A Raisin in the Sun
... [Beneatha's] thoughts"(p.97). This statement exemplifies George's attitude not only towards Beneatha, but also towards woman as a whole. When he says "Guys aren't going to go for the atmosphere-they're going to go for what they see"; this can be seen as a sexist attitude about the lack of importance placed on the beliefs or thoughts of woman (96). Thus, George is seen as an obstacle that Beneatha must overcome. Beneatha represents a strong-willed young black woman, who longs for a career and must struggle with this desire due to the negative forces around her. Not only does she face oppression of race, but she must also struggle with the gender issue as well. This is clear from George's attitude towards her thoughts, which is seen early in this scene, as well as the attitude of Mrs. Johnson. When Mrs. Johnson states: ...sometimes she act like ain't got time to pass the time of day with nobody ain't been to college. Oh-I ain't criticizing her none. It's just -you know how some of our young people gets when they get a little education; And later recalling Booker T. Washington's words: "Education has spoiled many a good plow hand-" (102-103). Her words carry a negative attitude towards Beneatha's desire to become a successful, educated young woman. Although education is a positive thing, Mrs. Johnson criticizes education when referring to Beneatha and holds it against her. Although Beneatha is on a path to the working world, she is unable to escape gender division in the household. This assumption can be made due to the 'bed' that is used as a prop in this scene. Although Beneatha is engaging herself in the simple task of making "up Travis' bed"; this action can be seen as Beneatha engaging in the traditional woman's role of a domestic duty (98). This action signifies that although Beneatha is more educated than the rest of her family, the traditional division of gender roles cannot escape her in the home. The entrance of Mama into this scene, renders hope and encouragement for Beneatha. The short and simple dialogue between mother and daughter carries a lot of significance. When Beneatha tells her mother that George is a fool and her mother responds by saying "I guess you better not waste your time with no fools" shows an agreement between the two (98). When Beneatha thanks her mother "for understanding this time" a special mother-daughter bond is witnessed (98). Instead of receiving the discouragement that she is use to, Beneatha at this point is encouraged to stick to her own opinion. This is a turnaround point for Beneatha because throughout much of the play her family encourages her to pursue a relationship with George because of his wealth. support of her mother shows that wealth is not worth losing one's pride. Ruth enters the scene at roughly the same time as Mrs. Johnson. Although she has a small part in this section, emphasis is placed on her pregnancy. The pregnancy, at the same time as the Younger's plan to move, can symbolize a sign of hope and the desire to bring a child into their new home and a better environment. Ruth, also being the one who answers the phone when Mrs. Arnold calls, questions Walter about why he hasn't been to work. In much of the play, Ruth second guesses Walter and questions his decisions and actions. The phone call answered by Ruth emphasizes her lack of faith in Walter, assuming, once again, the role of questioning her husband. The radio, which Walter turns on in the midst of Ruth's questioning can be seen as a way of blocking out her words. Walter, too, faces many struggles within his home. His struggles comply with his family's lack of faith in his dreams and his desire for wealth and a better life for his family. All throughout the story, Walter's insists on being the head of the family and he thrives on the acceptance of him in that role. Walter's idea to invest in the liquor store, throughout the story, is discouraged by Ruth and his mother. It is in this section of the play where Walter is finally given the hope that he has desired and the money he requires to pursue his dream. The envelope of money that Mama gives to Walter represents the trust she places on her son. She puts her faith in her son by telling him to be the head of the family. Also, in this section Walter shares his dreams with his son Travis. He encourages Travis by saying to him "...tell me, what it is you want to be - and you'll be it... you just name it, son...and I hand you the world!"(p.109). These are all individual struggles that the characters have faced and overcome in this section of the play. Despite all these individual struggles, the Youngers as a family, must overcome the racial bigotry that society presents them with. The entrance of Mrs. Johnson is seen as a representation of these struggles. Not only is she discoura...