conditions - ones she does not actively fight. Through the inevitable force of racism during 1950s America, Beneatha and Mama have very different responses.
Money of course also has a great influence on the family as they struggle to find the appropriate way to use it. When they are offered more money to move out of the white, suburban neighborhood, however, they refuse. "Walter: [W]e have decided to move into our house because my father—my father—he earned it for us brick by brick. We don’t want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no causes, and we will try to be good neighbors. And that’s all we got to say about that. We don’t want your money." This reveals the underlying theme of hopes and dreams - and the issue of race - to be more important than money. While economics certainly is an essential force shaping the characters of the play, race is a much more driving force in terms of character development, and - as revealed in this quote - the events of the play.
In terms of racism, the family has virtually no control over this force. It is an inevitable reality of 1950s America. However, Bennie is seen trying to gain some ounce of control through her connection with her roots and proud nature in regards to her heritage. In terms of money, however, the characters - while initially in an unavoidable bind in regards to poverty - are given an opportunity to earn more money. They are given a choice. In this instance, they decide to live in the home dreamed of by the matriarchal figure in the book and her deceased husband. They go against societal pressures as well as heightened economic means. This minimal level of control against the force of money contributes greatly to the plot of the story, providing further insight in regards to the characterization of the family members.
Societal forces on the Youngers family are universal in many aspects. From the youngest Travis to the oldest, Mama each have an issue that society has caused for them. This issue is money. The reason why the issue is money is because of the underlying issue of their race. Their race impacts each of them in their endeavors. First, Mama had wanted to only be in their “rat trap of a home for not more than a year; however this was clearly not the case because they were still living in it over 40 years later. Mama was agitated with her son because all he could think about was money and how there were black folk who were well off and they were not. The ten thousand dollar insurance that Mama receives due to her husband’s death causes much strain in the family, particularly between Beneatha and Walter. This strain is caused by Walter wanting to use the money to open a liquor store while Beneatha wishes to use the money to go to medical school. Walter wants to open a liquor store to create a business opportunity thus creating the opportunity for more money so his family can have a better life. Beneatha wishes to use the money to put herself through school so she can have a better life. Both of these stem from the ideal that they want a better life; which is defined by the society in which they live. Not a “rat trap” home but a respectable abode in which Walter can raise Travis and his new baby. Beneatha wishes to do good in the world by making a difference in the medical profession, this is so she can feel important. This all stems from the social environment around them in which some black fold are “better-off” and some aren’t. The force that seems to have control in this situation is Mama. She has control over the ten thousand dollars bequeathed to her and she will appropriate it as she sees fit. Walter show his little control over the situations he has put himself in by relying on people such as Willy and Bobo, as well as succumbing to alcoholism. Beneatha seems to have no control over her situation because without the money of her mother she can go nowhere.
The character that I stood out to me as having the most noticeable societal was Bennie. She seems to be the one who is most headstrong and determined. It is not common in Chicago to dress like a true native African, hair, clothes and all however Bennie has decided that that is exactly what she does want. She wants to be the "Queen of the Nile." We see the negative societal force coming down on her in the form of George. George is a very formal and rich man, one who has given in to the wishes of society but also one whom as offended the likes of Bennie by his views and "assimilation-ism." Unfortunately to a certain degree we also see Bennie folding to the wishes of George in the scene during which he begs her to change out of the African dress and into some "normal" clothes. However despite Bennie changing it seems more as though she makes the decision than she is pressured into it because the ton is one more of inconvenience than defeat. In the case of Walter we see many societal forces putting pressure on him. There is the force from his "friends" such as Willy which is certainly a negative one and also one that does seem to control him. When his mother trusts him with the left over money he betrays her so that he may conform to the pressure put on within the little society of his friendships. Another force on Walter we see is within the family as a society, His mother has taken what should be his title as head of the house and that has had a negative affect on him but has not however controlled him which we can see by Walter acting out against his family. Either through the arguments or through his constant drunken state.
A societal force working for the characters is racism. Racism is typically perceived to be working against characters, and in many aspects of this play it does, but it plays an important role in bringing the characters together and establishing a common goal. Throughout the play Mama references the struggles African Americans have faced through generations of racism, from slavery to the hard work of her husband. Family unity, mental strength, religion and a positive outlook have helped blacks overcome this discrimination. The family realizes they must fight racism when they are attempted to be bought out of their home in Clybourne Park. Mama states "Son--I come from five generations of people who was slaves and sharecroppers--but ain't nobody in my family never let nobody pay 'em no money that was a way of telling us we wasn't fit to walk the earth" (143). Mama's words strongly affect Walter, as he realizes that selling the house will mean condoning racism and holding no meaning to the plight of his ancestors. Racism is never necessary in a society; yet in times of oppression, families must act stronger, support one another, and overcome this oppression as best as possible. The characters have some control over racism; Walter was able to counteract the racism of Clybourne Park by refusing to sell the house. Yet racist whites will always exist, and their views will continue to be pressed on blacks. Lindner's words echo true to this day: "You just can't force people to change their hearts, son" (119). Money is a societal force working against the characters. The play is focused around a check Mama will be receiving for $10,000, and how this money should be appropriately allocated. The money is always a topic of conversation, with each character impatiently waiting for its arrival in the mail. The money tears the family apart, particularly Walter and Mama, while Walter insists the money be used for starting a liquor business, an idea that disgusts Mama. Walter shouts "Because it [money] is life, Mama!" (74). Mama responds "So now it's life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life--now it's money. I guess the world really do change..." (74). Walter is constantly focused around money and his wants, and his failure to achieve either results in a whiplash of anger on Ruth, Mama, and Beneatha. Mama makes the point that life should not be focused around money but rather more important things to life such as freedom. Living to make money has made Walter show no appreciation for everything he has; a place to live, a wife, a son, and a job. Overall, the characters have little control over money. Mama has the most control over how the $10,000 will be used, but she gives into her son's guilt trip, causing her to lose both her money and control. As for the ability to make money, racism plays in how characters are paid. Mama, Ruth and Walter work menial jobs for low pay, and even though Beneatha goes to college to become a doctor, well-educated black women are scorned by society, and she is criticized for her decision to seek such a high-paying and significant job.
A societal force working universally against all the characters in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is their race. Due to being African American the entire Youngers family is often discriminated against, and because of that the characters are a bit bitter to face society and "mold" into the new age. A strong example of this is Mama; she's used to discrimination and being put down due to her race so she is hesitant to just give Walter money to start a business. Here Mama is talking to Ruth about Walters dreams with skepticism,"We ain't no business people, Ruth. We just plain working folks" whereas Walter is more compliant to mold with society and face the new traditions and try to create a life for him.. Mama does not understand, "Ain't nobody business people till they go into business, Walter Lee say colored people ain't never going to start getting ahead till they start gambling on some different kinds of things".
ReplyDeleteThe biggest societal force working for the characters is Mama's check of 10,000 dollars. Money talks and for the Youngers they are used to being shut down, having "dreams deferred" and living an impoverished life due to the lack of money. The check brings family members such a Mama, Walter and Ruth new hope, new opportunities and possibly new life. This force is one that all the characters WANT control over however only mama HAS control over it. Walter, for example tries to control this force by convincing his wife Ruth to talk his mother into giving him money so he can launch his dream of opening up a new bar, "Mama would listen to you, You know she listens to you more than she do me and Bennie". When he does not receive that control, he quite literally shuts down and turns to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Beneatha also has dreams in which the society plays a big factor on her success. She dreams to become a doctor, although society in that time period does not particularly favor women and colored people to get the schooling and education needed for this to happen. Even her brother does not support her, he says at one point, "then go be a nurse like other women- or just get married and be quiet..". But Bennie does not let society rule her future, instead it fuels her to keep working hard and continue on her education. Here Benetatha (quite dramatically) talks to Walter and Ruth about how she has a dream and how no one wants her to follow it;
Beneatha; (dropping to her knees) "And forgive me for ever wanting to be anything at all! (pursuing him on her knees across the floor) FORGIVE ME, FORGIVE ME, FORGIVE ME!!"
Race and racism is the largest societal force working upon the characters in the play. Bennie, while trying to find her own identity in 1950s America, embraces her African roots and pursues a medical school education after which she could become a black, woman professional. This was something that was quite rare at the time - especially from a family without much economic means. Beneatha reacts to the stark racism at the time by rebelling against the discriminatory societal ideals by further pursuing her dreams and connecting proudly with her heritage. Unlike the rest of her family, she dislikes her mother's apparent desires to conform with the rest of white society. Bennie is proud and progressive, whereas her mother prefers to focus on providing for her family as best she can throughout preexisting societal conditions - ones she does not actively fight. Through the inevitable force of racism during 1950s America, Beneatha and Mama have very different responses.
ReplyDeleteMoney of course also has a great influence on the family as they struggle to find the appropriate way to use it. When they are offered more money to move out of the white, suburban neighborhood, however, they refuse. "Walter: [W]e have decided to move into our house because my father—my father—he earned it for us brick by brick. We don’t want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no causes, and we will try to be good neighbors. And that’s all we got to say about that. We don’t want your money." This reveals the underlying theme of hopes and dreams - and the issue of race - to be more important than money. While economics certainly is an essential force shaping the characters of the play, race is a much more driving force in terms of character development, and - as revealed in this quote - the events of the play.
In terms of racism, the family has virtually no control over this force. It is an inevitable reality of 1950s America. However, Bennie is seen trying to gain some ounce of control through her connection with her roots and proud nature in regards to her heritage. In terms of money, however, the characters - while initially in an unavoidable bind in regards to poverty - are given an opportunity to earn more money. They are given a choice. In this instance, they decide to live in the home dreamed of by the matriarchal figure in the book and her deceased husband. They go against societal pressures as well as heightened economic means. This minimal level of control against the force of money contributes greatly to the plot of the story, providing further insight in regards to the characterization of the family members.
Societal forces on the Youngers family are universal in many aspects. From the youngest Travis to the oldest, Mama each have an issue that society has caused for them. This issue is money. The reason why the issue is money is because of the underlying issue of their race. Their race impacts each of them in their endeavors. First, Mama had wanted to only be in their “rat trap of a home for not more than a year; however this was clearly not the case because they were still living in it over 40 years later. Mama was agitated with her son because all he could think about was money and how there were black folk who were well off and they were not. The ten thousand dollar insurance that Mama receives due to her husband’s death causes much strain in the family, particularly between Beneatha and Walter. This strain is caused by Walter wanting to use the money to open a liquor store while Beneatha wishes to use the money to go to medical school.
ReplyDeleteWalter wants to open a liquor store to create a business opportunity thus creating the opportunity for more money so his family can have a better life. Beneatha wishes to use the money to put herself through school so she can have a better life. Both of these stem from the ideal that they want a better life; which is defined by the society in which they live. Not a “rat trap” home but a respectable abode in which Walter can raise Travis and his new baby. Beneatha wishes to do good in the world by making a difference in the medical profession, this is so she can feel important. This all stems from the social environment around them in which some black fold are “better-off” and some aren’t.
The force that seems to have control in this situation is Mama. She has control over the ten thousand dollars bequeathed to her and she will appropriate it as she sees fit. Walter show his little control over the situations he has put himself in by relying on people such as Willy and Bobo, as well as succumbing to alcoholism. Beneatha seems to have no control over her situation because without the money of her mother she can go nowhere.
The character that I stood out to me as having the most noticeable societal was Bennie. She seems to be the one who is most headstrong and determined. It is not common in Chicago to dress like a true native African, hair, clothes and all however Bennie has decided that that is exactly what she does want. She wants to be the "Queen of the Nile." We see the negative societal force coming down on her in the form of George. George is a very formal and rich man, one who has given in to the wishes of society but also one whom as offended the likes of Bennie by his views and "assimilation-ism." Unfortunately to a certain degree we also see Bennie folding to the wishes of George in the scene during which he begs her to change out of the African dress and into some "normal" clothes. However despite Bennie changing it seems more as though she makes the decision than she is pressured into it because the ton is one more of inconvenience than defeat.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of Walter we see many societal forces putting pressure on him. There is the force from his "friends" such as Willy which is certainly a negative one and also one that does seem to control him. When his mother trusts him with the left over money he betrays her so that he may conform to the pressure put on within the little society of his friendships. Another force on Walter we see is within the family as a society, His mother has taken what should be his title as head of the house and that has had a negative affect on him but has not however controlled him which we can see by Walter acting out against his family. Either through the arguments or through his constant drunken state.
A societal force working for the characters is racism. Racism is typically perceived to be working against characters, and in many aspects of this play it does, but it plays an important role in bringing the characters together and establishing a common goal. Throughout the play Mama references the struggles African Americans have faced through generations of racism, from slavery to the hard work of her husband. Family unity, mental strength, religion and a positive outlook have helped blacks overcome this discrimination. The family realizes they must fight racism when they are attempted to be bought out of their home in Clybourne Park. Mama states "Son--I come from five generations of people who was slaves and sharecroppers--but ain't nobody in my family never let nobody pay 'em no money that was a way of telling us we wasn't fit to walk the earth" (143). Mama's words strongly affect Walter, as he realizes that selling the house will mean condoning racism and holding no meaning to the plight of his ancestors. Racism is never necessary in a society; yet in times of oppression, families must act stronger, support one another, and overcome this oppression as best as possible. The characters have some control over racism; Walter was able to counteract the racism of Clybourne Park by refusing to sell the house. Yet racist whites will always exist, and their views will continue to be pressed on blacks. Lindner's words echo true to this day: "You just can't force people to change their hearts, son" (119).
ReplyDeleteMoney is a societal force working against the characters. The play is focused around a check Mama will be receiving for $10,000, and how this money should be appropriately allocated. The money is always a topic of conversation, with each character impatiently waiting for its arrival in the mail. The money tears the family apart, particularly Walter and Mama, while Walter insists the money be used for starting a liquor business, an idea that disgusts Mama. Walter shouts "Because it [money] is life, Mama!" (74). Mama responds "So now it's life. Money is life. Once upon a time freedom used to be life--now it's money. I guess the world really do change..." (74). Walter is constantly focused around money and his wants, and his failure to achieve either results in a whiplash of anger on Ruth, Mama, and Beneatha. Mama makes the point that life should not be focused around money but rather more important things to life such as freedom. Living to make money has made Walter show no appreciation for everything he has; a place to live, a wife, a son, and a job. Overall, the characters have little control over money. Mama has the most control over how the $10,000 will be used, but she gives into her son's guilt trip, causing her to lose both her money and control. As for the ability to make money, racism plays in how characters are paid. Mama, Ruth and Walter work menial jobs for low pay, and even though Beneatha goes to college to become a doctor, well-educated black women are scorned by society, and she is criticized for her decision to seek such a high-paying and significant job.