The Role of Mama in A Raisin in the Sun Essay - 1008 Words

In the 1950’s through the 1960’s women were not respected in there everyday lives, in the job field or in general. They did not have the rights they deserved, so during this time the â€Å"women’s movement† began. Women fought for their rights and fought for the self-respect that they thought they deserved. In the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, the character Mama, expresses her feelings of pushing or extracting a new side for a woman. Her role explains that woman can be independent and can live for themselves. Through her behavior in this play she demonstrates that women can support and guide a family. Mama is in charge of the family, which is unusual, since men are traditionally the â€Å"head of a family†. Through Mama’s wisdom†¦show more content†¦She is an important character that is viewed as a significant figure. Mama’s behavior through the plays shows that women could play the role of being a man. She conducts the house to her satisfaction. When Beneatha says, â€Å"There simply is no blasted God—there is only man and it is he who makes miracles!† (51). Mama reacts by slapping her across the face to show her that this is her house and that she is in control. Not only did Mama control her family’s actions in her house, but she also controlled any guests’ actions in her household. Mama was the controller of the house and the whole neighborhood knew about it. Mrs. Johnson even reminded herself of Mama’s control by saying to Mama, â€Å"Oh I always forgets you don’t know ‘low that word in your house† (101). Mama illuminates her status of being woman with not only her control but also her attitude and her dreams. As a woman, Mama’s aspirations to get a house was uncommon in those days, but Mama always dreamed of moving out of there small apartment and into a nice house in a safer neighborhood with a small garden.(92). She describes her dream house like it is the most spectacular thing in the world. She is extremely happy for herself, but happier for her family. However, Mama’s goals are more complicated then just wanting a house. With this house she feels that the family now has hope and can accomplish their dreams. On the other hand, without this house Mama predicts that the family will continue withShow MoreRelated A Role of the Women Essay1119 Words   |  5 PagesThe Role of a Woman In a Raisin in the Sun is a play about a family that lives on the South side of Chicago, a section of the city Hansberry once described as â€Å" a place apart†, where â€Å" each piece of our living is a protest â€Å". After the death of Walter Young (Big Walter), his wife, Lena (Mama), is the beneficiary of a $10,000 insurance policy. The money will be used to provide for the family’s future. 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Racism has been going on for a very long time in the United States and will always continue to exist. Racism has not only led to political but also social issues. A Raisin in the Sun confronted Whites for an acknowledgement