Exam (elaborations)
ENG2603ASSIGNMENT2 2023
- Institution
- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
ENG2603ASSIGNMENT2 2023
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, Question 1Walter: (mumbling) we one group of men tied to a race of women with small
minds (Hansberry, p 19).Often women are represented as inferior to men in
many ways in A Raising in the Sun.
1.1 Using the above quotation as a point of departure, write two paragraphs in
which you discuss the extent to which Hansberry portrays women as the
disempowered gender in A Raisin in the Sun. Ensure that you support your
argument by using examples from the text. (20 marks)
In A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry portrays women as the disempowered
gender to a significant extent. The quotation "We one group of men tied to a race
of women with small minds" uttered by Walter highlights the patriarchal mindset
that pervades the play. This statement reveals a derogatory view of women,
implying that they lack intelligence and are responsible for holding men back.
Hansberry further amplifies this portrayal of disempowerment through the
character of Ruth Younger. Despite her dreams of a better life, Ruth is limited by
her societal role as a wife and mother. She is expected to take care of the
household and her family's needs, constantly sacrificing her own aspirations. For
instance, when Ruth discovers she is pregnant, her initial reaction is one of fear
and despair, recognizing that adding another child would further restrict her
opportunities. This portrayal exemplifies the extent to which Hansberry depicts
women as disempowered, as Ruth's potential for personal growth and success is
suppressed by her gender.
Furthermore, another character that exemplifies the disempowerment of women
is Mama. While she is the head of the household in terms of decision-making, her
influence is constrained by societal expectations. Mama constantly faces criticism
and judgment from her son, Walter, who believes that as a woman, she is
incapable of making wise choices. For example, when Mama decides to use a
portion of the insurance money to purchase a house in a white neighborhood,
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