A Raisin In The Sun Analysis

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Register to read the introduction… She uses archetype to convey a wealth of meaning toward the changing positions that women have undergone during this time. “Women were long considered naturally weaker than men, squeamish, and unable to perform work requiring muscular or intellectual development” (Women’s History in America). Though Beneatha matured observing Mama’s relationship with Walter Sr., her actions rebel against the archetypical ideal molded by Mama. She developed her own ideal mindset. Just as in “Phenomenal Women”, Angelou creates a paradigm that helps women clearly understand how to define themselves. Angelou does not necessarily refer to her appearances, importance, or social class of herself, but rather the image she portrays to herself. Phenomenal women believe in themselves, just as Beneatha believes she can become a doctor. Bennie exclaims to Walter, “What do you want from me, Brother—that I quit school or just drop dead, which!” (Hansberry 960) expressing [her] head’s not bowed (48). Angelou’s poem sends the message of one’s self-confidence and how “[She is] a woman / Phenomenally. / Phenomenal woman, / That’s [Bennie] (10-13)”. In pursuit to persuading others about her venture, Bennie further exclaims her declaration of becoming a doctor without the distraction of a man. “Listen, I’m going to be a doctor. I’m not worried about who I’m going to marry yet—if I get married”, says Bennie (Hansberry 967). Insinuating, she does not need a man to catapult …show more content…
"Phenomenal Woman." By Maya Angelou: The

Poetry Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2014.

<http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/178942>

Gordon, Michelle. “Somewhat Like War: the Aesthetics of Segregation, Black

Liberation, and A Raisin in the Sun.” African American Review. 42.1 (2008): 121-

33. Literature Online. Web. 9 Feb. 2014.

Hansberry, Lorraine A Raisin in the Sun. The Norton Introduction to Literature 10th ed.
New York. Wwnorton.com, 2011. 950-1021. Print
Turner, Darwin T. "Visions of Love and Manliness in a Blackening World: Dramas of Blacks Life in 1953." Literature Online. ProQuest, 1995. Web. 12 Feb. 2014.
<http://literature.proquest.com/searchFulltext.do?id=R01298473&divLevel=0&q
ueryId=2784427541368&trailId=1438BE978C9&area=abell&forward=critref_ft#
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“WIC - Women's History in America.” WIC - Women's History in America. N.p., n.d.
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