She tries to explain this to Walter by indicating that they should always be attempting to move forward and "do something different, push on out and do something bigger" (Hansberry). Lena is worn by life. She expresses her frustrations with Ruth but she has a big heart and wants the best for her family L.M. Domina asserts, "Mama cares for all living things, even those that do not seem to thrive" (Domina). This does not always include being on everyone's good side as demonstrated in the issue over the money. The fact the turns out to be right and offers forgiveness to Walter demonstrates her strength. Domina adds, "Throughout the play, Mama has been trying to lead Walter into the realization of his own dignity, and it is finally through her forgiveness and trust that he achieves it" (Domina). Lena is the strength that the family needs to keep moving forward.
Ruth is a more submissive woman but she has her strengths. She has dreams for her family but there are times when she seems to be beaten down by life. She has to deal with Walter's shenanigans and this adds extra weight to the burdens that she is already carrying. Ruth lets Walter treat her badly. He is rude to her and while she wants things to be better between them, Walter is always working against her. Gerald Weales states that Ruth is an "observer" (Weales) in Walter's life because he demands so much attention. He contends, "For most of the play she wears a mask of wryness or the real cover of fatigue" (Weales). Ruth is amazing...
She and Ruth share this trait. When others would have given up on Walter long ago, she still holds on in hopes that she and Walter can rekindle their marriage. She brags to Beneatha about how she and Walter went to the movies and "held hands" (Hansberry). Ruth demonstrates her love through commitment to Walter and living with his failures.
The world would not be where it is today without strong women. While the world is often viewed as belonging to me, we know that there are women working laboriously in the background keeping families and marriages together. These women are what keep things moving. Lena and Ruth are examples of the strong kinds of women that help their families see some sort of happiness one way or another. Without them in his life, there is no telling what would have happened to Walter. He needed them to provide strength and stability even when he was unaware. They are examples of the strong women that help move progress forward, one family at a time.
Works Cited
Domina, L.M. "An overview of a Raisin in the Sun, in Drama for Students." 1997. GALE
Resource Database. Information Retrieved April 10, 2009.
Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. Making Literature Matter. 3rd Ed. Schilb, John, Ed.
Befford: St. Martins. 2005.
Gerald Weales, "Thoughts on a Raisin in the Sun." 1959. GALE Resource Database.
Information Retrieved April 10, 2009.
