Introduction
Scholars and writers rely on different literary styles to complete their works and deliver the intended messages to their readers. The works Trifles and A Raisin in the Sun offer powerful insights and analyses of most of the challenges different members of the selected societies encounter. The books provide powerful themes that could guide more people to get the relevant ideas. The common one in the texts is that of resistance to oppression. Although most of the characters appear to live in societies characterized by hatred, discrimination, and prejudice because of race, they stick together and engage in actions that portray resistance to oppression.
Resistance to Oppression
In A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, the reader observes that most of the characters are compelled to deal with a wide range of challenges that define their societies. For instance, the Younger family members appear to encounter numerous problems while trying to pursue their dreams. However, their goals appear to be complicated due to the absence of opportunities and strategies in their respective societies (Hansberry 13). For instance, Beneatha is keen to get school fees and eventually become a doctor. However, the society has promoted unique trends and practices that do not support the expectations of the less fortunate.
In the same work, it is notable that Mr. Linder is the primary character who helps develop the idea of racial discrimination. This problem is attributable to the fact that most of the characters belong to the African American population. The Youngers appear to face different forms of discrimination in every aspect of their lives. Mr. Linder appears as someone who is unhappy with the success and welfare of this minority group (Hansberry 34). For instance, he persuades the Younger family not to occupy the new house in Clybourne Park. The leading reason for such a decision is because the neighborhood belongs to white people only (Hansberry 35). This kind of portrayal explains how ideas of apartheid and discrimination remain prevalent in the portrayed society. The Clybourne Park Improvement association also appears to support the same decision.
With this kind of a goal, Mr. Linder considers the idea of bribing Youngers to ensure that they avoid becoming part of this neighborhood. However, these individuals chose to respond with defiance. They remained strong and considered discrimination as a vice that was incapable of supporting their needs. This kind of strategy echoes the actions and decisions most of the people in the community appear to make (Hansberry 56). This approach explains why members of this family eventually come to acknowledge that a house is the most appropriate dream since it supports their demands.
The action of not following Mr. Linder’s advice is a clear description of how the people are keen to resist and tackle any form of discrimination and oppression. This malpractice could occur when some members of the society identify themselves as superior (Hansberry 57). The idea that some of the citizens should only be allowed to live in designated areas is inappropriate and amounts to social oppression. In this plot, the reader realizes that most of the oppressed can join hands and deal with discrimination (Hansberry 59). They can do so by standing strong and remaining united. They should also consider new ways of identifying the challenges associated with oppression and focus on the best outcomes. Those who reassert their positions and liberties will achieve their goals and be in a position to provide for their young ones.
Failure to fight oppression means that most of the affected people will find it hard to transform or improve their experiences. The story of the Youngers is, therefore, worth reading and following since it presents a powerful model for fighting all forms of racial oppression. The reader realizes that those who remain united will identify their common enemy and consider new ways of pursuing their social goals. They should also ensure that their oppressors are aware of their mistakes (Hansberry 62). This drama indicates that those who collaborate and consider the best ways to support one another will achieve their goals much faster. They will also find oppression and get rid of discrimination in their respective societies.
In Trifles by Susan Glaspell, the reader is able to identify the recorded nature of social oppression whereby women are compelled to live under strict roles. For instance, men are the decision-makers and occupy a unique sphere that allows them to focus on their goals. In this world, it is evident that women are restricted and incapable of pursuing their social and economic goals (Glaspell 19). They appear to be confined and forced to stay at home. This kind of scenario affects their experiences and life outcomes negatively. This kind of male domination could be studied and analyzed as a form of oppression. The affected individuals are unable to transform their situations or follow their dreams.
In the presented society, the reader observes that public area is only set or preserved for men. This attribute means that women are supposed to stay at home in continuous loneliness. They are discouraged from looking for job opportunities. This kind of setting presents women as inferior members of the society who remain oppressed and unhappy (Glaspell 26). The case of Mrs. Wright presents this kind of oppression and explains how such individuals are compelled to cope. The male characters presented in the dialogues expose the nature and challenges defining this society. The men are depicted as individuals who consider their voices to be valuable and more reasonable (Glaspell 29). These attributes present a patriarchal society that takes women’s needs and demands for granted.
Through the life of Mrs. Wright, the reader of this work is able to appreciate the fact that women are continuously detained in their homes. They lack the relevant joy and are even incapable of making timely decisions (Glaspell 30). These malpractices are capable of shattering the dreams of such women. They encounter additional challenges since their views and expectations are ignored completely (Glaspell 31). These problems are similar to the nature of racial discrimination the author outlines in A Raisin in the Sun. Such predicaments make it impossible for the oppressed to pursue their goals and transform their lives.
Physical abuse in the family setting is notable in the setting this text presents. Mrs. Wright faces continuous oppression and torture despite the fact that she takes care of most of the chores at home. However, she faces the wrath of her husband who beats and tortures her continuously. Mrs. Wright is a representation of the obstacles and challenges many people encounter (Glaspell 38). However, she decides to murder her husband as the best solution to deal with the pains and heartaches she had to go through in her life.
From this text, it is evident that the theme of fighting oppression is evident in the work. Mrs. Wright has suffered because of this malpractice associated with the promoted patriarchal society. She tries to represent the nature of oppression most of the women experience in their settings and families (Glaspell 47). Such predicaments make it impossible for them to lead better and contented lives. The decision by Mrs. Wright to murder her husband could be studied as a form of resistance (Glaspell 62). The reader is able to get the intended message about the problems most of the women have to go through. Individuals can consider these predicaments and promote better ideas and practices to take more people closer to their goals. The two dramas support the idea of resilience since it has the potential to solve societal problems and transform the experiences of the oppressed.
Conclusion
Oppression remains a common problem many characters in the selected two works encounter in their respective societies. This problem makes it hard for the victims to pursue their goals. The individuals in A Raisin in the Sun encounter numerous challenges due to racial discrimination while those in Trifles face the predicaments of gender-based abuse and torture. These characters are keen to work hard and consider new ways of addressing their respective issues. The theme of resistance to oppression is, therefore, notable in the two works and encourages more people to engage in actions that can take them closer to their life experiences.
Works Cited
Glaspell, Susan. Trifles: A Play in One Act. Baker’s Plays, 2010.
Hansberry, Lorraine V. A Raisin in the Sun. Random House, 1959.