Who Is Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

The author of A Raisin in the Sun is known as, “...the youngest American, fifth woman and first black to win the award (New York Drama Critics Circle Award),” (Chicago Public Library). Not only did the author make the play a universal drama, “A Raisin in the Sun marked the turning point for black artists in professional theater,” (Chicago Public Library). Lorraine Hansberry is an epitome to African American girls with dreams everywhere. She created a world that many minorities in 1950 experienced; while, at other times no one thought any minority would experience what the Younger family went through. The Younger family of five lived in a small compacted apartment. There were many struggles: space, sleeping arrangements and bathroom time. Each
There are many activities that Ruth can do for herself, but she waits until everyone is in place. Even when Ruth receives the news that can change the rest of her life, she still checks in with other people, “PRAISE GOD! (Looks at Walter a moment who says nothing. She crosses rapidly to her husband) Please honey- let me glad… You be glad too,” (Hansberry 91). Ruth abides by Walter’s thoughts of Lena’s money. She also knows that a house will benefit more people than a liquor store would, “Lena, no! We gotta go. Bennie- tell her…” (Hansberry 139). Ruth expects Walter to be a man and Walter’s way of being a man means, “That white man is going to walk in that door able to write checks for more money than we ever had,” (Hansberry 571). Ruth knows what a real man is like, “There are color men who do things,” (Hansberry 34). Real men don’t talk about others accomplishing big tasks, they do it themselves. Ruth tried to help Walter become a better man but got shot down, “No thanks to the colored woman,” (Hansberry 34). Ruth tries to make Walter a better person knowing it will benefit the people around her. If Walter was a better person Ruth would be happier. Instead of thinking of herself, she thinks of the people around her because she knows one day she will be
There are many obstacles in the way of Ruth’s dream, “Well being a colored woman, I guess I can’t help myself none” (Hansberry 34). Even though Ruth is a colored woman, she tries to not let that get in the way of the American dream. The top priority in the American dream is to be in a quaint, healthy relationship. Ruth adores her relationship with Walter, but she knows when they don’t feel a rapport. Ruth acknowledges that money will save her relationship, but she only values money to a certain extent. Ruth knows her relationship is going in the wrong direction, “(Passionately and suddenly) Oh Walter ain’t you with nobody! Walter (violently) No! ‘Cause ain’t nobody with me! Not even my own mother!” (Hansberry 85). Ruth has always been with Walter and will always be with Walter, “No Mama, something is happening between Walter and me. I don’t know what it is- but he needs something- something I can’t give him any more. He needs this chance Lena,” (Hansberry 42). Ruth isn’t aggressive towards Lena’s money until she sees that it is the main solution to the bond of her marriage. Ruth takes a risk when she asks Lena to donate her money to Walter. Even though it was against her morals, Ruth asked anyways because she wanted to save her relationship. Ruth dreams tall, even with all obstacles thrown at