A Raisin in the Sun Ruth Quotes

In the play “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry, the character of Ruth Younger is a strong and resilient woman who faces numerous challenges and setbacks. Despite the hardships she endures, Ruth remains determined and optimistic, offering words of wisdom and inspiration throughout the play. Her words resonate with audiences, reminding us of the importance of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity.

One of Ruth’s most memorable and inspirational quotes is when she tells her son, “We ain’t never been that poor. We are a people who give children life, not who destroys them.” These words encapsulate Ruth’s fierce love and dedication to her family. Despite their financial struggles, she recognizes the value of their love and support, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion.

Ruth further inspires with her words of encouragement to her husband, Walter. She says, “I’ll stand by you, Walter. Like I always do. I’ll be your support and strength, no matter what. We may have different dreams, but we are in this together.” This quote highlights Ruth’s unwavering loyalty and commitment to her marriage, reinforcing the idea that true strength lies in standing by and supporting one another.

Despite facing societal pressures and discrimination, Ruth remains optimistic and hopeful for a better future. She states, “I want so many things… and they are all just out of reach. But I will keep reaching, keep trying, because that’s what life is about. Never giving up.” This quote serves as a reminder to persevere and never lose sight of our dreams, despite the obstacles that may come our way.

“A Raisin in the Sun” is a powerful play that explores themes of family, identity, and the American Dream. Through Ruth’s inspirational quotes, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of love and support in overcoming life’s challenges.

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Ruth Younger is one of the main characters in the play “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry. She is married to Walter Lee Younger and is the mother of their son Travis. Ruth is a strong, determined woman who faces numerous challenges throughout the play. Here are some of the most inspirational quotes from Ruth:

“I’m trying to talk to you about myself and all you can say is eat them eggs and go to work.” – This quote highlights Ruth’s desire for open communication within her marriage. She wants Walter to listen to her and acknowledge her feelings instead of dismissing them.
“You tired, ain’t you? Tired of everything… Me, the boy… You just plain tired.” – In this quote, Ruth expresses her frustration with Walter’s lack of ambition and the toll it takes on their family. She recognizes his fatigue but also wants him to overcome it and find a way to provide for their family.
“Where you going, Ruth? … To work. Why? Cause we one group of men tied to a race of women with small minds.” – This quote shows Ruth’s awareness of the limited opportunities available to African Americans at the time and her determination to work towards a better future for herself and her family.
“We one group of men tied to a race of women with small minds.” – Ruth’s frustration with the gender roles placed upon her and other women is evident in this quote. She longs for more independence and the chance to pursue her own dreams and desires.
“Ain’t you something! So nice and sweet to your sister. Bennie, you never say good morning to your mother. You never say good morning. And where are you going this morning?” – This quote reflects Ruth’s role as a mother and her expectation of respect and consideration from her daughter Beneatha.

Ruth Younger’s character in “A Raisin in the Sun” is a representation of strength, resilience, and determination. Her quotes reflect her desire for better opportunities, open communication, and her role as a mother. Despite the challenges she faces, Ruth remains a source of inspiration throughout the play.

The Strength of Ruth’s Character

Ruth Younger, portrayed in “A Raisin in the Sun,” is a strong and resilient character who faces numerous challenges throughout the play. Her determination and strength shine through in several quotes that reveal her inner struggles and unwavering spirit.

“Well, all I can say is if this is my time in life, my time ain’t long.” – Ruth’s first line in the play emphasizes her resilience and ability to face difficulties head-on. Despite the obstacles she faces, she refuses to succumb to despair and continues to persevere.
“We one group of men tied to a race of women with small minds.” – This quote shows Ruth confronting the societal limitations placed on her as a woman of color. Despite the discouraging circumstances, she refuses to conform to expectations and exhibits her strength by challenging these stereotypes.
“I’m trying to talk to you ’bout myself.” “Mama ain’t nobody that can tell you and me how to be happy.” – In these two quotes, Ruth stands up for herself and asserts her independence. She recognizes the importance of self-expression and refuses to let others dictate her happiness.
“I seen you drink your breakfast every morning.” “And I seen you eat your eggs grits and bacon every morning.” – This exchange between Ruth and Walter reveals her ability to confront her husband’s flaws head-on. She refuses to back down and holds him accountable for his actions.

In addition to these quotes, Ruth’s strength is evident in her actions throughout the play. She works tirelessly to support her family and maintain a sense of stability in their lives. Her determination to provide a better future for her son and stand up for herself against societal expectations exemplifies the strength of her character.

Ruth Younger serves as an inspiration with her unwavering spirit and refusal to let circumstances define her. Her strength is a testament to the resilience and power within every individual, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Ruth’s Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Ruth Younger, the character from “A Raisin in the Sun”, is a resilient woman who remains strong and determined despite facing numerous challenges throughout the play. Her ability to persevere and support her family is evident through her inspiring quotes throughout the story.

“Walter, what you ain’t never understood is that I ain’t got nothing, don’t own nothing, ain’t never really wanted nothing that wasn’t for you.”

In this quote, Ruth explains her selflessness and unwavering dedication to her husband, Walter. Despite their financial struggles, she prioritizes her family’s needs over her own desires.

“I’m tryin’ to talk to you ’bout myself and all you can say is eat them eggs and go to work.”

Here, Ruth expresses her frustration with Walter’s lack of attention and empathy towards her. Despite feeling neglected, she continues to try and communicate her feelings and needs.

“We one group of men tied to a race of women with small minds.”

Amidst their arguments and differences, Ruth acknowledges the societal pressures and limitations that her race and gender impose on her and her family. She recognizes that they are all facing similar struggles as African-Americans.

“And this old money Mama’s waiting for us to take and say thank you, sir. Thank you for piping hot water. Thank you for putting soap in my mouth. Thank you for opening up the store and the factory and the schools and taking care of the white people.”

Ruth highlights the inequality and discrimination faced by African-Americans in this quote. Despite the injustices they endure, she remains honest and vocal about the reality of their situation.

“We have decided to move into our house because my father—my father—earned it for us brick by brick.”

Finally, towards the end of the play, Ruth demonstrates her strength and determination. She affirms the importance of the house for her family and acknowledges the hard work and sacrifice made by her late father-in-law.

Through these quotes, Ruth’s resilience is evident. She confronts the challenges and adversities she faces head-on, all while supporting her family and fighting for a better future.

Ruth’s Dreams for the Future

Ruth Younger, a character in the play “A Raisin in the Sun,” has her own dreams and aspirations for the future. Despite the challenges and obstacles she faces, Ruth remains hopeful and resilient, carrying a strong sense of determination. Here are some top inspirational lines from Ruth that reflect her dreams for the future:

“I always wanted to be in a play…”

Ruth expresses her desire to pursue her passion for acting and be a part of a theatrical production. This dream showcases her creativity and longing for a life filled with artistic expression.

“We could buy liquor store or a laundry…”

Ruth recognizes the possibilities of financial stability and independence through owning a business. She sees entrepreneurship as a pathway towards a better future for her family, offering them opportunities for success and prosperity.

“I’m going to do what I can to help him [Walter]”

Ruth’s dream for the future includes supporting her husband, Walter, in achieving his goals and aspirations. She believes that by standing by him and providing emotional and practical support, they can overcome obstacles together and build a brighter future.

“I want so many things…”

Ruth’s dreams are vast and encompass various aspects of her life. She desires a better life for herself and her family, where they are not limited by financial constraints or racial barriers. Her dreams include providing a loving and nurturing home for her children, giving them opportunities she may not have had.

Ruth’s dreams for the future reflect her resilience, determination, and hope. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of a better life. Through her aspirations, she embodies the theme of dreams and the power they have to propel individuals towards a brighter future.

Ruth’s Sacrifices for Her Family

Ruth Younger, the wife of Walter Lee Younger, is one of the central characters in the play “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry. Throughout the play, Ruth makes several sacrifices for the sake of her family’s well-being and happiness.

1. Working long hours: Ruth works as a domestic worker, taking on long hours and often exhausting herself physically to support her family financially.

2. Enduring a difficult marriage: Despite facing challenges in her marriage, Ruth remains committed to her husband and tries to keep their relationship intact for the sake of their son, Travis.

3. Aborting her pregnancy: When Ruth discovers that she is pregnant, she decides to get an abortion. She believes that bringing another child into their cramped and poverty-stricken apartment would not be fair to the family.

4. Standing up for her dreams: Ruth encourages her husband, Walter, to pursue his dream of owning a liquor store, even though she initially has doubts about it. She sacrifices her own desires in order to support him and his aspirations.

5. Making compromises: Throughout the play, Ruth makes numerous compromises to keep the family together. She agrees to move into a smaller apartment to save money, even though she would prefer a better living situation.

6. Celebrating the achievement of others: Despite her own struggles, Ruth puts her family’s needs before her own and celebrates the achievements of others. She supports her sister-in-law Beneatha’s dream of becoming a doctor, even though it means sacrificing her own aspirations.

Overall, Ruth’s sacrifices demonstrate her selflessness and deep love for her family. She consistently puts their needs before her own and does whatever it takes to ensure their well-being and happiness, even if it means making difficult decisions and enduring personal hardships.

Ruth’s Determination and Perseverance

Ruth Younger, a central character in Lorraine Hansberry’s play “A Raisin in the Sun,” demonstrates unwavering determination and perseverance throughout the story. Despite the challenges she faces, Ruth remains steadfast in her pursuit of a better life for herself and her family.

One of the most significant ways Ruth displays her determination is through her unwavering dedication to her family. Despite the difficult circumstances they find themselves in, Ruth remains a constant source of support and strength. She puts aside her own desires and dreams to ensure the well-being and happiness of her husband, Walter, and their son, Travis.

Ruth’s determination is further highlighted in her willingness to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. She is not afraid of hard work and is willing to do whatever it takes to provide for her family. This relentless work ethic is admirable and demonstrates her commitment to creating a better future.

Additionally, Ruth’s perseverance is evident in her ability to remain hopeful in the face of adversity. She does not allow the setbacks and disappointments of life to deter her from her goals. Instead, she maintains a positive attitude and continually seeks out opportunities for growth and improvement.

Ruth’s determination and perseverance are best summarized in her own words:

“I don’t aim to be no housewife, just like Mama and Walter think. I aim to please myself. I don’t think that’s asking too much.” (Act I)

This quote encapsulates Ruth’s desire to carve out her own path in life and assert her independence. It reflects her determination to break free from societal expectations and pursue her own dreams.

In conclusion, Ruth Younger’s determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration to readers and audiences alike. Her unwavering dedication to her family, her strong work ethic, and her ability to maintain hope in the face of adversity make her a truly admirable character.

Ruth’s Role as a Mother and Wife

Ruth Younger plays a crucial role as both a mother and a wife in the play “A Raisin in the Sun”. Her character highlights the challenges and sacrifices she makes for her family.

Dedicated Mother: Ruth is a dedicated and selfless mother, always prioritizing the needs of her son, Travis. She does everything in her power to ensure a better future for him, even when faced with financial difficulties. Ruth demonstrates her love and care for Travis through her constant support and encouragement.

Supportive Wife: As a wife, Ruth shows immense support and loyalty towards her husband, Walter. She constantly tries to maintain a harmonious household, despite the challenges they face. Ruth’s role as a wife is symbolized by the lengths she goes to preserve the unity of her family, even when facing personal doubts and struggles.

Financial Contributions: Ruth takes on the responsibility of managing the household finances, enabling her husband to pursue his dreams. She works diligently as a domestic worker to contribute to the family’s income, demonstrating her determination and commitment to her role as a wife and mother.

Emotional Strength: Throughout the play, Ruth portrays remarkable emotional strength and resilience, even during moments of adversity. She remains composed and level-headed, trying to keep her family together despite the conflicts that arise. Ruth’s unwavering strength becomes a source of inspiration for both her son and husband.

Self-Sacrifice: Ruth exemplifies self-sacrifice as a mother and wife. She often puts aside her own dreams and desires for the sake of her family’s well-being. Her sacrifices illustrate her unconditional love and devotion, making her a strong and compassionate character in the play.

In conclusion, Ruth Younger’s role as a mother and wife in “A Raisin in the Sun” is essential to the plot and theme of the play. She embodies strength, resilience, and selflessness, making her an inspiring character that represents the sacrifices made by mothers and wives for the betterment of their families.

Ruth’s Transformation Throughout the Play

Ruth Younger is one of the central characters in the play “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry. Her character undergoes a significant transformation throughout the course of the play, both emotionally and mentally. Here are some key moments in Ruth’s transformation:

Feeling trapped in her marriage: At the beginning of the play, Ruth feels trapped in her marriage to Walter Lee Younger. Her frustration is evident when she says, “I’m just tired, Walter Lee. Tired of everything.” This line shows her weariness and dissatisfaction with her current situation.
Discovering her pregnancy: Ruth’s transformation begins when she discovers that she is pregnant. This news brings both joy and anxiety to her life. The realization that she is bringing another life into their already crowded apartment forces Ruth to consider her options and the importance of her family’s well-being.
Supporting her husband’s dreams: Despite her initial reservations, Ruth starts to support Walter Lee’s dream of opening a liquor store. She recognizes the importance of his aspirations and sees it as an opportunity for their family to improve their living conditions. Ruth’s support reflects her growing belief in the possibility of a better future.
Standing up for her own dreams: As the play progresses, Ruth begins to assert herself and stand up for her own dreams. When Walter Lee suggests using the insurance money to invest in the liquor store, Ruth opposes the idea and expresses her desire to move to a better neighborhood instead. This marks a significant turning point in her transformation as she starts to prioritize her own aspirations.
Making a difficult decision: At the climax of the play, Ruth faces a difficult decision that further demonstrates her transformation. She must choose between having an abortion to prevent her family’s financial burden from increasing or keeping the baby and facing the challenges that come with it. Ultimately, she chooses to keep the baby, showing her resilience and determination to build a better future for her family.

Ruth’s transformation throughout “A Raisin in the Sun” showcases her growth as a character. From feeling trapped and discouraged, she emerges as someone willing to fight for her dreams and the well-being of her family. Her journey is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Ruth’s Inspirational Lines and Their Impact

Ruth Younger, the matriarch of the Younger family in “A Raisin in the Sun,” delivers several powerful and inspiring lines throughout the play. Her words reflect her resilience, determination, and unwavering love for her family. Here are some of Ruth’s most memorable quotes and their impact:

“I’m trying to talk to you about myself and all you can say is eat them eggs and go to work.”

This line highlights Ruth’s frustration with her husband Walter’s lack of attention to her needs and emotions. It shows her desire to be heard and understood within the family.
“He finally come into his manhood today, didn’t he? Kind of like a rainbow after the rain.”

Ruth refers to Walter’s newfound determination in pursuing his dreams, despite facing numerous obstacles. Her comparison to a rainbow after the rain symbolizes the hope that comes after enduring a storm.
“Oh, I seen my family falling apart today… just falling to pieces in front of my eyes.”

These words reveal Ruth’s deep concern for her family’s well-being and her frustration with the conflicts that arise within the household. Ruth serves as a stabilizing force, trying to keep the family together.
“You tired, ain’t you? Tired of everything… Me, the boy, the way we live–nothing counts.”

In this quote, Ruth acknowledges the hardships she and her family face, and sympathizes with Walter’s weariness. She understands the sacrifices they have made and the toll it has taken on their happiness.
“I’m gonna be somebody. Going to get married and have me a home and some children. I’m going to be somebody.”

Ruth’s determination and dreams for a better future are palpable in this line. Despite the challenges they face, she holds onto the belief that she can create a better life for herself and her family.

Ruth’s inspirational lines in “A Raisin in the Sun” remind us of the power of resilience and determination, even in the face of adversity. Her words resonate with audiences, as they reflect the universal desire for a better life and the strength and love within families.

Question and answer:

What are some inspirational quotes from Ruth in “A Raisin in the Sun”?

Here are some inspirational quotes from Ruth in “A Raisin in the Sun”: 1. “I’m not worried about nothin’, just tired.” 2. “If you so crazy ’bout messing ’round with sick people – then go be a nurse like other women – or just get married and be quiet…” 3. “I guess I just didn’t realize how bad things was with us. I guess I really didn’t realize how deep down desperate Mama was. But she never really told me…” These quotes show Ruth’s resilience and determination to keep going despite the challenges she faces.

What does Ruth mean when she says she’s not worried about anything, just tired?

When Ruth says she’s not worried about anything, just tired, she means that she is exhausted and worn out from dealing with the hardships of life. She has been working long hours and taking care of her family, and this has taken a toll on her both physically and emotionally. She may have many worries and concerns, but at that moment, she is simply too tired to think about them.

Why does Ruth suggest that if someone is crazy about messing around with sick people, they should become a nurse or get married and be quiet?

Ruth suggests this because she is frustrated with Walter’s desire to invest in a liquor store and his obsession with making more money. She believes that his aspirations are unrealistic and irresponsible, and she feels that he should focus on more practical and stable options, such as becoming a nurse or settling down and supporting his family. Ruth wants Walter to be more responsible and make decisions that will benefit the whole family.

What does Ruth realize about Mama’s desperation?

Ruth realizes that Mama is desperate and in a difficult situation. She understands that Mama has been struggling to provide for the family and has been hiding her true feelings and worries. Ruth may not have fully understood the extent of Mama’s desperation before, but now she sees how deeply Mama has been affected by their financial struggles. This realization helps Ruth empathize with Mama and motivates her to work towards finding a better future for their family.

Ruth Quotes from A Raisin in the Sun