Character Analysis Ruth YoungerRuth's close relationship with her mother-in-law and with her new family is comparable to the biblical Ruth, who tells her mother-in-law, Naomi, that she will travel with her wherever she goes and that "your people shall be my people." Unlike the biblical story, though, no mention is ever made of Ruth Younger's parents or siblings or background. We are never told from whence this Ruth has come before joining the Younger household. Show Ruth is a "soft" personality type. She is not aggressive; she just lets life "happen" to her. She is the "worn-out wife" with a tedious, routine lifestyle. Hansberry describes Ruth as being "about thirty" but "in a few years, she will be known among her people as a 'settled woman.'" Ruth has only simple dreams and would be content to live out her life being moderately comfortable. Her biggest dream blossoms only after Mama's news of the possibility of their moving to a better neighborhood. Ruth is easily embarrassed and tries too hard to please others. When George Murchison arrives in the middle of Walter and Beneatha's frenzied African dance, Ruth is overly apologetic to George about their behavior. When Walter and Beneatha argue, Ruth asks Walter not to bring her into their conflict. And even though Ruth is annoyed by Lena's (Mama's) meddling, she still allows her mother-in-law to influence her at times about the correct way to raise Travis. Very low key, Ruth reveals the most emotion when Mama tells her that they may not be able to move; it is only then that Ruth assertively expresses her views. Lacking education and sophistication, Ruth relies upon the suggestions, advice, and even what she thinks might be the wishes of others. She contemplates an abortion, for example, not because she wants to, but because she is worried about the additional burden she would bring to the family that she already has. Still, Ruth is not an "emotional weakling." She never raises her voice (as Walter does quite often), but she exhibits a remarkable strength. With all of her economic and marital problems, Ruth never succumbs to despair. In her inimitable quiescence, she has a charming manner of always getting her way. She forces Travis to kiss her goodbye even though he is too angry at her to do so on his own. She persuades her mother-in-law to stop meddling with just one glance of disapproval. And she manages to save her marriage even when things look hopeless for the relationship. Advertisement - Guide continues below Previous Next Ruth YoungerRuth is in some ways like a typical housewife of the 1950s. She makes breakfast, cleans the house, supports her husband, and keeps her own desires to herself. Unlike the stereotypical 1950s housewives, though, she also goes out into the world and works her butt off. Not only does she struggle to maintain her own household, but she goes out to work in the households of rich white people as well. The Youngers' financial difficulties make it impossible for Ruth to just work in her own home. As a character, then, Ruth exposes the difficulties of being a working-class mother. All this financial stress is proving to be big trouble for Ruth's marriage. Her husband Walter is incredibly dissatisfied with his life, and he constantly takes it out on her. Ruth is far from a doormat and tells her husband off when he starts acting like a jerk. However, it is clear in the play that the turmoil in her marriage is taking a real toll on Ruth. She often seems irritable, depressed, and at times sinks into despair. This all comes to a head for Ruth, when she finds out she is pregnant and considers an abortion. In the '50s, an abortion would have been a) illegal and b) dangerous. But according to Mama: "When the world gets ugly enough – a woman will do anything for her family. The part that's already living" (1.2.235). Though Ruth hates the idea of aborting her child, she feels it's the best decision for her financially-strapped family. In the end, though, Ruth chooses to keep her child. She finds hope in the fact that the Younger family will soon be moving out of their cramped, roach-infested apartment and into a new house. She'll still have to work to help pay the mortgage, and they'll all have to deal with the racist backlash of living in a white neighborhood. Yes, times will still be tough for Ruth, but with her family around her she feels ready for to face the struggle. Previous Next More on A Raisin in the Sun Navigation Tired of ads?Join today and never see them again. Walter Lee’s wife and Travis’ mother. About thirty years old, Ruth was once “exceptionally” pretty, although an air of “disappointment has already begun to hang in her face.” Her demeanor indicates that life has delivered “little that she expected,” and, as Walter says, she is “tired” of living in their cramped apartment. Like Mama, Ruth works as a domestic maid and also does much of the cooking and cleaning in the Youngers’ home. Deeply dedicated to her family, Ruth tries to repair her failing marriage with Walter and worries about Travis’ childhood in the South Side ghetto. Aware of the emotional strains and economic demands on the family, Ruth contemplates having an abortion when it becomes clear that she has become unexpectedly pregnant during the play, although she decides against it. Ruth shares Mama’s dream of purchasing a home for the family. Ruth Younger Quotes in A Raisin in the SunThe A Raisin in the Sun quotes below are all either spoken by Ruth Younger or refer to Ruth Younger. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
 ). Walter: See there, that just goes to show you what women understand
about the world. Baby, don’t nothing happen for you in this world ‘less you pay somebody off! Page Number and Citation: 33-34 Explanation and Analysis: Mama, something is happening between Walter and me. I don’t know what it is – but he needs something – something I can’t give him anymore. He needs this chance, Lena. Page Number and Citation: 42 Explanation and Analysis: Well – well! – All I can say is – if this is my time in life – MY TIME – to say good-bye – to these goddamned cracking walls! – and these marching roaches! – and this cramped little closet which ain’t now or never was no kitchen! . . . then I say it loud and good, HALLELUJAH! AND GOOD-BYE MISERY . . . I DON’T NEVER WANT TO SEE YOUR UGLY FACE AGAIN! Page Number and Citation: 94 Explanation and Analysis: Ruth Younger Character Timeline in A Raisin in the SunThe timeline below shows where the character Ruth Younger appears in A Raisin in the Sun. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
An alarm clock rings and Ruth enters. She crosses to the small window in the cramped kitchen area and raises the... (full context) Ruth’s husband Walter Lee enters from the bedroom, and almost immediately he mentions the “check” that... (full context)
...mother that he is supposed to bring 50 cents to school this morning, to which Ruth answers that she “ain’t got no fifty cents” today. Travis persists in asking for the... (full context) ...his wife and son, gives Travis a dollar to take to school, which greatly angers Ruth. Walter’s defiance of Ruth’s decision provokes further conflict between husband and wife. In particular, Ruth... (full context) Walter’s sister Beneatha enters from the stage-left bedroom in the midst of Walter and Ruth’s quarrel. As Ruth irons a massive pile of clothes, Walter badgers his sister about her... (full context) ...to work. However, a few moments later, Walter reenters, fumbling with his hat, and tells Ruth that he needs “some money for carfare,” having given his last cent to Travis earlier.... (full context) Mama enters from her bedroom and asks Beneatha and Ruth about the argument with Walter that she just overheard. When Beneatha exits to go to... (full context) Studying Ruth’s tired face, Mama suggests that Ruth call in sick to work today, an idea that... (full context) ...then mentions her after-school guitar lesson that evening, which provokes snide comments from Mama and Ruth, who proceed to rattle off the long list of Beneatha’s discarded – and expensive –... (full context) ...says it will be George Murchison, a “rich” young man whom she condemns as “shallow.” Ruth disagrees with Beneatha’s dismissal of George, asking her, “What other qualities a man got to... (full context)
...repeat, “In my mother’s house there is still God.” Beneatha acquiesces and Mama exits. To Ruth, Beneatha calls Mama “a tyrant” before leaving for school. (full context)
Mama reenters and expresses her deep concern for her children, telling Ruth, “There’s something come down between me and them that don’t let us understand each other.”... (full context)
...supposed to deliver the insurance check that morning. After Travis exits, Beneatha asks Mama where Ruth is, and Mama says “with meaning” that Ruth has gone to the doctor, implying that... (full context)
Ruth enters “forlornly” and confirms Mama’s suspicion that she is pregnant. While Mama is overcome with... (full context)
...of the window and orders Travis to come upstairs. While waiting for Travis, Mama asks Ruth about her visit to the doctor, and Ruth’s use of the pronoun “she” to refer... (full context)
Ruth reenters from the bedroom and, soon after, the doorbell rings, a sudden sound that signals... (full context) ...to even consider the proposal makes Walter angry. As Mama tries to persuade Walter and Ruth to have a “civil” conversation, Walter and Ruth hurl insults at each other, with Walter... (full context) Mama finally tells Walter that Ruth is pregnant and considering an abortion. Walter is shocked but insists that Ruth would never... (full context)
That evening, Ruth is ironing and listening to the radio when Beneatha enters “grandly” from her bedroom, wearing... (full context)
...spectacle with “distaste,” he gradually warms to the music, saying that, “them drums move me.” Ruth ignores her husband’s drunken antics, but Beneatha encourages Walter’s behavior, fascinated and “thoroughly caught up... (full context) Embarrassed, Ruth orders Walter off of the table. He exits. Looking at Beneatha’s African garb, George tells... (full context) Ruth tries to make small talk with George while Beneatha dresses. George, fairly indifferent, ignores most... (full context)
After George exits, Ruth and Walter puzzle over the meaning of “Prometheus.” Ruth advises Walter to ignore it, but... (full context)
Ruth resignedly puts away the iron and clothes and prepares to go to bed. She apologizes... (full context)
Suddenly, Mama enters the apartment and ends Ruth and Walter’s intimate moment. At first, Mama ignores Walter and speaks only to Ruth, asking... (full context)
Ruth is thrilled with the news that Mama bought a house for the family, raising her... (full context)
Ruth asks Mama where the house is located, and Mama, nervously responds that it’s in Clybourne... (full context)
Ruth recovers from this revelation and regains her previous radiance, shouting, “GOOD-BYE MISERY,” and expressing her... (full context)
Ruth enters and Mama asks if Walter is home. Ruth says that he is and implicitly... (full context)
Mrs. Johnson asks Mama and Ruth if they “seen the news what’s all over the colored paper this week,” eagerly telling... (full context)
In a not-so-subtle way, Mrs. Johnson asks for a cup of coffee, which Ruth and Mama give her. Mrs. Johnson then asks about Walter, going on to discuss his... (full context) ...who is insulted by Beneatha’s curt manner. After Beneatha exits, Mrs. Johnson tells Mama and Ruth that Beneatha acts as if she “ain’t got time to pass the time of day... (full context) The telephone rings and Ruth answers it. Mrs. Arnold, the wife of Walter’s employer, is on the line and tells... (full context)
A week later, it is Saturday, moving day for the Youngers. Before the curtain rises, Ruth’s joyful singing “cuts through the silence” as she finishes the family’s packing. Beneatha enters and... (full context)
Walter enters, carrying a large package. Like Ruth, he is happy and exuberant. He places the package in a corner and puts on... (full context) ...Lena Younger. She briefly excuses herself, closes the door, and “soundlessly” explains to the oblivious Ruth and Walter that a white man is at the door. They stop dancing, turn off... (full context)
...the association exists to solve “special community problems.” The double meanings of Lindner’s statements escape Ruth and Walter, and Walter urges his sister to be quiet and allow Lindner to speak. (full context)
Seeing that Lindner still looks uncomfortable, Ruth offers Lindner another chair to sit in, but “more frustrated than annoyed,” he declines. With... (full context) ...“to buy the house from you at a financial gain to your family.” Walter and Ruth are both appalled, and Walter tells Lindner to leave the apartment. Seeing the “hostile faces”... (full context)
...enter the apartment. “Smiling,” Beneatha says that Mama had a “caller,” and Beneatha, Walter, and Ruth “saucily” and playfully relate the story of Lindner’s visit. Visibly concerned by this news, Mama... (full context)
...alone while she tends to her plant. Walter “sweetly” and “playfully” begins to sing, and Ruth brings Mama the package that Walter carried in earlier. They tell Mama to open the... (full context)
...that he isn’t with him. Walter remains jubilant and is unfazed by this news, but Ruth is already “a mood apart,” standing “stiffly” in the background and somehow sensing “death.” (full context) Ruth enters, followed shortly by Mama. Mama seems “lost.” She picks up her plant from the... (full context)
Walter reenters and tells Mama, Ruth, and Beneatha that he made a phone call to “The Man.” Beneatha realizes that Walter... (full context) Still in denial of Walter’s intentions in calling Lindner, Ruth again asks Walter about the phone call. Walter says that he told Lindner to come... (full context) ...says that the moving men have arrived. A moment later, Lindner appears at the door. Ruth “mechanically” goes to the bedroom and tells Walter that Lindner has arrived. After a long... (full context) “Coming to life,” Mama and Ruth fly into action, making the final preparations for the family’s move to Clybourne Park. They... (full context) Making final preparations to leave the apartment, Mama references Walter’s confrontation with Lindner, asking Ruth, “He finally come into his manhood today, didn’t he?” Biting her lip to contain her... (full context) What is the role of Ruth in A Raisin in the Sun?Ruth Younger is a character from Lorraine Hansberry's stage play A Raisin in the Sun. Because of her family's poor financial situation, she has to double as a housewife and a working mother, working as a domestic worker, who is a person that cleans the homes of other people.
What type of character is Ruth?Ruth is a woman of great character who embodies many positive traits. She is known for her faithfulness, loyalty, virtue, and love. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible also include her being a hard worker, and someone who takes care of those around her.
What does Ruth look like in A Raisin in the Sun?She appears as an African American woman in her thirties, with a face that once was quite pretty, but shows the wear and tear of her difficult life. In a way, Ruth's appearance is similar to the family's apartment in that “weariness has... won” (487).
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What does Ruth represent in a raisin in the sun?
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