Theme from "A Raisin in the Sun"

One of the main themes we have seen in the beginning of the movie is the role of women in society. It has come up more than once, so it is significant. The role of women in "A Raisin in the Sun" is a very important theme of the movie. Walter's sister, Bennie, wants to finish medical school and become a doctor. This a controversial move for her to make. During this time, women were still expected to be the ones cleaning the house and taking care of the children. This is what Walter told Benny. He didn't agree with her wanting to go out and become a doctor at all. Bennie having a strong ego, doesn't heed what he says and continues to follow her dreams and not take money from her mother to pay for her tuition. This movie is from 1961, the year Eleanor Roosevelt was voted as chairwomen. For years now women have been forming many movements to gain equality and rights in the U.S., and they still were. Bennie was determined to prove her family wrong and show she was just as capable as any male. The way she handled the visit of Mr. Asagai shows she is nothing like a normal woman. He even says that most of the women he had met were nothing like she was. I think the role of women will be an important theme through the whole movie. During this time in history, Women's Rights Movements were taking place, so this is relevant to the time, and makes the movie very interesting.