Literary Evolution of African American Women's Traditions

Lena Younger, also referred to as Mama portrays the traditional, holy, black woman during the period of the civil rights movement. As the eldest character, Mama has been around for a larger portion of history, including slavery, which helps her to understand the plight of the African American population and how much progress has been made. As the matriarch of the family, she is regarded with reverence and the head of household, even though she feels obligated to remain in traditional female roles as homemaker for her family. By the end of the play, she grants Walter the permission to take over as the head of the household, “like you supposed to be” (Hansberry 1827). This enforces her traditional views, wanting to stand behind men rather than beside them.
Like Mama, Ruth is a generation younger, yet still clings to more traditional ideals for the majority of her lifestyle. She works as a domestic housekeeper, which was one of the only jobs available for African American women at this time. As part of the more traditional generation, she is still a subordinate to her husband who overrules any decision she makes. For example, Travis asks his mother for 50 cents which his mother refuses "'cause we don't have it" (Hansberry 1775). Overhearing the exchange between Ruth and Travis, Walter intercedes on her parenting decision and gives him a whole dollar to prove that Ruth does not have the final say in any aspect of their relationship. This is the reason that she does not inform her husband immediately after she learns of her pregnancy; Ruth is considering the option of abortion, which is a very new-age subject to talk about at this time. She knows that if Walter learns about the pregnancy, he will go against any decision she makes inste...

... middle of paper ...

...ded Six-Bits,” by Zora Neale Hurston, Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, and the poetry of Lucille Clifton. Conservative roles and traditions, such as belonging to one’s husband became less prominent throughout time and were replaced by ideas such as loving one’s own body, not needed marriage to be complete, and talking about taboo topics such as abortion. African American literature has clearly shown the changing of women’s traditions and their importance in society.

Works Cited

Clifton, Lucille. “homage to my hips.” “wishes for my sons.” “move.” Gates. 2033-2035. Print.
Gates Jr, Henry Louis, and Nellie McKay. The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. 2nd edition. New York, NY: Norton & Company, 2004. Print.
Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. Gates. 1771-1830. Print.
Hurston, Zora Neale. “The Gilded Six-Bits.” Gates. 1033-1047. Print.