After finishing Act I, Scene I, I obtained a substantial amount
of information through the dialogue and text to characterize some of the
characters presented in the scene.
Ruth, a once pretty girl (24), plays a neutral role in the
scene and portrays a timid personality. Her behavior towards Walter’s dream of
investing in a liquor store reflects her mellowness. She first opposed against
Walter’s idea of taking part in the liquor business and tells him numerous
times to “Eat your eggs” (33-34), but later talks to Mama saying “…he needs
something… He needs this chance, Lena.” (42). Ruth tells Mama that Walter needs
the chance to invest into the liquor business. 
Mama steps in to the scene and displays her loving and
caring personality within the first few lines by first addressing the wellbeing
of her plant, then continues by concerning Beneatha with her being half
dressed, and offering Beneatha her robe to keep warm. Lines like “I just
noticed all last week he had cold cereal, and when it starts getting this
chilly in the fall a child ought to have some hot grits or something when he goes
out in the cold.” (40) and “Girl, you better start eating and looking yourself
better.” (41) really exposes Mama’s role of being a loving and caring leader.
Walter character is also shown through his actions and words as well. He is an ambitious man who wants more out of his life. This is evident through his dreams of opening a "little liquor store"(33) with the money from his fathers death. It is also shown through his argument with Ruth. She seems almost content with their situation and Walter becomes angered when she will not back him up and help him improve their status in the world.
ReplyDeleteAs Nick said, Walter is also characterized in the opening scene. As the man of the house, he probably feels as though he is not fulfilling his duty as the provider. He has a vision that he thinks will help him achieve his goal of filling his father's shoes, but becomes frustrated by the lack of support saying, "Nobody in this house is ever going to understand me" (38).
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