FULL NAMES:
STUDENT NUMBER:
UNIQUE NUMBER: 654579
MODULE CODE: ENG2603
MODULE NAME: ENGLISH PROFICIENCY FOR
UNIVERSITY STUDIES
ASSIGNMENT: 02
DUE DATE: 10 JULY 2023
, Question 1
In A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry portrays women as the disempowered
gender to a significant extent. The quote by Walter, "We one group of men tied to a
race of women with small minds," highlights the perception of women as inferior and
lacking intelligence. Throughout the play, this portrayal is reinforced through the
experiences of Mama, Ruth, and Beneatha.
Mama, also known as Lena Younger, is a strong matriarchal figure who holds the
family together. However, her dreams and desires are often suppressed by the
patriarchal society. She aspires to use the insurance money to buy a house for her
family, hoping for a better future. Despite her efforts and dedication, Mama's dreams
are compromised when Walter loses a substantial amount of the money, leaving her
disheartened and disempowered.
Ruth, Walter's wife, is another character who experiences the disempowerment of
women. She constantly endures the challenges of being a wife and mother, while also
working as a domestic servant. Her dreams and aspirations take a backseat as she
focuses on fulfilling her family's needs. Ruth's desire for happiness and stability is often
disregarded, and her voice is silenced in the male-dominated household.
Beneatha, Mama's daughter, challenges traditional gender roles and seeks
independence and self-fulfillment. However, she faces resistance and criticism from
both Walter and society. Walter dismisses her ambitions to become a doctor,
considering it a frivolous pursuit. The pressure to conform to societal expectations and
stereotypes limits Beneatha's opportunities and forces her to confront the
disempowerment faced by women.
Overall, Hansberry effectively portrays women as the disempowered gender in A
Raisin in the Sun. The experiences of Mama, Ruth, and Beneatha demonstrate the
societal constraints and limited agency imposed on women, perpetuating gender
inequality.