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Christina Vikingstad Block 1 28 May 2013 A Raisin in the Sun Literary Criticism The Road to the Feminist Movement In A Raisin in the Sun Hansberry foreshadows the emerging feminist movement, occurring in the 1950s and 1960s. Throughout the play, Hansberry introduces a variety of diverse women all within a single family. Beneatha is a progressive woman who has strong ideals about education. Her beliefs serve as an illustration of the role of African American women in the feminist movement. Hansberry proves that society during this time did not know how to handle a strong woman like Beneatha, who was determined to become educated and independent. Tackachs article, A Raisin in the Sun focuses on the feminist movement and how Beneatha serves as an example as a woman during this time who strives for what she believes in and rebels against the typical feminine lifestyle. Tackachs article discusses the gender roles portrayed by Hansberry within the play. He highlights the racial issues in which African Americans endured during this time period and how they played a crucial role throughout Hansberrys piece. He reflects on the problems of racial integration and the beginnings of the Civil Rights movement. In addition, he expresses his idea that the play is a feminist work through Benetheas dream of becoming a doctor, which was rare for woman to pursue as a career. He says, The doors of opportunity, if not wide open, had at least been unlocked for black Americans (Tackach). Overall, Tackach viewed A Raisin in the Sun as a work that portrays African Americans stepping forward and striving for equality, foreshadowing the Civil Right and feminist movements.

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It is evident that the doors were beginning to unlock for Beneatha as an African American woman. But getting the doors open was still a struggle that had to be overcome. The doors were being blocked by society and other people. Beneatha is a determined, strong character who stands out from the rest of society for several reasons. Although she is an oppressed African American woman, which put her at a disadvantage, she strives for equality and attempts to overcome any obstacles. Beneatha goes against the stereotypical housewife occupation whose job was to take care of the children, cook, and clean. Unlike Ruth, who represents an oppressed woman, Beneatha challenges herself and goes against the norms. Ruth takes on the traditional role as a homemaker and is seen as inferior to her husband Walter. Hansberry portrays her as a relatively average African American woman to contrast the independent, strong Beneatha. Beneatha thinks for herself, does not let her boyfriend make decisions for her, and has her own goals. For example, when Ruth begins talking about how Benetheas dream of becoming a doctor is unattainable for her and encourages her to forget about her dream she replies, Get over it? What are you talking about, Ruth? Listen, Im going to be a doctor. Im not worried about who Im going to marry yetif I ever get married (Hansberry 50). This quote illustrates how Beneatha is strong-minded and determined to become a physician. She makes it a priority. In addition to going against societys standards, she also embraces her culture. By cutting her hair, wearing Nigerian clothing and participating in folk dancing (Hansberry 80), it is illustrated that she takes pride in her heritage despite what other people may think of her. It was unusual at the time for a woman to be stepping out of her comfort zone and trying new things. However, some people held her back from becoming a successful doctor and pursuing her dreams. For example, Walter losing the money was a metaphor to the obstacles Beneatha faced to achieve her dream. Overall, Hansberry illustrates the

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beginning and growth of feminism through the character of Beneatha, who strives for equality and her dreams despite what society and her family may believe. All in all, throughout A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry is able to expand upon the idea of the growing feminist movement during this period in history. Hansberry portrays Beneatha as a prime example of a feministic character because she strives to reach her goals despite her race and gender. Clare Boothe Luce, an American ambassador and author of The Women, once said, Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, "She doesn't have what it takes." They will say, "Women don't have what it takes." Like Beneatha, Clare Boothe Luce believes that woman must go the extra mile in order to make an impact on the views of women. Women will never make any progress if they do not put in tremendous effort. Beneatha would agree, as she was not only fighting for herself to be viewed as equal, but eventually for the whole world of women to be seen as equal. She was taking the first step along the long path towards change.

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Works Cited Tackach, James. "A Raisin in the Sun." Masterplots, Fourth Edition (2010): 1-3. Literary Reference Center. Web. 24 May 2013. Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. New York: Vintage, 1994. Print