The play “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry has many interesting characters. In my opinion, the most fascinating character is Ruth because of her many emotions and captivating personality. She goes through extreme emotions in the play such as happiness, sadness, anger, stress, and confusion. Ruth is very independent, firm, kind, witty, and loving. Ruth has an intriguing personality. She is very loving towards her family. She will do all in her power to improve the lifestyle of her family.
When it appears that the deal for the house in Clybourne Park will fall through, she promises to dedicate all of her time to make the investment work. “Lena-I’ll work… I’ll work 20 hours a day in all the kitchens in Chicago… I’ll strap my baby on my back if I have to and scrub all the floors and wash all the sheets in America if I have to-but we have to MOVE! ” she pleads to her mother-in-law (Hansberry140). Her plan is unrealistic and idealistic, but the well being of her family is more important to her than anything. Ruth is also witty and sarcastic at times.
She cracks jokes to lighten the mood of her family when they’re worried. “Well that’s the way the cracker crumbles. Joke. (121)” When Beneatha and Mama are stressing over the neighborhood they are moving into, Ruth makes a witty joke to improve the mood. Ruth supervises the daily routine and well being of her family. She makes sure that everyone does what they are supposed to and stays on track. For example, when Ruth says, “Walter Lee-it’s time for you to GET UP! (25),” she is making sure that her husband gets to work for the good of the family.
Ruth stresses the importance of maintaining a good image of her family. When George arrives to take Beneatha out, Walter and Beneatha are not being well mannered, so Ruth takes control and tries to make-up for their behavior. “Beneatha, you got company-what’s the matter with you? Walter Lee Younger, get down off that table and stop acting like a fool… (80)” Ruth is also independent and kind. Ruth’s dream is to improve her family’s lifestyle and move into a house where she can raise Travis and the new baby. To realize her dreams she should not put everyone else’s wants and needs in front of hers all of the time.
She should express her feelings more often so that her family will listen and help her to reach her goals. The play supports this view by showing how Ruth often neglects her feelings and pays great attention to her family’s feelings, wants, and needs. Ruth compares with two people I know personally. My mom and my grandma remind me of her very much. My mom is very similar to Ruth because they are both independent, witty, loving, and kind. My mom keeps my family on track everyday just as Ruth does. Both my mother and Ruth crack jokes often to lighten the mood.
My mom and Ruth care about the well being of their families more than anything. My Grandma is also very similar to Ruth in many ways. My grandma is loving, kind, and firm. My grandma and Ruth both love their families more than anything in the world. My grandma always puts the family’s wants and needs in front of her own, as does Ruth. My grandma is kind to everyone and she is very firm in where she stands. She does what she feels is right in every situation, just like Ruth. Many important things can be learned from Ruth. She teaches the importance of family and being kind to everyone.
She shows that with a positive attitude in life, things will turn out for the better. Ruth also teaches how it is important to stand by one’s beliefs and not let tough times seize control of the situation. By following Ruth’s example, others can turn a negative situation into a positive one. Ruth teaches many morals and important lessons that others can benefit from. Ruth goes through many difficult situations and many diverse emotions, but she always manages to make it though. She has a very positive attitude and an ensnaring personality. Ruth is a very riveting character.
