Ruth, one of the main characters in Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun," represents the hardships that women faced in the 1950s. Her character embodies the expectations and limitations placed on women during this time period, and the ways in which they navigated these challenges.
Ruth's character is that of a devoted wife and mother who is constantly working to keep her family together. She is married to Walter Lee, who is struggling to make ends meet, and they have a young son, Travis. Ruth works as a domestic servant for a white family, which is a common occupation for women during this time period. Despite her difficulties, Ruth is a strong and resilient character who is determined to make the best of her situation.
One of the ways in which Ruth represents the hardships of women in the 1950s is through her struggle to balance her familial responsibilities with her own personal aspirations. Ruth is torn between her desire to support her husband's dream of opening a liquor store and her own dream of having a larger home for her family. She is also dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, which adds to the complexity of her situation. Ruth's character shows how women in the 1950s had to make difficult choices about their lives and the lives of their families, often sacrificing their own dreams for the sake of their loved ones.
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She is often in conflict with her sister-in-law, Beneatha, who represents a new generation of women who are seeking greater opportunities and freedom. Beneatha is pursuing a career in medicine and is exploring her African heritage, which is at odds with Ruth's more traditional values. Through her interactions with Beneatha, Ruth's character shows the tension between the old and the new, and the ways in which women were struggling to find their place in a changing