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Beneatha In A Raisin In The Sun

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For a white male in the 1930’s, dreaming was unlimited. Supplied with proper education and pay, they could become virtually anything, from a doctor to a wealthy business man. They had a multitude of opportunities, with little restrictions or interference. African American women weren’t so lucky; with racial prejudice and gender roles playing a primary part in society, a large portion of Americans were restricted from fulfilling personal dreams. Some of which had to reroute their entire lives to fill stereotypes met by societal standards. The endeavor faced by African Americans in the 1930’s is shown through the poems (Lady, Lady by Anne Spencer), plays (A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry), and novels written during the Harlem Renaissance. Although improvements on rights and equality in America had been made up to that point, the African American women’s struggle to flourish and succeed is vividly evident throughout this time period.

A Raisin in the Sun depicts the hardships of African American women, and their struggle to succeed through the life of Beneatha Younger. Beneatha is a poor African …show more content…

Whether it be the smallest thought or the greatest idea of them all. In the 1930’s, the biggest dreamers could have the most obstacles and restrictions simply because of their race or gender. Many women were placed into a strict mold that many men sought after. For example, Walter proclaimed, “Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? If you so crazy ‘bout messing ‘round with sick people – then go be a nurse like other women – or just get married and be quiet,” (1.1.125). Women were limited with their rights and throughout A Raisin in the Sun, we can see Beneatha struggle with her identity, as she tried to break the stereotype society placed on her. Walter’s quote not only shows the ideals that many men had, but it shows the standard women were held up to, which was significantly lower than

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