Mama slaps Beneatha across the face because her daughter says, “There simply is no blasted God.” This statement shortly follows her saying, “I don’t believe in God.”

Beneatha's views on God in "A Raisin in the Sun" reflect her progressive and independent mindset. She denies the existence of God, attributing human achievements to human effort rather than divine intervention. This sparks an argument with her mother, Lena, who is deeply religious and insists that Beneatha acknowledge God's role in their lives, highlighting their generational and ideological differences.

Beneatha's names in A Raisin in the Sun reflect her identity and aspirations. Her given name, Beneatha, suggests a desire to rise above societal expectations, while the nickname "Bennie" represents a more casual and familiar aspect of her personality. These names highlight her struggle between conforming to traditional roles and pursuing her dreams of becoming a doctor.

Beneatha's rejection of assimilation and embrace of Afrocentricity in A Raisin in the Sun is evident in her attitudes and actions. She criticizes George's acceptance of white culture, wears traditional African clothing, and explores her African heritage. This reflects her desire to connect with her roots and assert her identity in a society that pressures individuals to conform.

Beneatha Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun is a progressive, educated character who challenges traditional gender roles and racial identity norms. Unlike her family, Beneatha aspires to be a doctor, rejecting conventional female roles and assimilation into white culture. She embraces her African heritage, symbolized by her natural hairstyle. Her character contrasts with other family members, like Walter, who pursue more conventional dreams. Beneatha's name and role emphasize her quest for identity, independence, and breaking societal boundaries.

Beneatha wants to be a doctor because she has a deep desire to cure people, inspired by witnessing a boy named Rufus recover from a severe injury. Despite the lack of support and the unrealistic nature of her dream given her family's financial situation, she remains determined. Her aspiration also represents a new generation's awakening to black identity and revolutionary ideals.

Ruth's reference to bombings during her conversation with George Murchison reveals her acute awareness of racial tensions in Chicago. This comment demonstrates Ruth's understanding that racial violence, such as bombings of black homes and churches by angry white citizens, is a pressing issue. Ruth's insight into the social climate is evident as she casually mentions the bombings, highlighting the dangerous environment that her family faces.

Ruth's relationship with her family in A Raisin in the Sun is complex yet nurturing. She generally gets along well with Lena, empathizing with her as another woman married into the family. Ruth faces strain with Walter due to financial pressures and his ambitions, but she acts as a peacemaker and mother figure, especially to her son Travis. Her decision to keep her baby symbolizes hope and renewal for the family.

Ruth discovers she is pregnant during her visit to the doctor's office. This revelation is critical as it highlights the family's financial struggles and Ruth's consideration of an abortion. Her visit to a female doctor instead of her regular physician suggests she is contemplating this option. The pregnancy amplifies the sense of impending change within the family, reflecting both their current hardships and the potential for a new beginning with their planned move to Clybourne Park.

Ruth responds to Walter's rudeness with emotional support and nurturing in A Raisin in the Sun. Rather than contradicting him, she redirects his attention subtly, as seen when she encourages him to eat his eggs despite his dismissive comments. Ruth embodies her role as a supportive wife and caretaker, focusing on maintaining family harmony rather than confronting Walter's rudeness directly.

The quote highlights Lena Younger's skepticism about her son Walter's business aspirations in "A Raisin in the Sun." Lena views her family as "plain working folks" and is wary of Walter's dreams of owning a liquor store, fearing his lack of business acumen. This tension underscores generational and ideological divides in the family, as Lena prioritizes stability over risky ventures. Ultimately, Walter's business failure reinforces Lena's belief and leads him to embrace his role as a family man.

Ruth Younger's importance lies in her role as a catalyst for change in the family. As Walter's wife and Travis's mother, her consideration of abortion due to financial struggles highlights the family's dire situation. This prompts Lena Younger to buy a house, symbolizing hope and change. Ruth's eventual decision to keep the baby signifies her resilience and commitment to family, reinforcing the theme of life persisting despite hardship.

In A Raisin in the Sun, Ruth is so shocked when Mama announces that the house she bought is in Clybourne Park because no African Americans live there. She wonders whether it might have been possible to buy a house in another neighborhood.

Ruth Younger is a thirty-year-old housewife in "A Raisin in the Sun," deeply committed to her family despite the strains of poverty. She maintains peace as a mediator between family members and supports her husband Walter's dreams, even when they conflict with her values. Ruth's exhaustion and lack of ambition are evident, yet she dreams of a better future, symbolized by her decision to keep her unborn child despite financial difficulties.

Ruth scrambles Walter's eggs despite his preference to illustrate the power dynamics in their relationship, where Ruth is initially the dominant partner. Walter feels ignored and ineffective, exacerbating his frustration and contributing to a cycle of cynicism and alcoholism. This act symbolizes the lack of communication and respect Walter perceives, which he only begins to overcome in the final act when he reclaims his dignity and leadership within the family.

The greatest strains on Walter and Ruth's marriage in A Raisin in the Sun include their financial difficulties and their worldviews. Walter and Ruth's poverty impacts their life decisions, such as whether or not Ruth should have an abortion. Their differing worldviews likewise cause tension, as Walter is a dreamer while Ruth is realistic. 

Ruth's anger when Walter gives Travis money stems from their financial struggles. Despite their tight budget, Walter's gesture undermines Ruth's efforts to teach Travis the value of money and responsibility, highlighting their differing approaches to parenting and financial management.

Ruth's reaction to a drunk Walter highlights a shift in their relationship, revealing underlying tensions and a need for reconciliation. Walter's chauvinistic attitude and economic frustrations lead to hostility, but Ruth's persistence in offering support prompts introspection. As they confront their struggles, they recall past hopes and express a renewed commitment through a passionate kiss. This moment reflects their resilience and emphasizes the importance of the black family's unity in overcoming societal challenges.

Ruth's line "You mean graft?" reveals her skepticism about Walter's ethics and plans to achieve the American Dream through questionable means. While Walter is willing to engage in bribery to secure a liquor store license, Ruth embodies caution and a strong work ethic, reflecting their differing approaches to achieving success. This rift highlights the strain in their marriage caused by socioeconomic pressures, though their relationship is resilient enough to endure these challenges.

Travis doesn’t have a clear dream like everyone else, but in act 1, scene 1, he expresses a drive to make money. He asks Ruth for fifty cents to bring to school, but she says she doesn’t have it. He then asks multiple times if he can carry groceries outside the supermarket after school to earn the money. This shows that even though he is a bit spoiled, he is willing to work hard to get what he wants.

When Travis asks his father if he's drunk, it reveals that Walter has been frequently intoxicated, indicating chronic depression linked to his unfulfilled dreams. Walter's drinking stems from his despair over his goals being dismissed by his family. His response to Travis—"Daddy ain't going to never be drunk again"—suggests a turning point following his mother's decision to support him financially, providing hope and motivation to pursue his dreams without alcohol.

In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, Joseph Asagai, a Nigerian character, embodies the theme of dignity and African heritage. He contrasts with Walter's American identity, highlighting a proud African history against a background of servility. Asagai's self-concept challenges assimilationist values represented by George Murchison, influencing Beneatha's journey towards embracing her roots. His origin and ideals emphasize the play's exploration of Black identity, heritage, and the pursuit of self-respect.

George Murchison values wealth, traditional gender roles, and assimilation into white American society, viewing African heritage as shameful. He is arrogant, materialistic, and condescending towards Beneatha. In contrast, Joseph Asagai deeply respects African heritage, advocates for Nigerian independence, and values Beneatha's thoughts and emotions. Asagai's compassionate and positive outlook on life starkly contrasts with George's shallow and elitist views.

In "A Raisin in the Sun," George Murchison serves as a foil to Asagai, highlighting themes of assimilation and identity. He takes Beneatha on dates that reflect upper-class, assimilationist values, earning Walter Lee's disdain. George is dismissive of Walter's business ideas and Beneatha's intellect, focusing instead on her appearance. His arrogance and lack of genuine interest in Beneatha's thoughts create tension, contrasting sharply with Asagai's genuine engagement with her ideas.

Karl Lindner in A Raisin in the Sun symbolizes the subtle, polite racism of white middle-class society. As the representative of the Clybourne Park Improvement Association, he visits the Younger family to dissuade them from moving into a white neighborhood, offering them money instead. His character represents societal attempts to maintain segregation and challenges the Youngers' dreams of integration. Lindner's name may allude to "Mister Charlie," a term for slave owners, highlighting themes of racial tension and identity.

Karl Lindner's speech to the Youngers is marked by hesitations and euphemisms, reflecting his discomfort and the sensitive nature of his task. Described as "a gentle man," Lindner carefully chooses his words, often pausing and using vague terms like "special community problems" to mask his true intentions. His nervousness is further highlighted by verbal utterances such as "uh," indicating his struggle to articulate the controversial offer he is about to present.