Mama’s Family Strengthening

Mama’s Family Strengthening

What are strategies Ms. Younger uses to build her son (Walter Lee, Jr.) and daughter (Benetha) and her daughter ter-in-law (Ruth)?

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Answer

In A Raisin in the Sun, Ms. Younger (Mama) employs a variety of strategies to support and strengthen her children, Walter Lee Jr. and Beneatha, as well as her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Her methods are deeply rooted in her values of family unity, faith, resilience, and moral integrity. Here’s how she builds up each of them:

1. Walter Lee Jr.: Mama recognizes her son’s frustration with his job and his desire for financial success, which he believes will improve his family’s life. She tries to support him by emphasizing the importance of family over money, encouraging him to think of their shared dreams rather than focusing solely on financial gain. When she ultimately gives him a portion of the insurance money, she is showing faith in him and hoping he will feel empowered to make wise decisions. This act also symbolizes her trust, an attempt to build his confidence and sense of responsibility as the “man of the house.” Mama’s Family Strengthening
2. Beneatha: Mama nurtures Beneatha’s ambitions and intellectual curiosity, though they sometimes clash over values and beliefs. She supports Beneatha’s dream of becoming a doctor, despite the financial burden it brings, and tries to instill a sense of cultural pride and identity. Mama’s gift of her late husband’s insurance money to help with Beneatha’s schooling is a tangible way of expressing her support for Beneatha’s future and independence, encouraging her to pursue her goals and self-discovery.
3. Ruth: With Ruth, Mama offers empathy and solidarity, recognizing the hard work and emotional toll Ruth experiences in supporting the family. Mama often steps in to provide emotional support, especially when Ruth is feeling overwhelmed or hopeless. For example, when Ruth considers an abortion due to the family’s financial strain, Mama’s compassion and understanding encourage Ruth to keep going and hold on to hope. She reinforces Ruth’s importance within the family and helps her feel valued as a wife, mother, and family member. Mama’s Family Strengthening

Overall, Mama’s strategies include financial support, emotional encouragement, faith, and moral guidance, aiming to instill in her family the values of unity, resilience, and hope, even amid adversity.