Question

Read this excerpt from Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun: Ruth waits another second and then starts to go into the bedroom. What does the description of Ruth in the excerpt best reveal about her as a character?

1) Ruth is a resilient and determined individual
2) Ruth is a passive and submissive individual
3) Ruth is a caring and nurturing individual
4) Ruth is a selfish and manipulative individual

Answer 1

Without additional context, it is difficult to determine which description fits Ruth's character in the excerpt from A Raisin in the Sun. A deeper analysis of her role in the full narrative of the play and her interactions with other characters would provide a clearer understanding of her personality traits.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage provided from A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry gives a brief glimpse into Ruth's character, showing an action she is about to perform rather than revealing any detailed personality traits. Therefore, from this excerpt alone, it is challenging to truly understand the complexities of Ruth's character, as Hansberry often uses interactions, dialogue, and situations to flesh out personalities in her plays. Without additional context, we cannot definitively say that Ruth is resolute or passive; however, the act of 'waiting another second' before proceeding may imply a moment of thought or hesitation, which could suggest a level of care or consideration on Ruth's part.

Playwrights often construct characters with depth and nuance, revealed through their interactions and choices within the narrative. In A Raisin in the Sun, character development is crucial as the Younger family navigates their dreams and conflicts about the life insurance money. Ruth, like other characters in the play, is multifaceted and best understood within the full context of the narrative and her interactions with the family and challenges she faces.