Under Pressure

While reading A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, I noticed that all of the characters are under tremendous pressure.  The differing values and dreams in the Younger family lead to many tough decisions for each member.  One of the examples I noticed was Ruth's considering of an abortion.  When she realizes that she is pregnant at the end of Act I Scene 1, I'm sure she did not know what to do.  Bennie comments on the fact that there is no room for the baby in their apartment, saying "Where is he going to live, on the roof?"  Walter was guaranteed to be unsure about it, since it would put financial stress on the family.  In addition, Ruth needs to work in order to help pay for the family, which she can't do if she is pregnant or caring for a baby.  It makes sense that she would consider getting an abortion.  Ironically, her family pressures her out of killing the baby.  Mama argues vigorously against the abortion, telling about her husband's love of children and how she can't abandon her family, even the unborn part of it.  Ultimately, Ruth decides against the abortion, but the fact that she considered it, despite her strong moral standings, prove that she was under tremendous pressure.  Sadly, she was not the only one.