The Difficulties of Abortion
The Difficulties of Abortion
In A Raisin in the Sun, we see various social issues and topics discussed, one of which is abortion. Ruth makes the difficult decision to terminate her pregnancy due to the circumstances she faces largely financially, despite the large social stigma against it. While Mama is decidedly opposed to it, she avoids depositing negativity or harsh criticism, instead opting for more firm disapproval.
During the time that this play was meant to take place, abortion was largely illegal. The operation had huge implications. It was a dangerous procedure that put the mother’s life at risk as there was no established legal method. With the birth control pill not approved until the 1960s, Ruth was one of many other women who had to also make the difficult decision between abortion and recieving a child she was not ready for.
Mama’s response to Ruth’s decision was surprising to me. Ruth didn’t face any strong ridicule or shaming. Although we know that Mama is a devout Christian who imposes her faith on her children (as we see with her exchange with Beneatha), Ruth is met with understanding from her (even though Mama believes what she wants to do to be wrong).
Mama goes so far to say, “when the world gets ugly enough - a woman will do anything for her family”. She recognizes that Ruth is making a sacrifice and has been driven or pushed by things outside of her control. We don’t know the full extent of her reaction yet, but this casts Mama as an understanding and benevolent character. She values life and family very much; we see the influence of her own past in her interactions with Ruth. Whereas Walter now sees money as life, Mama still holds on to her beliefs. These differing ideologies and ways of living will play out interestingly later on, how can they coexist? To what extent?
I agree that Mama seems like one of the few benevolent characters in the play because due to holding on to her past beliefs, she seems like someone who hasn't been blinded by the opportunism of the American Dream.
ReplyDeleteI agree as well. Also, Ruth's decision despite knowing the illegality and dangers of abortion describes her as an understanding and caring character for her family as well, just like Mama.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very amazing take, Sonnet! I agree with the fact that Ruth and Walter’s differing takes on their lives can lead to conflict later on. I also happened to be very shocked at Mama’s response to the abortion. She was fully supportive of Ruth, an action that I fully support as well.
ReplyDeleteI like that you chose a more unique topic, instead of housing. I also like how you analyzed mama's character, pointing out ways in which she is both progressive and traditional for their time. I feel like it shows the dynamicity of mama and her beliefs.
ReplyDeleteI was expecting Mama to not be hard on Ruth when she suggested abortion because she was shown previously to have a soft spot for Ruth. I think this is because Ruth is not from her family and so she feels obligated to behave differently to her compared to her own children and I see this from families in real life too. The scene when Beneatha openly speaks about rejecting God and Mama getting outraged in response is a good example of what I mean because it is defiance against the faith that Mama has been trying to foster in her own children. I also agree that Mama likely recognizes the circumstances that Ruth is in and why she would want to get an abortion which is why she isn’t so hard on her.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the way you expressed the dichotomous ideas between Walter and Ruth, and especially how you incorporated their value and perception of life and general, I think your blog is really well written!
ReplyDelete-Sparsh