Lena Younger: The Pillar of Family Strength

Lena Younger, also known as Mama, is the matriarch of the Younger family in "A Raisin in the Sun." In her early 60s, Lena embodies the strength, wisdom, and traditional values that hold the family together through challenging times.

Highlight: Lena's character represents the older generation's values and dreams, often in contrast with her children's aspirations.

Lena's role in A Raisin in the Sun is multifaceted:

1. Family Matriarch: She makes crucial decisions that affect the entire family.
2. Moral Compass: Her strong faith and ethical standards guide the family's actions.
3. Dream Keeper: Lena holds onto the family's long-standing dream of owning a house.
4. Mediator: She navigates the conflicts between family members, especially Walter and Beneatha.

Quote: "Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most? When they done good and made things easy for everybody? Well then, you ain't through learning - because that ain't the time at all... It's when he's at his lowest and can't believe in hisself 'cause the world done whipped him so!" (This quote, while not from the provided text, exemplifies Lena's wisdom and compassion)

Is Lena Younger a dynamic character? While Lena's core values remain consistent, she does show adaptability:

1. She learns to understand and support Beneatha's quest for identity.
2. She evolves in her relationship with Walter, ultimately trusting him with family decisions.
3. She adapts to changing circumstances while maintaining her principles.

How is family presented in A Raisin in the Sun? Through Lena's character, family is portrayed as:

1. A source of strength and support
2. A unit that faces challenges together
3. A complex network of relationships with conflicting dreams and values
4. A legacy to be preserved and honored

Example: Lena's decision to use the insurance money to buy a house in a white neighborhood demonstrates her commitment to improving the family's future, even in the face of potential adversity.

Is Mama a static or dynamic character in A Raisin in the Sun? While Lena's core values remain constant, her actions and decisions throughout the play suggest a dynamic character:

1. She adapts her expectations for her children's futures.
2. She learns to balance her authority with allowing her children to make their own choices.
3. She shows growth in her understanding of the changing world around her.

Vocabulary: Dynamic character - A character who undergoes significant internal change throughout the course of a story.

Ruth Younger: The Voice of Pragmatism

Ruth Younger, around 30 years old, is a pivotal character in "A Raisin in the Sun" who brings a grounded perspective to the family's struggles. As Walter's wife and Travis's mother, Ruth navigates the challenges of maintaining family harmony while dealing with her own personal dilemmas.

Highlight: Ruth's character embodies the quiet strength and resilience often required of women in challenging circumstances.

Key aspects of Ruth's character include:

1. Pragmatism: She focuses on the practical needs of the family.
2. Peacemaker: Often tries to mediate conflicts within the family.
3. Sacrifice: Willing to put her own needs aside for the sake of family harmony.
4. Resilience: Faces personal and family challenges with determination.

Quote: "Eat your eggs, Walter." (This quote, while not from the provided text, is a famous line that exemplifies Ruth's practical nature and attempt to maintain normalcy amidst family tension)

Ruth's relationships within the family:

1. With Walter: Strained due to financial stress and communication breakdown.
2. With Mama (Lena): Respectful and supportive, often seeking her guidance.
3. With Beneatha: A sisterly bond, though sometimes affected by family tensions.

Example: Ruth's consideration of abortion due to financial constraints highlights the difficult choices she faces and the impact of economic hardship on personal decisions.

Ruth's role in the family dynamics:

1. Mediator: Often tries to smooth over conflicts between other family members.
2. Supporter: Backs Walter's dreams despite her reservations.
3. Nurturer: Prioritizes the well-being of her son Travis and the unborn child.

Vocabulary: Pragmatism - A practical approach to problems and affairs.

How is family presented in A Raisin in the Sun through Ruth's perspective?

1. As a source of both support and stress
2. As a unit that requires constant effort to maintain
3. As a complex network of relationships that can be both nurturing and challenging

Ruth's character adds depth to the play's exploration of family dynamics, gender roles, and the impact of economic pressures on personal relationships. Her journey reflects the broader themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the search for a better life that run throughout "A Raisin in the Sun."