Feminist Character in Raisin in the Sun - Essay Sample

Introduction

Women, mainly African women, usually face various challenges in the pursuit of education. The struggle is even more real when the women are to study technical courses like, for example, doing a medical course. However, in contemporary society, this is changing as women are becoming career-oriented. Liberal feminists advocate for equal opportunities for women, gender inequality, sex roles, socialization, and discrimination against women in society (Arat 678). the strategies of liberal feminists are changing the socialization practices, changing attitudes of people, and using the appropriate legislation to empower women in society. The women characters in the play “Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine depicts how feminists focus on empowering themselves and changing people’s view about educating women mainly in technical courses. For instance, in the play, Beneatha acts differently from her brother as she expresses her view more candidly with a drive to achieve more in life. Beneatha represents feminists who are career-oriented by being independent, desire to become a doctor, and is strong and firm to pursue her career.

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Feminism

In the play Raisin in the sun, Beneatha, who is Walter Lee’s sister is the third female character who depicts feminism in the play. Beneatha’s goal is to pursue her studies to become a doctor despite being despised by her mother and sister because her dream was considered to be lofty for an African American woman in the 1950s. Beneatha is depicted as independent and radical, and Beneatha and her sister Walter have differences in age and in their dreams. At the beginning of the play, Walter does not agree with the insurance money being sent for Beneatha’s education because he is not happy with Beneatha becoming a doctor (Hansberry 39). The only native African man in the play who supports Beneatha’s dream of becoming a doctor is Asagai. The support from Asagai makes Beneatha feel impressive as she feels encouraged in her intellectual abilities.

Beneatha represents liberal feminists in contemporary society because of her drive to become a doctor. Against all odds in a society where particular professions were associated with men, Beneatha is intentional in achieving her dream of becoming a doctor. Even her brother does not believe that she can attain her dream in the preliminary stages and mocks her (Hansberry 40). however, this does not prevent Beneatha from achieving decent education, getting a better life, and regaining her independence. Furthermore, Beneatha’s actions foretell more of how much a feminist she is, one who is not at peace with receiving help from anyone but wants to be independent like her male counterparts. Beneatha continues with her push and acquires her degree and becomes a doctor showing how intentional Beneatha was. Beneatha’s action can be an inspiration to many young ladies who can use her success to demystify the attainment of a lady and aspire for better treatment in society.

Independent Lady

In the play, Beneatha comes out as an independent lady, which was not considered a deed women can have. Beneatha acts contrary to the expectations of many people who would wish she would be complacent and use the money received in the form of insurance (Hansberry 53). However, Beneatha works hard and wants to earn her own money and have a decent living from her salary. She engages in various activities such as in games and playing guitar to raise money with her mother and siblings' help.

Beneatha seems to be strong and firm as she dates two men, George and Joseph, at the same time, to find her identity against the wishes of her mother and brother (Hansberry 52). Beneatha faces various objections, but she remains steadfast in her quest, and she finally goes for what she wants and what truly completes her. Natural Beneatha would have relaxed and allow her siblings and mother to dictate her life and follow what they want, which would be detrimental on her side. Moreover, Beneatha’s actions show that she was a great feminist who would stop at nothing but for young ladies and women's freedom. Although Beneatha was criticized and mocked by her boyfriend, she does not lose hope and pursues her dreams. This propelled her to work harder, depicting the kind of resilience that very few people would have in the same situation as the one Beneatha was facing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the strong desire and resilience to achieve and prove her worth make Beneatha be admirable through the script. This is because, in the end, Beneatha becomes very successful, indicating that it can be done. Also, the need to be independent was a propelling character for Beneatha, and she ensured that she worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor. Additionally, Beneatha does something unexpected of wanting to go back to Africa, something which is imaginable to her mother. Beneatha does not intend to back off and continues with her plan of going back to Africa. Thus, consistency and the unrelenting spirit to achieve her independence and dream display feminist character in her.

Works Cited

Arat, Zehra F. Kabasakal. "Feminisms, Women's Rights, and the UN: Would Achieving Gender Equality Empower Women?." American Political Science Review 109, no. 4 (2015): 674-689.

Hansberry, Lorraine. Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun. Samuel French, Inc., 1984.