What Is Ruth's Dream In A Raisin In The Sun

What is Ruth's Dream in A Raisin in the Sun? A Look Beyond the Surface

Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful exploration of the dreams and aspirations of a Black family striving for a better life in 1950s Chicago. While Walter Lee Younger's desire for financial independence often takes center stage, Ruth Younger's dreams, though quieter and less outwardly expressed, are equally vital to understanding the play's themes of hope, resilience, and the complexities of the American Dream. This essay delves deep into Ruth's aspirations, examining their evolution throughout the play and their impact on the Younger family dynamic.

The Crushing Weight of Reality: Ruth's Initial Situation

Ruth, the matriarch of the Younger family, is presented as a practical, resilient woman burdened by the weight of poverty and the daily struggles of maintaining a household. Her dreams are not grand pronouncements; instead, they are subtle desires interwoven with the harsh realities of her existence. Initially, Ruth's dreams are deeply intertwined with survival and stability. She longs for a better life for her family, a life free from the cramped, dilapidated apartment that represents their constrained circumstances. This isn't a dream of lavish wealth; it's a yearning for basic comfort and dignity – a clean, spacious home where her son Travis can have room to grow and her husband can feel a sense of accomplishment.

The Quiet Strength of Domesticity: A Dream Deferred

Ruth's dream is subtly depicted through her tireless work and unwavering dedication to her family. Her daily routine – cleaning, cooking, mending – is not merely a chore; it's a testament to her determination to create a sense of normalcy and order in their chaotic lives. This domesticity represents more than just housekeeping; it's a silent expression of her deep-seated yearning for a stable, loving home, a haven from the harsh realities of racial prejudice and economic hardship. This dream is often overlooked but deeply significant in the context of the play. It speaks to the undervalued contributions of women, particularly Black women, in maintaining family and community amidst adversity.

This dream of a better domestic life is often overshadowed by Walter Lee's more vocal aspirations. However, Ruth's quiet determination is just as potent and indicative of her strength of character. She bears the weight of her family's financial struggles with remarkable resilience, never allowing despair to fully consume her. Her understated ambition reflects the challenges Black women faced in balancing the demands of their families with the limitations imposed by societal structures.

The Erosion of Hope: The Impact of Poverty and Prejudice

The play vividly illustrates how the persistent pressures of poverty and racial discrimination erode Ruth's hopes. The cramped apartment, the constant financial strain, and the pervasive racism they face all contribute to a growing sense of weariness and disillusionment. Her early pregnancy, a decision made out of desperation and a yearning for a sense of purpose beyond the immediate struggles, reveals a vulnerability born from her desperate hope for a better life. This seemingly impulsive act underscores the precariousness of her circumstances and the weight of her responsibility.

The pregnancy itself becomes a symbol of the complexities of Ruth's situation. While it represents a potential source of joy and family bonding, it also adds to the family's financial burden and further exacerbates their already precarious living conditions. This decision, therefore, is a multifaceted reflection of both hope and desperation, highlighting the extent to which Ruth’s dreams are constantly challenged and complicated by the realities of her life.

The Silent Struggle: Ruth's Internal Conflicts

Ruth's internal conflicts are largely unspoken but deeply felt. She grapples with her husband's reckless ambition, his dreams clashing with her pragmatic approach to life. She is torn between supporting Walter's aspirations and protecting her family from the potential consequences of his risky investments. This internal conflict is another manifestation of her quiet strength, as she navigates a challenging relationship while simultaneously shouldering the responsibility of ensuring the family's well-being.

Her frustration with Walter Lee is not simply about his financial mismanagement; it's about his inability to see the practical realities of their lives. Her frustration stems from the constant pressure to maintain a semblance of order and stability in a household constantly teetering on the brink of chaos. This silent struggle further emphasizes the depth of her character and the significant weight she carries.

The Glimmers of Hope: A New Beginning?

Despite the hardships, glimmers of hope persist throughout the play. The purchase of the Clybourne Park house, though fraught with challenges, represents a significant step towards realizing her dream of a better home. This is not just about the physical space but the symbolic significance of escaping the confines of their current environment and achieving a degree of upward mobility. The house signifies a chance for a fresh start, a place where her family can finally breathe freely and begin to build a more secure future. It is the possibility of this new beginning that fuels her quiet resilience and determination.

However, the process of obtaining and moving into the house is fraught with racial prejudice and discrimination. The resistance faced from the neighborhood residents serves as a stark reminder of the obstacles that continue to stand in the path of the Younger family's dreams. Ruth’s unwavering commitment to the move, despite the prejudice, reveals her steadfast belief in the transformative power of hope and opportunity.

The Power of Family: Ruth's Unwavering Support

Ruth's support for her family, particularly for her son Travis and her mother-in-law Lena, is a crucial aspect of her character. She prioritizes their well-being above her own desires, embodying a quiet strength that underpins the family's resilience. Her love and unwavering support for her family serves as a foundation for their survival amidst adversity. Her unwavering support for her family, even in the face of Walter Lee's struggles, reflects the deep-rooted strength of her love and her belief in the importance of family unity.

The purchase of the house is as much a victory for Ruth as it is for Walter Lee, even though he is the one who makes the ultimate decision. Her silent contribution and support for the move are a testament to her significant role in the family's journey towards a better life. Her strength isn't exhibited through loud pronouncements or rebellious actions, but through her consistent quiet strength and unwavering support of her family.

Beyond Material Possessions: The Essence of Ruth's Dream

Ruth's dream is not solely about acquiring material possessions. While the new house represents a significant improvement in their living conditions, it is also a symbol of a deeper yearning for dignity, security, and a better future for her family. It represents the opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty and discrimination that has defined their lives. It is a testament to her quiet determination and her belief in the possibility of a better life, a life where her family can thrive, free from the constraints of their present circumstances.

Ruth's resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to her unwavering spirit. Her dreams, while understated, are powerful and reveal a complex character capable of immense strength and unwavering devotion. While Walter Lee's dreams are more outwardly expressed and ambitious, Ruth's dreams hold an equal, perhaps even greater, significance in understanding the play's central themes of family, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream in a society fraught with systemic inequality.

The Enduring Legacy: Ruth's Impact on the Play

Ruth's character serves as a powerful reminder of the often-unsung contributions of women, particularly Black women, in the face of adversity. Her quiet strength, her unwavering support for her family, and her steadfast belief in the possibility of a better future are essential elements that contribute to the overall impact of the play. Her character underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of those whose dreams are less outwardly expressed but equally significant.

In conclusion, Ruth's dream in A Raisin in the Sun is multifaceted and deeply interwoven with the realities of her life. It transcends the simple desire for a bigger house; it encompasses a broader yearning for stability, dignity, and a secure future for her family. Her quiet strength, resilience, and unwavering support are essential to the play's power and enduring relevance. Understanding Ruth's dreams provides a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of the Younger family's struggle and their unwavering pursuit of the American Dream. Her contribution serves as a potent reminder of the quiet strength and determination that often shape the lives of those striving for a better future.