ENG2603
EXAM
OCTOBER
2024
, SECTION A
QUESTION 1
I disagree with the claim that the play presents women as inferior and submissive to men In
Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun . Even though some characters, especially Walter Lee
Younger, express sexist views and seem to expect women to fit traditional roles, I believe
Hansberry actually challenges these outdated ideas. Through strong female characters like
Beneatha and Mama, Hansberry shows that women can be independent, capable, and just as
important as men in making decisions. The play seems to argue that women are equal to
men, not inferior, and they contribute greatly to the family’s strength and survival. In my
view, Hansberry is criticizing the limitations placed on women, not supporting them.
Walter’s Sexist Views are illustrated When we first meet Walter in the play, it’s clear that
he holds a negative view of the women around him. For example, when he says, “We one
group of men tied to a race of women with small minds” (Hansberry, 1959, p. 19), it’s obvious
he believes women aren’t capable of understanding or supporting his big dreams. I think
Walter feels trapped, not just by his financial situation, but also by what he sees as the lack of
support from the women in his life—his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, and his mother
Mama. He seems to view them as obstacles to his success rather than partners who can help
him.
This is made even clearer when Walter tells Beneatha, “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” (Hansberry, 1959, p. 22). To me, this shows
Walter’s limited view of what women should do. He can’t imagine a woman being a doctor,
which at the time was seen as a man’s job. He thinks women should either be caregivers, like
nurses, or just focus on marriage and family. But Hansberry is not saying Walter’s view is
right—instead, she is showing how his mind-set reflects the sexist attitudes of the time.
Beneatha’s Defiance of Gender Roles are shown here. Beneatha’s character directly
challenges the idea that women are inferior to men. She wants to become a doctor, which is
a bold goal, especially for a woman in the 1950s. I really admire how she doesn’t let Walter’s
criticism stop her. Even though her brother dismisses her dream and tells her to be a nurse or
get married, Beneatha stands her ground. To me, this shows that Hansberry is not portraying
women as submissive. In fact, Beneatha’s determination to pursue a career in a male-
dominated field suggests that Hansberry is showing women breaking free from traditional
roles.
EXAM
OCTOBER
2024
, SECTION A
QUESTION 1
I disagree with the claim that the play presents women as inferior and submissive to men In
Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun . Even though some characters, especially Walter Lee
Younger, express sexist views and seem to expect women to fit traditional roles, I believe
Hansberry actually challenges these outdated ideas. Through strong female characters like
Beneatha and Mama, Hansberry shows that women can be independent, capable, and just as
important as men in making decisions. The play seems to argue that women are equal to
men, not inferior, and they contribute greatly to the family’s strength and survival. In my
view, Hansberry is criticizing the limitations placed on women, not supporting them.
Walter’s Sexist Views are illustrated When we first meet Walter in the play, it’s clear that
he holds a negative view of the women around him. For example, when he says, “We one
group of men tied to a race of women with small minds” (Hansberry, 1959, p. 19), it’s obvious
he believes women aren’t capable of understanding or supporting his big dreams. I think
Walter feels trapped, not just by his financial situation, but also by what he sees as the lack of
support from the women in his life—his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, and his mother
Mama. He seems to view them as obstacles to his success rather than partners who can help
him.
This is made even clearer when Walter tells Beneatha, “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” (Hansberry, 1959, p. 22). To me, this shows
Walter’s limited view of what women should do. He can’t imagine a woman being a doctor,
which at the time was seen as a man’s job. He thinks women should either be caregivers, like
nurses, or just focus on marriage and family. But Hansberry is not saying Walter’s view is
right—instead, she is showing how his mind-set reflects the sexist attitudes of the time.
Beneatha’s Defiance of Gender Roles are shown here. Beneatha’s character directly
challenges the idea that women are inferior to men. She wants to become a doctor, which is
a bold goal, especially for a woman in the 1950s. I really admire how she doesn’t let Walter’s
criticism stop her. Even though her brother dismisses her dream and tells her to be a nurse or
get married, Beneatha stands her ground. To me, this shows that Hansberry is not portraying
women as submissive. In fact, Beneatha’s determination to pursue a career in a male-
dominated field suggests that Hansberry is showing women breaking free from traditional
roles.
