In this drama unit, we focused on defining the concept of a "matriarch" and explored its role in perpetuating inequality. We read A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, which tells the story of a Black family struggling to improve their lives in 1950s Chicago after receiving a $10,000 insurance check. Alongside our reading, we visited the Goodman Theater, where Kelsey introduced us to various archetypes of Black women in theater.
While reading the play, I found myself resonating with Ruth, especially as her husband Walter faced significant challenges. Walter’s grave mistake stemmed from the immense pressure he felt to provide for his family, as he assumed the role of the head of the household. Living with strong, independent women who often belittled him contributed to his struggles. My engagement with Walter's character allowed me to glean valuable insights about his humanity and motivations. The turning point for Walter came when he grappled with the weight of his family's expectations, revealing his vulnerabilities.
I chose to focus on the scene where Walter is confronted by Mama about his fixation on money. His words capture both vulnerability and determination, painting a vivid picture of his dreams and the obstacles he faces. Walter's relentless pursuit of a better life for his family is admirable, yet his overwhelming focus on financial success blinds him to the consequences of his actions.
Mama's poignant words highlight the shift in values from freedom to financial gain. She reminds Walter of the struggles their ancestors endured and urges him to prioritize family over wealth. As the conversation unfolds, Walter's tunnel vision causes a rift in his relationship with Ruth, who is contemplating an abortion. This moment emphasizes the importance of communication and connection in relationships.
In reflecting on Walter’s journey, I urge him—and the audience—to recognize the true values that define a meaningful life. The pursuit of wealth should not overshadow love and family bonds. We must honor our legacies while embracing the challenges of the present.
Overall, I found this action project immensely enjoyable. It was compelling to witness Walter's desire to provide a better life for his family while grappling with the complexity of maintaining healthy relationships. I particularly appreciated the Goodman Theater visit, which illuminated the stereotypes and archetypes associated with various races in theater. I believe my project effectively conveyed a perspective that encourages deeper understanding, and I appreciate you taking the time to read my reflection!
Work:
In the summer of 1952, the Younger family lives on the South Side of Chicago, navigating the struggles of being a poor Black family trying to rise above their circumstances. Their apartment is cramped, housing five people: Mama, Walter, Beneatha, Travis, and Ruth. The kitchen is so small that it resembles a closet, while the living room doubles as a dining area and a makeshift bedroom for Travis. Two bedrooms sit on opposite sides of the apartment, and the bathroom is located in the hall, forcing the Youngers to share it with their neighbors, the Johnsons.
Amidst their tight living conditions, the Youngers are anxiously awaiting a $10,000 insurance check, each of them harboring different dreams for how to use the money. In the living room, Mama and Walter engage in a heartfelt conversation about their aspirations.
WALTER: "A job? (Looks at her) Mama, a job? I open and close car doors all day long. I drive a man around in his limousine, saying, 'Yes, sir,' 'No, sir,' 'Very good, sir.' Mama, that ain’t no kind of job; it’s nothing at all."
(Quietly)
MAMA: "Understand what, baby?"
WALTER: (Softly) "Sometimes it’s like I can see the future stretched out in front of me, just plain as day. The future, Mama. Hanging there at the edge of my days. Just waiting for me—a big, looming blank space full of nothing. But it doesn't have to be." (Pauses, kneeling beside her) "Sometimes, when I'm downtown, I pass those cool, quiet-looking restaurants where the white boys sit back, talking about big deals worth millions of dollars. Sometimes I see guys who don’t look much older than me."
Walter’s words are filled with both vulnerability and determination, painting a vivid picture of his dreams and the challenges he faces. He embodies the resilient spirit of a man who works tirelessly day and night, driven by a desire for a better life for himself and his family.
MAMA: "Son, how come you talk so much about money?"
WALTER: (With immense passion) "Because it is life, Mama!"
MAMA: (Quietly) "So now it’s life. Money is life. Once upon a time, freedom used to be life; now it’s money. I guess the world really does change."
WALTER: "No, it was always money, Mama. We just didn’t know about it."
MAMA: "No, nothing has changed. (She looks at him) You are something new, boy. In my time, we worried about not being lynched and how to survive with dignity. Now here you and Beneatha are, talking about things we hardly even thought about. You aren’t satisfied or proud of what we did for you. I mean, we gave you a home and kept you out of trouble until you were grown. You don’t have to ride to work on the back of nobody's streetcar. You’re my children, but how different we have become."
(A long beat. He pats her hand and gets up.)
WALTER: "You just don’t understand, Mama."
MAMA: "Son, do you know your wife is expecting another baby?" (WALTER stands, stunned by the revelation.) "That’s what she wanted to talk to you about."
(WALTER sinks into a chair.)
"This ain’t for me to be telling, but you ought to know. I think Ruth is thinking about getting rid of that child."
WALTER: (Slowly understanding) "No, no, Ruth wouldn’t do that."
MAMA: "When the world gets ugly enough, a woman will do anything for her family—the part that’s already living."
WALTER: "You don’t know Ruth, Mama, if you think she would do that."
(RUTH opens the bedroom door, appearing drained.)
RUTH: (Beaten) "Yes, I would too, Walter." (Pause) "I gave her a five-dollar down payment."
(Silence falls as both men stare at their wives.)
Yet, in the pursuit of his dreams, Walter's fixation on money becomes all-consuming. His passion blinds him to the consequences of his actions, and Mama questions the shift in his priorities, pointing out how money has overshadowed everything else. It becomes almost impossible to connect with someone when he can’t even communicate with his wife, especially when she’s considering an abortion. I critique his tunnel vision and urge him to reflect on the true values that define a meaningful life.
MAMA: (Presently) "Well, son, I'm waiting to hear you say something." (She waits) "I'm waiting to hear how you are your father’s son. Be the man he was."
(Pause. The silence is deafening.)
"Your wife says she is going to destroy your child. And I’m waiting to hear you talk like him and say we are a people who give children life, not destroy them." (She rises) "I’m waiting to see you stand up and look like your daddy and say we don’t give up one baby to poverty and that we aren’t going to give up another one. I’m waiting."
WALTER: (Can’t respond)
MAMA: "If you are a son of mine, tell her!" (WALTER picks up his keys and coat and walks out. She continues, bitterly)"You are a disgrace to your father's memory. Somebody get me my hat!"
Dear audience, let us take a moment to reflect on Walter's journey and the lessons history has taught us. Mama, with a heavy heart, reminds Walter of the struggles and sacrifices made by their ancestors—the battles fought for freedom and dignity in the face of adversity. It’s a powerful reminder that the weight of their collective past rests upon his shoulders.
I implore Walter to embrace the true value of family, love, and the lives they have built together. The pursuit of wealth should never come at the expense of these cherished bonds. I urge you all to learn from Walter’s experience and honor the legacy of your family, who serves as a pillar of strength and virtue.
In conclusion, I found this action project truly enjoyable. It was fascinating to witness Walter's desire to provide a better life for his family while also struggling to maintain healthy relationships. One of the highlights of this unit was our trip to the Goodman Theater, where I learned about the stereotypes and archetypes of different races. I don’t think I would change anything about this experience; I feel that I effectively conveyed my message and helped inform readers of a perspective they might not have considered. Thank you for reading!
Comments
Post a Comment