Determination and Strength in A Raisin in the Sun

In A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Beneatha wants to learn more about her heritage. She wants to get closer to her roots, and know more about it. The line, “How can something natural be eccentric? ” (Hansberry 80 Act two Scene 1), shows off a defensive tone. This quote is said after George tells her that her natural hair looks eccentric. Her defensiveness over her hair shows her determination to be in touch with her heritage. Beneatha cut her hair because she thought it was too Caucasian looking.

By Beneatha doing this it shows her determination. Beneatha, however, is not the only person with determination. Ruth, just like Beneatha, has determination. Ruth has the determination to keep her family in check, and to do what is best for them. Ruth, along with determination, has being strong as a character trait. She is expecting another baby, and is deciding whether to get an abortion or to keep the baby. “When the world gets ugly enough—a woman will do anything for her family. The part that's already living” (Hansberry 75 Act 1 Scene 2).

Mama says this about Ruth to Walter when she figures ruth is going to get rid of the baby by getting an abortion. By thinking of and making this decision it shows Ruth's determination and how strong she is. Just as Mama said, a woman will do whatever it takes for her family. Later on in the play Ruth decides to keep the baby and not get the abortion. Walter has determination, as well as stubbornness. Stubbornness is a form of a strong character trait. Walter has to be pretty strong willed to be as stubborn as he is with wanting to open a liquor store with some of his buddies.

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Because of Walter's stubborn determination, he has been fighting with Ruth about opening a liquor store with his buddies. He plans on opening it with the insurance money that Mama is getting. Ruth and Mama both do not think that it is a good idea. Walter knows this and therefore upon knowing this his stubbornness shows. “Man say to his woman: I got me a dream. His woman say: Eat your eggs” (Hansberry 33 Act 1 Scene 1). In this part of the play Walter is telling Ruth about his idea to open the liquor store, but Ruth will not listen to him.

Walter realizes this and starts to get a little defensive and stubborn about it. Therefore starting somewhat of a fight with Ruth. His defensiveness over his dream shows his determination. Just like Beneatha, Ruth and Walter, Mama has determination as well. Mama wants to keep the family together. She does not want the family to keep on fighting. Because of this determination to keep the family from fighting, and to keep them together, she goes out and buys a house with her insurance money that is in Clybourne Park. When Walter finds out he is upset about it. Son—you--you understand what I done, don’t you? I—I just seen my family falling apart today... We couldn't of gone on like we was today. We was going backwards 'stead of forwards—talking 'bout killing babies and wishing each other was dead... When it gets like that in life—you just got to do something bigger... ” (Hansberry 94 Act 2 Scene 1). In this quote Mama is trying to explain why she did what she did to Walter. This quote shows Mama's passion and her determination to keep her family from falling apart. Everyone has determination.

In A Rasin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry; Mama, Ruth, Walter, and Beneatha all have a unique determination. Mama and Ruth both have determination to keep their family from falling apart. They both want what is best for the family. Beneatha was determined to learn more about her heritage. Walter was determined to open a liquor store. By the end of the play everything was settled and worked out. Ruth had decided to keep the baby, and they all decided to move into the house in Clybourne Park. It was a happy ending for the very determined Younger family.

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